Chapter- 4; Ms. Williams

"I need your help, Scarlett."

He had an expression that broke my heart. I understood what he was going through.

He continued "my mother is ill. She has alzheimer's. I've seeked help from many doctors but they told me there's nothing they can do now."

"Are you aware of her stage? Can you tell me the symptoms perhaps?" I asked with patience.

He replied "she already has severe dementia."

I wasn't sure myself if I could do anything. Since all the doctors that he contacted would've been the best at what they do. So why is he asking me?

Infact, if that is the case, all we could do was extend her time a bit more and keep her out of pain.

It had only been a few months since I finished my post graduation. I had many questions but I decided to be patient and act appropriately.

"Aleridge, I am going be honest with you, I am not sure if I can do much, I will have to see her reports myself but I will see what I can do. I will try my best." I said.

Although I didn't know a thing about her medical history to begin with, which is why I couldn't promise anything. Even so why was I anxious? What was this feeling?

I tried to change the heavy atmosphere "How old is she?" I asked.

"She turns 66 this may" he replied.

As I failed to lighten up the mood, I felt pathetic. I knew what it was like to lose your parents and I myself haven't been able to overcome it.

Every night I end up breaking down in tears while sleeping pills become less and less effective.

But I've always been good at hiding it. I can keep up this facade for a person who is struggling like me.

The only reason I went ahead with his plan was because I read the news about his mother online. How can I let the same thing happen to someone else? I must do something about it.

At the end, we decided to see her the next day and I had to check her medical history as well.

I found myself lost in thoughts. Suddenly, Aleridge wrapped his arms around my waist and hugged me.

I realized that he was trying to hold back his tears. I thought to myself that even if I can't save her, I would do as much as I can, for I know what it's like to lose the only person dear to you. And he also saved me. I owe him so much.

I caressed his head as he kept holding on to me.

Isn't this the first hug I've gotten since my parents left for that trip? I remember how my mother hugged me before leaving, her scent... I miss them... I was on the verge of crying yet again.

Then he suddenly got up, leaned in and said "thank you."

Then he turned to pick up his coat in a hurry and left before I could say anything.

The next day, he greeted me with a warm smile. He has always been respectful but his face used to be expressionless and as though he didn't feel anything.

Somehow, this time he had a soft... expression? Was it because of last night?

I wanted to tease him but I decided not to, in case he reverts back to his original emotionless self.

I asked Aleridge to take me to the hospital her mother was admitted in.

It turned out to be the hospital I worked in. It was almost obvious. How could I miss such an important detail.

Since our hospital is the best in capital and he is rich, so it's not even a big deal for him.

Not only that, but later I realized it was ms. Williams! I can't believe she is almost 66 while looking like that.

It wasn't like I was on bad terms with her although once I may have talked in a loud voice cause she wasn't taking her meds.

"Are you alright, Scarlett?" Aleridge asked.

I stuttered a little. "y-yea! Ofcourse I am fine! I work here, what could go wrong?"

"If you say so."

Before entering her room, I took a deep breath.

I thought to myself 'I am a doctor, ofcourse I can scold her if she doesn't take her meds! Right?'

Afterall, all I said was "you must take your medicine" in a not so soft tone I guess.

When I entered, she had no reaction.

Even when Aleridge entered, she did not say anything.

When Aleridge asked her how she had been doing. She didn't give a reaction and stayed still in her bed.

He didn't seem surprised. Rather it looked like he had expected it to be this way.

"Oh! You said you'd remember me last time when I got you chocolates, did you forget me already?" He said with a smirk while pointing towards some chocolates that were still packed.

I called a nurse to bring her reports to me and told her to send her medical records to my computer. 

"Did you join in already doctor? I thought you were on a leave." The nurse looked at me with a questioning gaze.

Ofcourse she thought I wasn't fit for working right now as I had panic attacks last time.

No one would believe me even if I told them I'm better now and can resume work.

"I'm alright, I'll join in from tomorrow." I said while trying to tell her to keep this a secret.

I asked the nurse about her, she told me that she had been diagnosed with alzheimer's about five years ago.

Considering that she turns 66 this year, she was diagnosed at the age of 61. Onset of alzheimer's at this age was not as rare. 

Not speaking, not reacting, not being able to eat, and dependency on others for daily tasks is nothing out of the blue, now that I know she had alzheimer's.

I told Aleridge that I will go and look into her medical history. Before leaving I turned to look at Aleridge who was holding on to ms. Williams' hand and looked as though his heart has shattered into million pieces.

I couldn't help but feel helpless because even if she stays alive for longer, what are the chances of her recovering even a bit?

Even so, I'm a doctor, I must help people as much as I can and never give up. But I also have the responsibility of being truthful and not sugarcoat anything, weighing down on my shoulders.  

I went to my cabin and started looking into her medical records.

After a few minutes, someone knocked at the door.

It was Kara, who came in before I even told her to.

She folded her arms and stared at me "Ms. Williams is my patient, why are you looking into her medical reports?"

I replied "she is my friend's mother, it's only natural. Now that you're here, tell me how she has been doing lately?"

"It looks like you already recovered from losing your parents."

"Don't cross the line Kara. Help me if you can, otherwise you can leave." I replied while holding back my emotions.

"When was the funeral?" I snapped.

"I thought you had atleast a little sense of human emotions left in you but I was wrong."

It was obvious that she was trying to get me to react to prove that I'm unfit for my job and yet I couldn't hold back. Does this mean she is correct? I am unfit for my job?

"Don't get me wrong. I guess I only wanted to be there for you when it happened, but it seems like you did it alone. And I'll help you, with ms. Williams" Kara said in a calm voice.

I was taken aback, did she say that?

I pinched myself and it was real.

Kara who has never been nice to me ever since we met, is being considerate and understanding? Does she suffer from bipolar disorder now?

She sat down in front of me and began explaining about her condition. Though what she told me, only increased my concerns.