Hunger

"This is going to be fun," says Vesalius as he laughs maniacally.

Hiro moves towards N to reassure him, "Don't worry. He might look and act crazy, but he's not a bad person."

With a serious and stern face Hiro continues, "The biggest reason I want you to work under Vesalius is because you need to know how the human body works. Do not push yourself to the point where you can die."

Hiro then starts to leave, "Alright then, I'll try and visit from time to time. I'll be at the dojo if you want to meet me, feel free to come at any time."

After Hiro leaves, N asks Vesalius, "Vesalius, please tell me how long have I been in this hospital? And when can I get out of this bed?"

Vesalius finally stops laughing, "After Hiro brought you here, you've been in bed, sleeping for two whole days. You'll probably need to stay in bed for one more week."

With a confused expression, N asks Vesalius, "Why do I need to stay in bed for one more week? My body feels fine now."

Vesalius seems surprised, "Yeah? Well, it has been about a day since I last checked your organs' and muscles' condition. As I do some tests on you, get ready for your first few lessons on human autonomy."

To probe how much previous knowledge N has, Vesalius asks, "You know what blood is right?"

N: "Yes, the red liquid that's in us all. Although I do not know the importance or necessity of blood being in us."

Vesalius sighs deeply, "This is going to take some time."

It takes Vesalius thirty minutes to explain common biology to N.

Vesalius then explains about the tests he will conduct on N, "Alright, so what we're gonna do now, is snag a bit of blood from your wrist artery. We call it ABG, stands for Arterial Blood Gas Analysis. That's how we find out how much oxygen your organs and muscles are getting. The lab will take its sweet time, about fifteen minutes or so, before we know the exact details."

After taking the blood sample and giving it to his assistant for being tested in a laboratory, Vesalius goes on to explain the second test that he will do on N, "This device I have on me is called a pulse oximeter. I'll attach it to your fingertips and get a good idea of oxygen saturation within a minute. Show me your right hand."

Then he places the device on N's index finger and after a minute of waiting, the results show ninety three percent oxygen saturation, which is the amount a normal healthy person would have.

Vesalius with a visibly surprised face says, "Would you look at that? Your organs and muscles are somehow fine now. We'll hang about for that blood report as a bit of backup, just to be completely sure you're in the clear. Also, you feeling hungry?"

N instantly replies "Yes," as if he had been waiting for that question ever since he woke up.

Vesalius smiles, "Right, then, your body's had its fill of those IV drips. But, I'll be honest with you, anyone bouncing back after just two days on the drip, having gone without a bite for a solid 48 hours, is unheard of."

Vesalius then gets the blood report from his assistant. After looking at it, he simply smiles, "Yeah, one big anomaly you are. Time to get off the bed and start working I guess. Your report is completely fine."

Vesalius removes all the drips and applies bandages seemingly all over N. After which, he gives N some crutches and tells him about his situation, "You've been essentially sleeping for about four to five days. Your body will have difficulty walking, so use these crutches to walk. And here, I'll help you out of bed."

With Vesalius helping N, he is able to get out of bed and start walking with crutches. He is surprised at how weak his body has become and uses it as inspiration to fuel his desire to get stronger.

Vesalius asks N to follow him, as he leads the way out of the room they were in.

One step out of the room and N realizes just how big and wonderful the hospital is.

"Wow," N whispered, his eyes darting around. "I had no idea a hospital could be so... beautiful."

Vesalius smiled, matching N's pace. "Oh, it's a proper maze. There are many departments and facilities that cater to the different needs of our patients. This is just the tip of the iceberg."

As they walked, Vesalius began to describe the various rooms and facilities they passed along the way.

"We have a dedicated cardiovascular unit, where we treat heart-related conditions," Vesalius explained. "Next to it is the oncology department, which focuses on cancer care. Our imaging center, over there, is equipped with the latest technology for precise diagnostics."

N took in the information, trying to visualize the hospital's complex web of departments.

The bustling corridor was alive with the movement of hospital staff, and N couldn't help but wonder just how many people worked in this place.

"How many people work here?" N asked.

Vesalius clicks his tongue. "Not enough, honestly. We have a staff of about fifty. Ten doctors, five nurses, twenty technicians, and fifteen interns. Normally that would be enough but our hospital is massive."

As they continued, they passed serene waiting areas where patients and their families could find solace in moments of uncertainty. N noticed a well-appointed chapel, its stained glass windows casting prismatic light, offering solace to those in need.

"This chapel provides a place for reflection and spiritual support," Vesalius said. "Many find it a source of strength during challenging times."

Their journey led them to a glass-paneled area that opened into the hospital's spacious cafeteria.

Vesalius led N towards a table near the window.

After taking a seat, he explained to N the history behind this cafeteria, "Y'know, this was originally supposed to be a staff only cafeteria. But after opening, damn near no one set foot in this place due to the burden of work. Then I decided to just open this place up to the general public as well."

He continues, "Anyway, I'll be sitting here. You go to that counter over there. Order anything you want to eat, don't worry about the money, tell them that you're with me and that 'Vesalius will have the usual', they'll understand the rest."

N couldn't resist the allure of the bustling cafeteria, and his rumbling stomach was a constant reminder of his hunger.

As he got to his feet with crutches in hand, he made his way to the counter with eager curiosity.

The aroma of freshly prepared meals filled the air, increasing his appetite with every step.

The food was displayed in a splendid fashion, showcased behind a glass frame.

Customers could chose anything from an enticing array of precooked meals just waiting to be savored.

The offerings were as diverse as they were delicious, spanning from white meat to red, and even fish. Rolls and wraps filled with an array of savory fillings, an assortment of sandwiches, golden crispy fries, and comforting soups rounded out the options.

For N, the choices were overwhelming, a mix of familiar and unknown names. His curiosity battled his hunger, leaving him with an insatiable appetite for trying it all.

In the end, N decided he couldn't settle for just one or two dishes. His hunger and curiosity demanded everything.

Everything was labelled so N had no need to necessarily understand what he was ordering. He picked anything that looked or smelled delicious.

And so, with a nonchalant charm, he placed his order, "I'll have the roast chicken, grilled salmon, spaghetti bolognese, veggie stir-fry, and creamy mushroom risotto, please. Ah, add sushi rolls, butter chicken, falafel wrap, and eggplant Parmesan as well. And Doctor Vesalius; he asked to be brought his usual."

The cafeteria staff member, momentarily taken aback by the audacious order, quickly set to work. The dishes were plated and heated.

For N, the wait seemed to stretch into eternity. His anticipation grew as he watched the steam rise from the array of dishes.

The sheer amount of food required two staff members to bring along to the table, especially since N's hands would be busy with holding his crutches.

When N reaches the table with all the food he ordered in tow, Vesalius is left stunned as dish after dish finds its place on the table.

Vesalius, still recovering from his astonishment, couldn't help but voice his incredulity.

"Are you serious, N?" Vesalius inquired with an amused grin. "Money is not an issue but can you seriously eat all of this?"

N reassures him and starts to savor each dish without drawing undue attention to himself, and spare Vesalius any embarrassment.

To Vesalius's amazement, both of them finished their food in the same amount of time.

The absurdity of the situation overwhelmed Vesalius, and he burst into uncontrollable laughter.

N, letting out a discreet burp, says, "Thank you for the meal, Vesalius. That was utterly delicious."

Two strangers now shared a meal and the atmosphere was filled with laughter, although only from Vesalius.

N takes in the atmosphere around him and thinks to himself, "This is nice. I wish moments like these will be plentiful in the future."