Subclinical Manifestation

10

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glu·cose

a simple sugar which is an important energy source in living organisms and is a component of many carbohydrates

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The atmosphere inside was so tense it was almost palpable with fingers when Sasuke and Neji entered the ER. Passing a small circle of residents and four other people that seemed like a patient's relatives, Sasuke and Neji couldn't help but to glance their way and overhear as they padded toward the assistant's room.

"We've already explained it," a resident with forest green scrubs admonished, "your uncle needs surgery if you want him to stay alive and—"

"Well, we aren't giving you our consent. He was fine not an hour ago. It must be because of you," interjected the supposedly niece as she pointed her finger to each of the residents—there were three. "Who knows the trick you people scheme to make my uncle—"

"I beg your pardon?" It was the neurosurgery resident named Konan. She was shorter than the insane woman, yet she gave the aura of authority. "The patient's vital signs to drop has nothing to do with how we've been treating him. We've been giving nothing but the best and we have warned you before, any outcome—"

"There you go with that heavy talking—"

Sasuke felt a light tap on his shoulder blade. "We should leave them be," said Neji as he gave a slight push to Sasuke's back. The two proceeded to enter the assistant's room, but the quarrel was still vaguely audible.

"It's about money, isn't it? Don't you people just overtreat? Isn't that illegal?"

Neji shook his head in disbelief. "She isn't even the patient's first degree relative and look how she put up those ludicrous acts."

Sasuke nodded. "She is simply nonsensical."

"Damn, I feel bad for the residents."

Sasuke nodded again approvingly. "They barely have time to sleep as it is."

Naji sat cross-legged on the floor, his pouch on his lap. "Once, I escorted a patient with a resident to the radiology department. It was CXR, three am., and we waited for the result inside. We were sitting on the chairs and he just slept. That easy. Sleeping, sitting straight on the chair. And I just... watched. It must be tiring." He motioned the wall from which the quarrel was heard. "And as if they haven't had enough."

"Yeah."

The two adjusted themselves inside the room and after a while, Neji snorted. "This is weird, no one asking for us."

"Be careful what you wish for," Sasuke reprimanded, sitting next to him. "You'll be called to wipe some shit on someone's vulva in no time."

Neji rolled his eyes and groaned. "Don't. Just don't."

Another co-assistant—their chief co—entered the room.

"They're still going with that public show?" asked Neji inquisitively.

"Nah, currently they're pushing his bed outside."

Both Neji and Sasuke widened their eyes. "That's ugly..," said Neji, his tone incredulous, "what does the patient get really?"

"Perforated stomach," informed the chief-co as he opened a cabinet, "and the duodenum too I suppose."

"Well, not taking surgery is their loss, poor patient though," commented Neji. "It's exceptionally vacant—"