May I, Stand Unshaken?

The Bridge to Nowhere

Saint Denis

Arthur sat there in the uncomfortable chair at the doctors office, his body trembling, his vision blurred and his chest wound tight. He didn't know what was wrong with him, but he knew it wasn't good.

The doctor immediately washed his hands after he examined him, and kept a decent amount of space between them. He looked glum as he struggled with his words. 

"Well...what's the verdict?" Arthur rasped.

"Tuberculosis," He breathed."I'm sorry, son, it's a hell of a thing."

He felt his entire body go numb and suddenly, his life began to flash before his very eyes. Tuberculosis....it didn't have a cure, and everyone that caught it died. He tried to swallow, but his throat was painfully dry.

"How....How long?"

"Well, that all depends on you."

"What?"

The Doctor pulled over a chair and sat down."If you could move to a dry climate like California or Arizona, your symptoms would clear and you can live a while. Tuberculosis thrives in a moist climate and will undoubtedly make your symptoms worse. The question is, are you willing?"

Arthur snorted."Sure, I'll pack up my entire life and move....No, I can't just pack up everything and leave!"

"Well that's the only option, son."

He grunted.

"Here's something that will perk you up a little-"

"What is it?"

"B-12 shot. Your body needs it right now and will thank you for it later." 

He rolled up Arthur's sleeve and stuck the needle in his arm. Arthur flinched and lulled his head to the side, not wanting to watch.

He was already utterly humiliated and wished that this had happened somewhere in the woods, rather than in the middle of a crowded street in a very busy city.

What made it worse was the Nun having to help him into the building. No, what was worse was having to crawl into the building while gasping for air, like a Goddamn fish out of water!

"The best thing you can do for yourself right now is rest. And really consider relocating."

Arthur stood on unsteady legs and exhaled a shaky sigh. He thanked the Doctor for his help and advice, not that he'd ever take it, but he appreciated the time and effort given.

As he left the office, everything grew eerily quiet. He looked to his right and then to his left, before crossing the street.

Oddly enough, he saw a buck standing in the middle of the street looking directly at him. Aside from the occasional rat, one never saw wildlife in the city.

He started walking towards the deer and it began to snort and dig at the ground. Arthur walked a little faster, completely transfixed by it's beauty.

It was at least a twelve pointer. Ol' Pearson would have a heart attack if he brought it back to camp. 

However, the closer he got to it, the more anxious it became. 

"It's okay-" He tried.

The deer suddenly took off, hooves clip clopping down the cobble stone street. Arthur tried to run after it, but lost sight of it.

He looked around him as the city suddenly grew loud again. He stood there a while completely stunned, as he tried to figure out what he'd just seen and what it meant.