Always

5.

Spencer James

"You're not having a heart attack, Mr. James" the doctor said after he examined Spencer.

"I'm not understanding..." Spencer furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "What are these chest pains I've been havin' then?" he inquired.

"You're psychologically stressed, Spencer" the doctor answered with a slight frown. "Would you mind telling me what's bothering you?" he questioned.

"I've experienced a lot of loss in my life. This time around it's finally starting to get to me" Spencer said and the doctor nodded his head. "Life in general hasn't been easy" he continued.

"Spencer, have you heard of broken heart syndrome?" the doctor questioned and Spencer shook his head. "The condition is called  Takotsubo Syndrome, but everyone calls it broken heart syndrome. It's basically when your heart muscle becomes weakened. It is usually produced by an emotional, stressful, or traumatic experience. Grief and stress can cause chest pains and shortness of breath, which are both similar to a heart attack" the doctor explained and Spencer nodded his head.

"Well...how do I cure this broken heart?" Spencer questioned.

"Most people are prescribed medication for a few weeks. The medication will help your heart muscle to recover. It should take about two to four weeks" the doctor explained and Spencer listened. "However, it is your job to manage any physical and emotional stress to prevent this from occurring. You've got a long life ahead of you and you've got to do what's necessary to stay healthy" he continued.

"I hear you, Doc" Spencer agreed with the older man.

"I'm going to put in a prescription for you, alright?" the doctor said as he began to type on the computer. "I will go ahead and schedule your follow up appointment with a specialist in two weeks. How does the 15th sound?" he continued.

"That works for me" Spencer said as he marked the date on his calendar.

"I could also refer you to a therapist?" the doctor suggested. "The space would be safe for you to express your grief and what you're feeling, in addition to discovering different techniques and ways to cope with your grief" he elaborated.

"I would um...I would like that" Spencer answered and the doctor nodded his head proudly.

"You can give it a try and if it's not the right fit for you then it's okay" the doctor stated. "I've added the referral to your chart and you should be able to review in on the app" he explained.

"Thank you, Doc. For everything" Spencer said as he stuffed his phone back in his pocket.

"You're welcome, Mr. James" the doctor smiled. "Please remember to take care of yourself alright?" he said as he stood up from the chair and then exited the room.

Spencer put his shirt back on and exited the room. Soon as he made it to the waiting area, Olivia and Jordan approached him. Spencer greeted the two siblings and Olivia wrapped her arms around Spencer's shoulders.

"You had me worried" she stared at him with saddened eyes as she rubbed the back of his head.

"I'm alright" Spencer pecked her forehead and rubbed the sides of her arms. "Thank you for bringing me here" he glanced at Jordan and Jordan nodded his head.

"I've got to make sure my brother is good" Jordan said and Spencer smiled.

Spencer then interlocked his fingers with Olivia's and headed toward the front desk. After he paid for his copay, the three of them exited the building.

"So what happened?" the twins asked in unison.

"Fortunately it wasn't a heart attack" Spencer began to explain as the three of them headed towards the car. "The symptoms I've experienced are similar to a heart attack but it isn't one. It's this condition called Takotsubo Syndrome" he continued as he got in the back seat.