𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐡 𝐎𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 49

„Chronic exertional compartment syndrome?” the man repeated the nurse's words, glancing at his daughter who was still sitting on the bed covered in white sheets through the open door.

„Yes,” the woman said, glancing at the papers in her left hand.

„What exactly does that mean?” the man asked, all the boys around him curiously staring at the woman in anticipation.

„Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is an exercise-induced muscle and nerve condition that causes pain, swelling and sometimes disability in the affected muscles of the legs or arms. Anyone can develop the condition, but it's more common in young adult runners and athletes who participate in activities that involve repetitive impact.”

Silence filled the hallway, and Y/n's face slowly went downcast, eyes glued to the white tiled floor.

The man glanced at his daughter again, as well as all the boys standing near him.

„Is it curable?”

„Yes, it is.”

The man sighed in relief, his whole body still tensed up in distress.

„Chronic exertional compartment syndrome may respond to nonsurgical treatment and activity modification,” she glanced down at the paper again for a few seconds and then returned her eyes to the man's face, „however, if the nonsurgical treatment doesn't work, which is highly possible, surgery might be the only solution.”

Y/n's eyes drifted from the floor to her legs, glazing absentmindedly, her thoughts wandering to the possibly still ongoing match in the hall.

Is the match still happening? If not, did they win? Who got the last point? How did the match go after I left the hall? Who gave their best? Probably Saiko or Kyoko...or maybe even Sakura. Perhaps it was Akame?

Kenma's gaze was now completely focused on the girl, and for once he wanted to change places with someone.

„But will she be able to keep playing volleyball after the surgery?” the man asked, glancing at his daughter and then back at the woman standing before him.

„It is possible, however, risks are inevitable.”

„What kind of risks?” he asked quietly, hoping that Y/n wouldn't hear his question. Despite his attempt to keep his voice as low as possible, the girl already knew the answer to that question.

„Complications of the surgery can include infections, permanent nerve damage, numbness, weakness, bruising and scarring,” the woman explained, keeping her voice in her usual, neutral tone.

All the boys appeared to be shocked by her words, their minds still digesting the idea of Y/n not playing volleyball ever again.

„I-I see...” the man mumbled, appearing defeated.

„I'm assuming she won't be able to keep playing with her team in the next match if they win this one,” he almost whispered.

„That's obvious, sir. We don't want her condition to get any worse than it is right now.”

„Right...”

„Can we take Y/n back to the hall to see the rest of the match and then come back to ask more questions?” Kuroo asked, and the woman merely stared at him in silence for a moment.

„Sure, I guess you could do that. But it would be the best if someone carried her to the hall, so that she wouldn't have to move around on her own and strain her muscles further.”