Echoes of Tomorrow.

FOUR

The days that followed Tendou Satori's visit to the campus clinic passed in a blur of anxious waiting and restless uncertainty. Each morning brought a fresh wave of dread as Tendou awaited the results of his tests, grappling with the lingering ache in his side and the relentless fatigue that seemed to deepen with each passing hour.

Ushijima Wakatoshi remained a constant presence by Tendou's side, his quiet strength a lifeline in the midst of turmoil. He accompanied Tendou to his follow-up appointments, sitting in tense silence as the doctors reviewed the findings of the ultrasound and blood work. The waiting room became a familiar haunt, its sterile walls echoing with the hushed conversations of other patients and the muffled sounds of ringing phones.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Tendou received the call he had been both dreading and anticipating. With trembling hands, he pressed the phone to his ear, Ushijima hovering anxiously nearby.

"Hello, Tendou Satori speaking," he managed to say, his voice betraying the nervous tension coiled tight within him.

The doctor's voice on the other end was calm yet grave. "Mr. Satori, I'm afraid the results have come back, and I need to discuss them with you in person."

Tendou's heart sank, the pit of dread in his stomach growing deeper. He exchanged a glance with Ushijima, who nodded solemnly, his eyes betraying a flicker of concern that mirrored Tendou's own.

"We'll be there," Ushijima interjected before Tendou could respond, his voice steady despite the tumult of emotions raging beneath the surface.

The appointment was scheduled for later that afternoon, and the wait stretched on with excruciating slowness. Tendou tried to distract himself with schoolwork and volleyball practice, but his mind kept circling back to the impending conversation that would shape the trajectory of his future.

When the time finally arrived, Tendou and Ushijima found themselves once again seated in the same examination room, the air thick with unspoken apprehension. The doctor entered with a folder in hand, her expression grave as she took a seat across from them.

"I'll cut to the chase, Mr. Satori," she began, her voice measured yet tinged with sympathy. "The ultrasound and blood work have revealed concerning findings. There's a mass in your abdomen, and based on preliminary tests, it appears to be cancerous."

Cancerous.

Cancer.

The words hung in the air like a heavy shroud, the stark reality crashing over Tendou with crushing force. The diagnosis echoed in his mind, a relentless refrain that drowned out everything else.

"I'm so sorry," the doctor continued softly, her eyes conveying the weight of the news she had just delivered. "We'll need to perform further tests to determine the extent and type of cancer, as well as discuss treatment options moving forward."

Tendou felt numb, his thoughts a whirlwind of disbelief and fear. Cancer. How could this be happening? He had always been healthy, vibrant—this couldn't possibly be real.

Beside him, Ushijima's hand found his own, a silent gesture of solidarity amidst the turmoil. Tendou looked up, meeting Ushijima's gaze, and found solace in the unwavering support reflected there.

"What... what are my options?" Tendou managed to choke out, his voice betraying the tremor of uncertainty that gripped him.

The doctor proceeded to outline the next steps: more tests, consultations with oncologists, and discussions about treatment plans. It was overwhelming, the flood of information washing over Tendou in a relentless tide.

As they left the clinic once more, the weight of the diagnosis settled heavily between them. Ushijima remained steadfast at Tendou's side, his presence a silent reassurance that they would face this challenge together.

"We'll get through this, Satori," Ushijima murmured, his voice a steady anchor in the storm of emotions raging within Tendou's heart.

Tendou nodded weakly, the reality of his illness beginning to sink in. Cancer. The word hung in the air like a haunting specter, casting a shadow over everything he had known before.