ʀᴇᴡʀɪᴛᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ

12

Life is strange. One minute, you can be riding high on waves of joy, and the next, plunged into depths of sorrow. It is unpredictable, full of unexpected twists and turns that can change everything in an instant. Moments of happiness and sadness intertwine, creating a complex tapestry that weaves together our experiences. The strangeness lies in its fleeting nature, where the only constant is change, reminding us to cherish every moment and hold our loved ones close.

Alex was diagnosed with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), a rare genetic disease characterized by recurrent episodes of fever and inflammation, which also required him to avoid certain foods, particularly  blueberries, due to potential triggers for his symptoms. This diagnosis hung heavily in the air, adding another layer of complexity to an already heartbreaking situation.

We were still in the hospital, the sterile smell and constant beeping of machines creating a backdrop of anxiety. Liv sat beside Alex's bed, holding his hand and trying to keep her tears at bay. Michael and I stood nearby, offering silent support.

"I can't believe this is real, Em" Liv's voice was barely above a whisper, her eyes pleading for reassurance.

I took a deep breath, forcing a smile. "He's strong, Liv. We just need to stay positive and be here for him."

Michael nodded in agreement."He'll be fine,Liv."

Liv nodded, squeezing Alex's hand tighter. " It feels like a bad dream."

"I know," I said softly. "But we're here now, and that's what matters."

Just then, the door opened, and Dr. Harris walked in. He was a middle-aged man with kind eyes that seemed to carry the weight of too many sad diagnoses. He glanced at us before focusing on Alex.

"How are you feeling, Alex?" Dr. Harris asked gently.

Alex managed a weak smile. "I've had better days, Doc."

Dr. Harris nodded, checking the chart at the foot of the bed. "I need to discuss something with you all," he said, looking up. "Unfortunately, this disease is quite rare and there's no cure, but there are treatments to manage the symptoms."

Liv's eyes filled with tears again, but she held them back. "What does this mean for Alex?"

"He'll need to avoid certain triggers, especially blueberries, which can provoke symptoms," Dr. Harris explained. "And he'll need to take medication regularly to manage the inflammation."

Alex sighed, looking exhausted. "So, I'm stuck with this for life?"

Dr. Harris nodded sympathetically. "I'm afraid so. But with the right management, you can still lead a good quality of life."

Michael placed a comforting hand on Alex's shoulder. "We'll make sure you get everything you need, buddy."

After Dr. Harris left, the room fell into a heavy silence. Liv looked at me, her eyes filled with worry. "How are we going to manage this, Em?"

"We'll take it one step at a time," I said firmly. "We'll learn everything we need to about FMF and make sure Alex gets the best care possible."

Michael nodded. "And we'll be here every step of the way, Liv. You're not alone in this."

A nurse entered the room then, informing us that visiting hours were almost over. Liv reluctantly stood up, brushing a kiss on Alex's forehead. "We'll be back first thing in the morning, okay?"

Alex nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. "I'll be here."

As we made our way to the hospital exit, I couldn't help but feel a heavy weight on my chest. The reality of Alex's condition was sinking in, and the road ahead seemed daunting.

"Do you want to grab a coffee before we head home?" Michael asked, his voice gentle.

I shook my head. "I just want to get some rest. It's been a long day."

Liv nodded in agreement. "Me too. I'm exhausted."

We walked in silence to the car, each lost in our thoughts. As we drove home, Michael reached over and took my hand, squeezing it gently.

"How are you holding up?" he asked softly.

I glanced at him and then Liv at the backseat completely zoned out."I'm okay. Just... worried about Alex. This is a lot to take in."

"I know," he said. "But we'll get through it. Together."

We decided to stay at Olivia’s house tonight. When we arrived,Liv went straight to her room, too drained to talk. Michael and I sat on the couch, the weight of the day pressing down on us.

Michael said, breaking the silence. "I think, you should get some rest."

"Yes, you too".
Michael nodded as we were to tired to speak anything.

As the night wore on, I found myself leaning against Michael, drawing comfort from his presence. The road ahead was uncertain, but with him by my side, I felt a glimmer of hope.