PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 57: Day 4 Post OP

Carina nodded, a mix of relief and determination in her eyes.

She spoke, her voice filled with a fierce commitment to support Maya, "Thank you, Amelia. We'll make sure she gets the best care and support available. We won't let this define or limit her in any way."
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Amelia smiled, appreciating Carina's determination.

She spoke, her tone supportive yet matter-of-fact, "That's the right attitude. With the right care and support, Maya can still live a full and rewarding life. We'll do everything we can to help her manage her condition and minimize the impact on her daily life."

As Maya slowly regained consciousness, her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to her surroundings.

Her mind was foggy at first, trying to process what had just happened. As she took in her surroundings and saw her loved ones around her, realization dawned on her.

She spoke, her voice weak and disoriented, "What... What happened?"

Carina was by her side immediately, her eyes filling with relief as Maya woke up.

She took Maya's hand in hers, her touch filled with comfort and reassurance as she gently spoke, "Bambina, you had a seizure. But you're okay now. You're in the hospital, and you're safe."

Maya's memories began to slowly come back to her, fragments of the seizure and the conversations that followed filling her mind.

She spoke, her voice filled with a mix of confusion and frustration, "A seizure... I... I had a seizure? But... But I've never had a seizure before. Why now?"

Carina gently squeezed her hand, her voice filled with sympathetic reassurance.

She spoke, her tone filled with a mixture of comfort and understanding, "The doctors have done some tests, Bambina. They found that you have epilepsy."

Maya's eyes widened at Carina's words, her mind struggling to process the diagnosis.

She spoke, her voice laced with disbelief and fear, "Epilepsy? I... I have epilepsy? So... So this is going to happen again?"

Carina held Maya's gaze, her eyes reflecting both concern and reassurance.

She spoke, her voice steady and gentle, "The doctors say that, with proper treatment and management, the seizures can be controlled and minimized. It won't define you, Bambina. You can still lead a full and active life, even with epilepsy."

Maya's mind was racing, thoughts and emotions swirling within her.

She spoke, her voice filled with a mixture of fear and determination, "But... But my job. I'm a firefighter. Can I still be a firefighter with this diagnosis?"

Carina's expression turned serious, acknowledging the weight of Maya's question.

She spoke, her voice steady yet compassionate, "Amelia mentioned that it's possible to continue your career as a firefighter, provided the condition is well-controlled and certain precautions are taken. They'll help you develop an individualized plan that allows you to continue your job as safely as possible while managing your epilepsy."

A glimmer of hope sparked in Maya's eyes.

She spoke, her voice filled with a mix of relief and determination, "Okay... Okay, that doesn't sound so bad. As long as I can still be a firefighter, I can handle this. I can manage this."

Carina smiled, a mixture of relief and pride in her eyes.

She spoke, her tone filled with reassurance, "That's the spirit, Bambina. And remember, you're not alone in this. You have me, Megan, and all your friends and family. We're here for you every step of the way."