In Between Us || Zhanyi

|| 46 ||

It didn't take as long as Zhan had feared. The sound of the door opening jolted Zhan from his seat. His head shot up, and he saw the doctor step out, looking calm and composed. Zhan sprang to his feet, his heart racing, and immediately bombarded the doctor with questions.

"How is he? Is he okay? What happened? Is he awake? Was the injury severe? Does he need surgery?" Zhan's words tumbled out in a desperate stream, his eyes wide with panic.

The doctor raised a hand, his expression calm and understanding. "Mr. Xiao, please take a breath." The doctor said in a soothing tone "Your husband is fine. I assure you, there's no immediate danger."

Zhan stared at him, frozen in place. The words didn't sink in immediately. "Fine? Are you sure? Did you check thoroughly? He was hurt, bleeding..." His voice cracked as he stepped closer, searching the doctor's face for reassurance. "Please, don't hide anything, I can accept anything no matter what. If it is about money, don't worry doctor.....I am ready to spend as much as you want...cash, card, cheque anyway. I won't leave, I promise....please tell me!!! I beg you, he...he is my husband.... please tell me what happened to him?"

The doctor smiled gently, recognizing Zhan's worry. "Mr.Xiao, I understand your concern, but you need to calm yourself. Trust me, your husband is absolutely fine."

"Fine??? He is really ok, no danger?" Zhan asked still in disbelief. The doctor patted Zhan's shoulder softly "Why don't we step into my office? I'll explain everything in detail."

Finally with a shattering sigh Zhan released the breath he was holding till now. Reluctantly, Zhan nodded, his hands still trembling as he followed the doctor to his cabin. Once inside, the doctor gestured for him to sit, offering a glass of water. Zhan hesitated before taking it, gulping it down in one go, though his tension remained palpable.

"Mr. Xiao," the doctor began, his tone soothing, "let me explain. From what you described on the phone, it seems your husband was in a state of high anxiety when the lights went out. He likely stumbled and hit his head during that moment, though I suggest we must verify it from him once he wakes up. But the real concern lies elsewhere."

Zhan's brow furrowed. "Elsewhere?" he echoed.

"You see, Mr.Xiao, the wound did bleed, but it wasn't very deep, and the blood loss was minimal. You did an excellent job pressing the wound with damp cotton—it helped control the bleeding. So, the hit or the cut can not be the reason for him losing his sense"

Zhan exhaled a shaky breath, but the unease in his chest didn't ease. "Then why... why did he faint?"

The doctor leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "That's where things get more concerning. The fall alone wouldn't have caused him to lose consciousness, not with a mild hit like that. There are two likely reasons: one is fear as you said, but I think here the case is bit serious, it is the other reason, that is severe physical and mental exhaustion."

Zhan's brow furrowed as the doctor continued before placing some papers in front of Zhan to go through.