"Waking consciousness is dreaming – but dreaming constrained by external reality."
Maine finished her progress report on Richard's condition. In conclusion, his rehab progress was really good. The prognosis for a complete recovery was possible, with probably a few memory lapses every now and then.
"He's a fighter, doc. He tries really hard. On water, he's almost normal. He can swim laps now. He can compose paragraphs already. It's funny how Pokemon seemed to be a catalyst for his progress. "
"You seem to have taken a personal interest in Richard, Dr. Mendoza. You speak with a fondness that might cloud your objectivity."
"Don't worry doc, I'm just interested in him because his case is interesting and the progress is very encouraging."
Dr. Sanchez closed the folder and eyed Maine underneath her glasses. "C'mon Maine, let's set aside the professional talk and be honest here. I see you with the patient. He seems attracted to you. Even in his state, it's undeniable that he is drawn to you. Where does this leave my son?"
Maine felt uncomfortable discussing her personal affairs with her boss. Unfortunately, since Dr. Sanchez was connecting it with her work, she was now forced to tell the truth.
"Doc, Jake and I have parted ways months ago. We don't get along and that won't change in case we do get back together. Jake needs someone with a less demanding career. I'm sorry, doc, but I hope you understand."
"Is it because of this patient?"
"No. With all due respect doc, your son is used to having his way and needs to control his temper more. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."
She sped out of the office before Dr. Sanchez could stop her.
Maine was occupied the whole morning entertaining visitors of her other patients. It was mid afternoon after a late lunch when she went out to look for Richard. He was on the porch with a visitor, a man of the same build but older. It was like jumping into the future and seeing an older Richard. He had an arm around Richard's shoulders, Richard looked happy to see him. She retraced her steps to leave them but the man called her.
"Excuse me, are you Dr. Mendoza?" The visitor motioned for her to approach. She moved forward to extend her hand.
"Hi, yes. I'm Dr. Mendoza. And you are?"
"I'm Richard Faulkerson Sr. I took a few days off from work to check on my son. How is he doing, doc? I've been really worried. I know the progress reports are promising but I had to see for myself some proof."
"He's doing ok, sir. He's been with us for five months now and has quite a few milestones. As you can see, he can walk without a cane now, he can write, his speech is also improving. He can feed himself, bathe and get dressed, swim a few laps a day. We'll get our champion swimmer back soon, won't we, Richard? "
She patted him on the back as she said this, with Richard looking sideways at her. They locked gazes and smiled, for a moment the world around them dissolved, and there was just the two of them. This was not lost on his dad, who took a liking to the young and pretty doctor who did a lot for his son.
"Call him RJ, doc, I see that he treats you more of a friend than just his doctor. If I may speak candidly, I think my son likes you doc."At this, Richard's eyes widen at his dad and noticeably blushes, his ears reddening.
"Doc, you've done so much for RJ, he's changed so much since the time I took him out of the hospital. Thank you for the dedication. I hope with his progress, I can spend the weekend with him while I'm here. I can't stay too long in Manila, I will be flying back to Oman in a few days. Would it be possible for me to bring him out of the facility just for the weekend? I miss my son."
"I will need to clear that with Dr. Sanchez, sir. She's actually in her office, would you like to see her?"
"Ok, please stay with RJ, doc. I'll talk to her." With that he left them.
Maine gazed at Richard fondly. He looked happy today, and healthier too. He was no longer the pale, blank-faced patient she met five months ago.
"Missyu......Mainnn." He still had difficulty enunciating but he could express himself better now. She smiled at him, ruffling his hair. It was so difficult to remain professional with him. She would surely miss him for the few days he will be out.
"I'll miss you too RJ. Have a nice time with your dad, I know you miss being with him."
"Hap..pyka?"
"Oo naman, I'm happy for you. Pagaling ka na RJ. Good job."
"Tnkss...tulong mo."
"You're welcome."
His dad was back, looking pleased. She looked at him questioningly.
"Doc, it's been arranged. I will be back tomorrow to fetch RJ, he'll be staying with me till Sunday. I've requested Dr. Sanchez to allow you to come with us and she has agreed. Richard needs to have you with him, just an assurance in case anything untoward happens."
"Me? Sir, but I have other patients—"
"She's agreed to handle your patients while you're out. I took care of everything, don't worry. I'll come by at five tomorrow, we need an early start to avoid traffic. Okay?"
She nodded, surprised at the turn of events. She felt Richard's warm hand grasping hers. Maine had to smile and shake her head. Somehow she knew Richard had a hand in this.
