The Wicked Doctor

34: Dyspnea (Revised)

Dyspnea is the result of a complex interaction of physiological, psychosocial, social, and environmental factors. Although several sensory receptors located throughout the respiratory system are considered to be responsible for generation of dyspnea, there is no afferent receptor solely responsible for the sensation of dyspnea. Afferent information from the sensory receptors is processed at the cortex along with the respiratory motor command from the cortex and brainstem, and a mismatch between the motor command and the incoming afferent information may result in dyspnea. Dyspnea is not a single sensation and there are at least three distinct sensations including air hunger, work/effort, and chest tightness.

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Terrence brought me to a high-end restaurant called the Statholdergaarden located in the heart of the city. We had a five-course meal served by a handsome butler na sa katotohanan ay di ko rin mapigilang lingunin.

"T, kung ako maglilihi pagbibigyan mo ba ang trip ko kahit paglihian ko eh ibang lalaking gwapo?"

Napaubo siya at napatanga lang sa tanong ko.

"What the hell, An. Why do you ask that question out of the blue? Are you pregnant?"

"Nope. Just asking. But what if I really get pregnant?"

"Aren't you on the pill for hormone regulation? Ikaw na rin mismong nagsabi na ayaw mo pa di ba? You need to pass your exams first. But if you want to, just tell me and I'll do you here right now."

Malakas pa man din ang pagkakasabi niya. Namula ang pisngi ko sa hiya at ang walang hiya kong kasama hindi man lang conscious sa lumalabas sa bunganga niya. He even winked at me and continued eating the pudding while staring at me, probably enjoying my furious blush courtesy of his previous threat. Unbelievable.

Nagbayad na siya ng bill at umalis sa restaurant.

"Thanks for today. I really enjoyed it."

Ilang minuto pa siyang nagmaneho nang napansin kong ibang kalsada na ang dinadaanan niya.

"Terrence, where are we going? This is not the way to my house, not even your house."

"Who says we're going home? You'll spend the weekend with me."

"Huh? I didn't bring any clothes with me!"

"Relax. You don't need clothes. It's just you and me so we can run around naked at home. I prefer you naked but I still brought some of your clothes from my apartment."

We drove towards a two-story house in the suburbs. It was a red brick home with tile roofing surrounded by white picket fence. The garden hand small shrubs and small flowering plants. HE stopped the car by the roadside but didn't unlock it.

"Whose house is this?"

"Ours. This is where we will build our family. This is where we will raise our children, with our dogs and pet hamster. This yard is for our kids and you. This is where you will plant your mini herb and vegetable garden."

We stepped out of the car and stood in the front yard. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at pinisil.

Tears flowed freely from my eyes. I was overwhelmed with happiness. I tried to cover my mouth to prevent the sobs escaping. This is too good to be true.

Tinalon ko siya at niyakap sabay lambitin sa leeg niya. I buried my head on his neck and cried tears of joy. I heard him chuckle at my reaction. Ibinaba niya ako at tinuyo ang mga luha sa pisngi ko gamit ang kamay niya.

"Smile. Welcome to your new home."

Iginiya niya ako papasok sa bahay at inikot namin ang bawat sulok nito. Kompleto na ang mga gamit nito at lahat ng laman ay naaayon sa mga gusto ko. The house had a minimalist feel with light blue and white motiff. The kitchen had a four-utensil induction stove and large convection oven, the kind that I have been dying to buy for Jake's unit.