Only You

fifteen

Two weeks had passed since the lunch gathering. Huzaifah and Dr. Khan were back in touch and often would hang out, and as for me, I was still stuck in the staring and daydreaming phase. On the even brighter side, this was the last week before the Holiday break and- Zahra's wedding!

I was thrilled about her wedding- since we had been planning it from our middle school days. I couldn't wait for the pretty dresses, decorations, sweets, and of course the heartwarming part of Zahra officially growing up.

I was currently in my office, waiting for one of my patients to come in for a discussion of reports. I sat there looking through my email's for a while until I finally heard a knock.

"Come In!"

"Good Afternoon, Mrs. Sheikh. Please take a seat."

"You're the mother of Adeel Sheikh right?" I asked.

"Yes, I am." She said

"Okay, so I received all the analysis reports from the X-ray," I said and took a deep breath.

"I'm afraid Adeel has a rare kidney tumor. " I let out pursing my lips.

Her eyes widened, and she let out half-words I couldn't comprehend. I had delivered various saddening news to many parents, but it never got easier.

"It's okay, It's okay- the tumor is noncancerous and slow-growing, there are many chances of it being treated successfully." I tried to assure her.

"I understand no," She let ou

"What language do you speak?" I asked politely.

"Urdu." She responded.

"Okay, I speak Urdu. Don't worry I'll walk you through the entire diagnosis and treatment process." I replied in Urdu.

I opened the pictures of the exams and pointed to her where the tumor was, I told her how it would be removed and what the surgery would be- as well as what would happen before and after the surgery.

"How much will the surgery cost?" She asked.

"That isn't quite my expertise, that is what our reception deals with," I said.

She started to look nervous and rubbed her forehead.

"It'll be alright, If you need financial assistance there are many insurance options I can introduce you to," I said.

"Please do," She said, with teary eyes.

I opened some links on my computer, researching what would be some good assistance programs for her situation.

I turned my computer screen towards her and showed her some of the selections.

"Okay here are some, but, if you had your total household income data with you it would be easier to find more suitable choices."

"I don't have it."

"Okay, well I can check with the receptionist for you."

I dialed the extension into my office phone.

"Hey, can you email me the list of documents you need when signing up for insurance," I asked.

I put down the phone and around a minute later my computer notified me about a new email. Opening the link, I printed out the list.

"Okay, so here's a list of what you'll need," I said as I handed her the sheet of paper.

"When do I bring it?" She asked.

"As soon as possible, I would recommend getting Adeel's treatment started today."

"Alright, and the bill?"