Beyond the Reasons || JUSTIN FOLEY

Twenty-Seven

ONE WEEK LATER
DR. SHARPE'S OFFICE
THIRD PERSON'S POV

"The collapse at the dance was a week ago... he's been in the hospital ever since. Intensive care..." Imogen explained about Justin's condition. This past week has been hell for her. Ever since Justin collapsed, she hasn't wanted to leave his side, but she knew she needed to keep coming to therapy, especially since Justin wasn't getting any better.

"Your mother called to cancel your Tuesday appointment. She told me some of what Justin's facing." Dr. Sharpe said and Imogen shook her head.

"Yeah... it's not great." Imogen said.

"How does it make you feel?" Dr. Sharpe asked. Imogen thought that was a dumb question. The man that she loves and has loved for years is in the Intensive Care Unit in the hospital and there's nothing she could do for him. She felt defeated.

"What the fuck does it matter what I feel?" Imogen asked.

"I think it matters a lot. You know that." Dr. Sharpe said and Imogen shook her head.

"I don't know that. I don't know anything. We talk and talk, and nothing happens, and I still feel like I'm gonna spin off the face of the fucking earth, and then we keep talking and we don't get anywhere!" Imogen exclaimed.

"You don't think we've made any progress these past few months?" She asked.

"No! I just... all of this seems so... I don't know, like selfish! Talking about my feelings to you... when Justin is... is... is sick." Imogen said.

"Because what he's going through is so serious. And what you're going through seems less important now because his life hangs in the balance." Dr. Sharpe said and Imogen nodded her head.

"Yes..." She trailed.

"But in the work, we do together in trying to help you get well, doesn't your own life hang in the balance?" Dr. Sharpe asked. By now, Imogen was crying, and she wiped her eyes while nodding her head.

"Yes..." She said.

"So, let's keep working. Do you want to tell me how it's been at the hospital?"

―

HOSPITAL
IMOGEN'S POV

"Justin has given me permission to discuss his treatment and diagnosis with you. I'm afraid I have some difficult news to share. Justin has tested positive for HIV-1." The doctor was explaining to us. I couldn't believe this was happening.

"But isn't HIV treatable? Like... I know it's not curable, but with the right treatment, Justin can still live a long and healthy life, right?" I asked and the doctor looked at me and sighed.

"Well... yes, but based on his symptoms, we believe... it has progressed to AIDS..." She said and I shook my head. AIDS... that means he's going to die.

AIDS isn't curable or treatable.

"How is that possible? He had the flu, he's been tired." Dad said.

"Well, HIV has a long period of latency after infection, which means that Justin may not have shown any symptoms for some time. With his IV drug use and extended periods of homelessness, this would have made him more susceptible to rapid progression. And according to his records, he was never tested." The doctor said.

"How was he never been tested? We got him the best GP. He had a complete physical." Mom explained.

"Testing requires patient consent. It's not uncommon for a young man with a history of IV drug use and sex work to avoid testing." The doctor said and I sighed.