The Spider's Lullaby

Anorexia

One week has passed after Renato's accident. He had regained all his motor capabilities and his leg pain was healing with each passing day. His bruises have also started to fade away. The only problem he was facing was his inability to eat anything. He had tried eating small amounts at regular intervals but the sight of food made his stomach churn. Juliana was worried too.

Whenever Renato forcefully ate something just for the sake of nutrition, he immediately regurgitated it out. Juliana was adamant to make Renato go see a doctor but Renato was much more worried because Juliana was taking stress during her pregnancy.

However, with mutual decision with Juliana's argument on the Ace side, Renato agreed to make an appointment with a doctor. The appointment was made for the next day with Dr. Harry Eastman.

Juliana said to Renato, "Should I go with you honey?"

Renato smiled and replied, "Of course not sweetheart, you stay home and take rest. I can go myself, it's not like I am dying or something."

Juliana frowned and said in a disinterested voice, "Why would you take me? I look fat, you would be ashamed to be seen with me in public!"

Renato chuckled. He understood her hormonal mood swings are kicking in. He without saying a word kissed her on the lips and a glorious smile materialized on Juliana's lips.

Juliana whispered in Renato's ears when they were entangled in the sweet embrace of each other, "Please, let me take care of you... Only seven days have passed and you are getting skinnier by the day. You look dehydrated all the time."

Renato nodded in reply. He understood that he was a lucky man to have Juliana by his side. He understood that he would never let this girl go... at any cost.

Next day, at noon, the Alves couple took a cab and went to the doctor's chamber. They saw patients waiting in the lobby room and took their seat amongst them. He was feeling nervous. Juliana hold on to his hand she felt that his hands were getting clammy.

After a few moments, they were called into the office of Dr. Eastman. Renato's spine tingled as he entered into the doctor's chamber, although he didn't know what was causing it. As they entered into the room, they saw Dr. Eastman sitting on his greyish chair. The doctor was a very slender man, with a darkish complexion and long hair. His hands were long and were resting on the table in front of him but the only thing which attracted Renato's eyes was a doll on the table of Dr. Eastman.

It was a doll of a spider. A big Tarantula with cartoonish red stripes. It was the same doll which hanged in Renato's car. He had forgotten about it but now he realized that the spider toy was missing from his car since the accident.

The Alves couple took their seat.

"So, tell me, what is troubling you?", said Dr. Eastman.

"You see doctor, Last week I had been in an accident but I have recovered from all the wounds as you can see", said Renato as he extended his leg for the doctor to examine.

"But after that I am having difficulties in eating anything, I vomit after every meal and it feels so exhausting all the time.", he continued.

"Yes doctor, he is unable to eat even for the sake of basic nutrition.", added Juliana.

Doctor Eastman kept quiet, slightly nodded his head and started writing the ailments of Renato in his writing pad. He said after a minute, "Do you feel feverish?"

"No sir", replied Renato.

"Any drugs?", asked the doctor.

"No sir. I don't even smoke.", replied Renato.

After writing a prescription, Dr. Eastman said, "I think you are suffering from post-traumatic disorder, or as we may call it PTSD, after all you have been in a near-death experience. I think you need a vacation... out of the city and get some fresh air. A change would be nice for you..."

Renato just nodded. Juliana was the one who was more excited.

Juliana said, "Yes honey, let's go somewhere nice..."

Renato said, "But you are pregnant, do you really want to travel right now?"

The doctor added, "I see... then it will be a good change for both of you." And he smiled the most uncomfortable smile Renato has ever seen. It just hinted vileness. Renato has been feeling anxious ever since he saw Dr. Eastman but now his nervousness grew to its boiling point.

"But where shall we go?", said Renato in a feeble voice.

The doctor again gave that hideous smile and said, "I know a place."