Diagnosis

“Tsu, we need to leave. Come on, let’s go.” Said Martha as she gripped my elbow in an effort to lift me from my seat. “Alright, I’m coming. Relax.” I guess this is what happens if you become a doctor . I thought to myself. As I left my room, I wondered why Martha was so worried. I hope it’s nothing too serious. Last time she had this look was when her mother was in that car accident. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

My name is Tsukasa. I am from Japan. Martha is a professional at her job. She’s from the U.S. We work in a small village in Japan where there are only 5 doctors in total. I work with Martha from 9 to 5. Tanaka, Bill and Sarah work after us.

When we arrived at the patient’s house, we could hear someone crying in another room. “Martha. Do you hear that” I asked only to notice the look on Martha’s face. It was just like when her mother passed away. “Don’t worry, it’ll be fine.” I rang the doorbell. “This is Martha. From the hospital.” replied Martha. We were greeted by a woman who had clearly been crying. “Come in. My daughter is in that room. There is nothing you can do anymore...” I was shocked by her statement. I shrugged it off and went into her daughter’s room. “May we come in?” Asked Martha. “Yes, you can come in.” As I entered her room, I saw this weak, frail girl who looked nine years old. I went on to notice that she had also been crying. “So little girl, what’s your name?” I inquired. “I-It’s Nino.” she replied sounding weaker than before. “Well Nino, What’s the problem?” “I’m beyond curing now. All I ask of you is to take care of my grandma” said Nino. She had tears welling up in her eyes. Martha started to get worried. “Doctors, tea’s ready. It’s in the living room.” Announced Nino’s grandmother. “You two go have some tea. I’ll stay here.” I was shocked at how little hope she had left.

As we entered the living room, Nino’s grandmother was waiting for us and greeted us with a smile that was hiding a thousand tears behind it. “Please, take your tea.” Said her grandmother with a gentle smile. “What exactly is the problem with Nino?” I asked, breaking the silence in the room. “Her internal organs are rotting. The doctors said that they could save her. They gave us false hope. One day before her operation, they said it’s too late. They said she has 2 weeks to live. That’s two days from now.” I was suprised at how composed she was. She didn’t give the slightest hint that she was sad. “Can’t we help in any way? I mean there has to be something, right? Martha asked desperately, looking at Nino’s grandmother with determination. “Did you not hear what I said? She is Dead! Dead! That girl has two days to live And I’m trying to make them the best last days she can have. Now, if you’re done, you may leave.” replied Nino’s grandmother. as she left, I could see the tears dripping from her cheek. We returned to Nino’s room to say our goodbyes. We saw her on the bed, facing away from us. “I’m sorry for my grandma. She’s just worried about me. She’ll be all alone after I’m gone. You heard it from, I’m supposed to die in two days. So I guess it’s natural she’s worried for me. Nino was also holding her tears back. She wasn’t afraid of what would happen to her. She feared more for her grandmother. Martha lunged forward towards Nino and tightly held her hand. “We will take care of your grandma. No. Matter. What.” Martha comforted Nino. “Thank you. Thank you so much...” Nino jumped into Martha’s arms and started crying. She felt that she no longer had to burden all that pain alone. As we waved goodbye, Nino gave me a smile. A smile hiding so much pain. I couldn’t much sleep that night. Or the night after that. Before I knew it, two days had passed. I woke up at six A.M and saw Martha heading towards Nino’s house. “Hey Martha. What’s up?” I asked Martha casually. “I got a call from Nino’s grandmother. She told me Nino was calling us. It sounded urgent.”

As we approached the front door, my heart started racing. I was worried about Nino’s grandmother. What will happen to her once Nino is gone? “Hey Tsu, we’re here. Ring the bell.” Said Martha. “Y-Yeah. Hello? This is Tsukasa and Martha. May we come in?” I asked hesitantly. “Yes, come in.” Replied a sorrow filled voice from inside the house. “Nino wanted to see you before her time came. She’s in her room. Let’s go.” When we arrived, Nino’s grandmother sat on the chair beside the bed. “I’m so glad you’re here. You’ve treated me so nicely. I would’ve loved to talk to you sometime.” Said Nino, with tears in her eyes. “Her time is almost here.” Nino’s grandmother signalled to us. “Grandma. remember to take your medicines on time. And remember the salt is kept in the third cabinet.” Nino said that with a smile and tears flowing down her cheek. “I know honey, I know.” Nino’s grandmother replied also with tears flowing down her cheek. As Nino’s hand left her grandmother’s, her grandmother burst into tears. “It’s over. She’s gone now.”