glances at the letter, then stuffs it in her pocket, feigning calm "Hey sweetie, what's up?"
Proseg
letters? What about it? he really wants to see that letter
smiles innocently "Oh, just an old letter I found. Nothing interesting really."
Proseg
Really? he seems disappointed
leans in closer, lowering her voice "But you know what? If you really want to see it, I can show you. Just promise me you won't freak out, okay?"
Proseg
Hehe! Yes! Please! Show me
pulls out the letter from her pocket and hands it to Proseg "Here you go, sweetie. But remember, you asked for it."
Proseg
He grabs the letter and reads it, his eyes grow wide
observes Proseg's reaction closely, keeping her expression neutral "So, what does it say? Don't keep me in suspense, honey."
Proseg
It says… "Dear Ava…."
leans forward, her eyes gleaming with curiosity "Dear Ava...what? Don't leave me hanging, sweetie. Tell me the rest."
Proseg
…"We regret to inform you that your test results have come back positive for…." He trails off, his face pale
pauses, her expression turning serious "Positive for what, sweetie? What did it say?"
Proseg
…"Lupus".
takes a deep breath, her eyes filling with compassion "Oh, sweetheart... I'm so sorry. Are you okay?"
Proseg
he looks at Ava, tears filling his eyes "No... I'm not okay. What does this mean, mom?"
sits down next to Proseg, wrapping her arm around his shoulder "It means, sweetie, that we're going to get through this together.
Proseg
Can you tell me more about Lupus, mom? He asks softly
takes a deep breath, composing herself "Of course, sweetheart. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means that your body is attacking its own tissues. It can affect various parts of your body, including your skin, joints, and organs. But don't worry, there are many treatments available, and with proper care, you can manage the symptoms and lead a normal life."
Proseg
"Normal life... yeah..." He whispers, wiping away a tear "What... what about the future, mom?"
takes Proseg's hand in hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze "The future, sweetie, is full of possibilities.
Proseg
I guess I'll have to accept it... he sighs, looking down at the letter "Thanks for being here for me, mom..."
smiles warmly, pulling Proseg into a tight hug "You're welcome, sweetheart. Remember, I'm always here for you, no matter what.
Proseg
He nods, hugging her back tightly "I...I appreciate it, mom..."
looks into Proseg's eyes, her voice filled with determination "Listen, sweetie, I may not have all the answers, but I promise you one thing - we will fight this together, head-on. We'll find the best doctors, the best treatments, and we won't stop until we find a way to manage your symptoms. I won't let anything or anyone bring you down, okay?"
Proseg
Ok.... he hugs her tighter mom... thank you
gently pulls away from the hug, her eyes shining with determination "Now, let's start by scheduling an appointment with a specialist.
Proseg
Sure... Anything for you, mom... he smiles weakly
stands up, grabbing her phone "Alright, let's make that call right now. I'll handle everything, sweetie. You just focus on getting better."
Proseg
Alright, mom... I trust you. He gives her a soft smile, leaning into her slightly
calls the hospital and speaks to the receptionist, making an appointment for Proseg to see a specialist Receptionist: Hello, this is the hospital receptionist. How can I assist you today?
Proseg
Mom? Why are you making an appointment for me without asking me first?
pauses, realizing her mistake "Oh, sweetie, I'm sorry. I should have asked you before making the appointment.
Proseg
it’s ok…… But why are you so worried about me?
takes a deep breath, her voice wavering slightly "Because, sweetie, I love you. And seeing you hurt... it hurts me too.
Proseg
I’m sure it doesn’t hurt as much as my own pain does…
pauses, tears welling up in her eyes "You're right, sweetie. I can't imagine what you're going through. But I want to be by your side every step of the way, supporting you and helping you through this. I'll do everything in my power to make sure you receive the best care possible. You're not alone in this, Proseg. I'm here for you."
Proseg
Well… that means a lot to me… He smiles warmly
gently takes Proseg's hand and leads him to the couch "Sit down, sweetie. Let's talk about what we can expect during your appointment and how we can best support you."
Proseg
Alright mom… I’m ready
sits down beside Proseg, her expression determined "First, we'll start by scheduling a blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
Proseg
Will the blood test hurt?
takes Proseg's hand and squeezes it gently "Sweetie, I understand that any medical procedure can be intimidating, but rest assured, a blood test is relatively simple and painless. You may feel a slight pinch when the needle goes in, but it's just a quick momentary discomfort. Afterwards, you'll be fine. We'll get through this together, I promise."