Chapter 9: Us

Another new day, another new morning I wake up grumpily, my body wordlessly demanding that obligatory morning coffee already. I took a quick glance at the clock, 7:30 in the morning, quite early for any patient to come here. I made a quick check on my mental agenda to find that I had no appointments this morning, so I must have woken up out of habit. Then again, I've just woken up and still quite groggy so I might be mistaken.

Sighing heavily, I got up the bed slowly, stretching my arms and back as I heard that satisfactory cracking coming from my bones. While I brushed off any sleep from my eyes, I wondered why I was feeling particularly tired this morning. What was I doing last night?

Oh right, yesterday we came back from that trip to the mountains. Due to some complications with the check out, we ended up coming back hours later so it was almost night once we reached the village. I dropped Nebby at her place and came back home. Sylvie had gone to sleep the moment we put a foot inside, I even had to carry her to her bed and tuck her in. The poor thing must have been exhausted, this was perhaps the first time she had so much fun.

I also remember myself unpacking and putting everything in its proper place. I didn't need to really, I only attend patients on the clinic so there's no need for me to make sure the house is actually presentable, but I guess I was not really thinking properly last night, moving simply by muscle memory. That may be the reason why I ended up sleeping late…

Letting out another heavy sigh I decided to indulge myself in that so needed coffee. I went downstairs, letting out a yawn and letting my eyes adjust to the morning light. Today it was mostly cloudy, too bad, looks like this is going to be a gloom day.

"Well, time to get things going" I declared to myself as I prepared the coffee pot and left it to heat. I yawned once again as I gently slapped my cheeks. While the pot was still heating I briefly gave a glance to the living room to find the TV turned off. Looks like Sylvie's still asleep, I'll let her be then.

Minutes later I could heard that easily recognizable screech from the pot, coffee is ready at last. I lazily grabbed the first mug I touched from the cabinet and poured the coffee in it, slumping onto the nearest chair.

"Ah… Delicious as always…" I whispered in delight as I felt the bitter drink ran down my throat. I'm already feeling more awake now. I stood like this for a few minutes, opting to drink slowly on small sips instead of chugging it down in one gulp.

At that moment I could hear the entrance telephone ringing, who could be calling this soon? I could always ignore it, if it's someone asking for an appointment then they can call later. Then again, if they are calling this soon perhaps it's something serious…

Sighing in defeat, I stood up firmly, now a little less tired. I picked up the receiver and answered nonchalantly. "Good morning, Brook's Clinic, how may I help you?"

"Why so serious David? Don't you appreciate your sweet lover's voice purring in the morning~?" Oh… It's Aura…

"Cut it out Aura, what do you need?" I said annoyed as I pinched the bridge of my nose, I am still not in the mood to deal with her games just yet.

"Aww, so mean~" She said hurtful, though it was obvious this was amusing her. I heard her coughing up right after so I knew she was finally being serious "You see, yesterday evening I noticed I ran out of those wonderful sleeping pills of yours. I tried to call but you didn't pick up so I assumed you were absent for the weekend".

Wait a second, yesterday evening? So that means… "You have been up all night?" I asked worried, as annoying as her lustful teases are she is still one of my patients.

"It's okay! I certainly had it worse in the past. Besides, knowing I could meet up you I doubt I could catch any sleep even with the pills!" She replied joyfully, apparently this being just a minor inconvenience on her end.

"I think I have one or two packages you can take here. I'll pass by your clothing shop an-"

"Oh no no! I'll be coming over, don't you worry your lil' head!" She suddenly stated firmly.

"N-No Aura, I'll feel guilty if I made you come here so for this".

"Oh David you are being such a gentleman! But really, it's not an issue for me, I'm already dressed up as well!" Well, looks like she wins this one I guess… "Besides… I would also like to see the little one…" Her suddenly soft tone caught me off-guard, she wanted to see Sylvie? That's… really sweet of her. It's certainly something she would do but I always smile seeing how she treats my little pumpkin.

"How is she by the way? Is she enjoying the books I lent her?" My eyes wandered up the stairs to Sylvie's room door, a small smile forming on my lips.

"She's doing great, she just loves books so you can imagine. We have been on a trip to the mountains these last two days so she was exhausted. She's still sleeping right now"

"Is she now?! Awww, how would I love to see her right now!" She squealed away from the phone for a few moments as I chuckled to myself from that silly gesture. My eyes were still fixed to the little girl's door…

I briefly remember what happened to nights ago… when I basically told Sylvie she would be living with me from now on not as a slave or a guest… but as my own daughter… Since then, I looked at her under a different light. She beamed brightly and smiled widely, as if everything about her was made out of pure happiness… Perhaps I was looking at her that way long ago but only noticed it recently… when I was aware how much she meant for me…

And now that I consciously and sincerely acknowledge her as my daughter, I feel the need to simply look at her… Seeing her around the house with a book in her hands, seeing how fast she learns, seeing her grow, seeing her happy… I feel like a parent watching their child taking their first steady steps, you just want to watch in awe how the little one is slowly doing things on their own and encouraging them for their effort, not wanting the moment to end…

I also love to see her in her sleep… That night she had a nightmare… I still remember the face of utmost horror she had when I went into the room… I couldn't stand it, I just needed to help her… bring back that peaceful smile on her lips, that look of trust in her eyes… When she finally fell asleep in my arms I could sense she felt protected and at peace…

I pondered whether if I should bring her the breakfast or not. If I did I could see her sleeping at peace, but I would also disturb her rest and I'd rather let her let her sleep without interruptions… In the end I decided to let it be and let her wake up on her own accord, breakfast can wait.

"Anyways, I'll be there in a couple of minutes okay? I hope you expect me as you should~!" I heard Aura add through the phone.

"Very well, I'll be waiting" I answered, ignoring her last remark.

"See ya later!" She hang up right after that, which was my cue to drop the receiver on its place. I sighed once more as I took another glace at Sylvie's room. Come to think of it, I promised her I will be adopting her, so it would be wise to start preparing. Although there were some things I needed to confirm in order to do this process appropriately, and there is one person I closely know that can help me with this.

I picked up the receiver a second time and dialed the number to Evelyn's Sunshine orphanage, if there is someone who knows how to handle a parentless child situation is her.

"Good morning, this is Evelyn's Sunshine orphanage, how may I help you?" I heard her sweet voice calling from the other side.

"Good morning, Evelyn! U-Um, excuse me for calling so early in the morning" I said out of pure politeness, even if I knew she was already diligently attending her job thanks to that introduction.

"Oh, doctor! Don't worry about it, I'm always happy to hear from you, especially after so many months!" She said truthfully. "How have you been?"

"Oh, good I guess. An appointment here, some asking for a lotion or pills there, you know the usual…" Well, here it goes "… but, there has been something else going around in my life as of late. Something major" I paused for a second to let her do any remark or question she might have. When the only thing I heard from her was curious hum I went on "Do you remember the talk we had around half a year ago?"

"About that little girl?" The question came rather quickly, as if she was already expecting what I wanted to talk about… "I was actually wondering about that… I actually tried to call you to see how it went in the end but I simply didn't find the time to do so" Her voice sounded hurt, she must have felt guilty about it "So how is she? What did you do with her?"

"About that, I simply let her stay over. I didn't even put any signs anywhere to see if someone wanted to adopt her so she has been living with me ever since… Long story short, we got so used to one another… that I agreed to take her in as my daughter…" It seems I have yet to realize what this implies… Those words still felt so unreal… If six months ago somebody asked me if I would take a little slave girl as a child I would instantly call them crazy on the spot, I didn't want to trouble myself with that… And yet, now the simple notion of going back to my solitary, gloomy life makes my chest tight up in fright. As ironic as it sounds, the silent and fearful girl was beginning to taint my life in color… things weren't as grey as before…

But now that she has mostly moved on her dark and hurtful past, her smile is something I'll die to protect…

I was so invested in these thoughts that I failed to notice that Evelyn has been silent for a few seconds "U-Um… Evelyn…?"

"I-It's fine… I-I'm still here" Her voice sounded broken, it seems that she feels moved by what I told her "I'm s-so glad to hear the little one found someone she can trust in…" I decided to wait silently for her to regain her composure "*snif* I'm sorry… I just couldn't help but teat up…"

"It's okay, Evelyn" I told her softly.

"Anyways, I'm also glad for you, doctor. You sure sound happy!"

"Yeah… You see, I actually called to ask for help".

"Sure! What do you need?"

"She didn't carry any kind of documentation on her, and since her parents are no longer available I have no means to prove she has been staying illegally" I never had this problem before and I am not sure how I can solve it without putting Sylvie over too much stress.

"I assume the girl is a minor, yes?" Evelyn asked, seemingly unfazed.

"Y-Yes, she is. Why do you ask?"

"You have nothing to worry about! If you come to the police station here in the village they would understand the situation! Sadly, I had my fair share of lost children who had no way to identify themselves so we always opt to give them a new identity, it has never been a hassle. I'm sure if you just tell them what happened they can help the little one get the necessary documents! I can always join you if you have any questions… Besides, I would love to meet the little one…" Huh, Sylvie's sure gets people attention the moment they hear about her. "What was the name you picked for her?"

"She actually introduced to me with a name of her own, she is called Sylvie".

"'Sylvie Brook'… I like it!" Those words sent an excited shiver down my spine… 'Sylvie Brook'… it has a nice ring to it… "Just please let me know when you go get it done because I would like to join!"

"Wouldn't you be too busy caring about the kids?"

"It shouldn't take long. Besides, my husband can manage on his own for a while! It'll be okay!" She reassured happily.

"Alright then, I'll make sure to inform you. Have a good day!"

"You too, doctor! I just know you'll love your new life as a father!" And so, she hanged up in delight, and as before, I put the receiver down while chugging down the rest of my coffee. 'Your new life as a father' uh? Yet another fact I've yet to get used to… But can't deny I feel anxious about it, on a good way…

"G-Good morning… Ma… I m-mean, David…" Speaking of the devil, I heard her soft voice calling from the top of the stairs… But something felt wrong, her voice was heavier and raspier than usual.

"Good morning Sylvie, how have you slept?" I tried to sound neutral as I paid attention to her closing form walking down the stairs. She walked slowly and clutching tightly to the handrail, she even wobbled left and right slightly. Something was wrong.

"I-I don't know… I f-feel so tired, my throat itches a-and I feel so dizzy…" She stopped for a moment to cough up. It sounded too rough and raspy to be a simple sore throat, she must be sick.

"Are you okay sweetie?" I dared to ask, seeing if she needed a quick check up from me.

"N-No… My head hurts… a-and I can barely move…" She said wasted right before stepping down the stairs. Now that I had a good look at her I finally noticed how grave the situation was. Her eyes were red and puffy and her skin was pale. I assumed she could barely sleep peacefully due to her messy hair, her body even shivered like she was freezing.

"What's going on… Master…?" Her begging eyes were looking at me with worried, she must be too scared to notice she was calling me Master 'again'. I quickly put a hand over her forehead, it was really warm. There is no mistake: She is ill.

"You seem to have high fever. Lay down on the couch, I'll get you something for that" She timidly complied, coughing up a little more as she headed to the living room. I quickly went to the kitchen to grab a painkiller syrup, luckily that'll be enough if this just a simple cold or affluenza. I also filled a glass with orange juice to help her wash up the bitter taste of the painkiller.

I came back to the living room and took a seat beside her. She was already looking at me expectantly even when I was just opening up the small bottle "Okay, this might taste terrible, but you must bear with it okay?" I said while I poured a few drops on a spoon. Sylvie looked at it suspiciously but slowly nodded. "Alright, open up" She meekly opened her lips right before I put the spoon over her tongue. She reluctantly swallowed the liquid, making a cute disgusted expression on her face.

"Pwegh!" She blurted out quietly. With a chuckle I passed her the orange juice.

"That should be good, let's just wait and see if you get better okay?" She nodded lightly in response. But I can't shake this feeling of worry, these symptoms look like a regular cold, but there is something I can't quite put a finger on that troubles me.

The sound of my doorbell cut those thoughts up, that must be Aura. Sylvie says she has a headache but perhaps a little more company should distract her from the pain. I stood up from the couch, patting Sylvie's head lovingly and leaving her to drink the juice on her own. I opened the door to meet up with Aura's characteristic white dress.

"Hello, David~. I hope you didn't miss me too much~" She purred once more.

"Please Aura, not now okay? I am not in the mood to deal with uncomfortable questions Sylvie might had about us…" I pinched the bridge of my nose remembering the shuddering memory.

"I personally would find that kind of amusing!" She declared joyfully. I'm sure she'd just LOVE to tell Sylvie we are lovers the moment she asks.

"Anyways, do you want to come in? Can I serve you something to drink?" I asked politely as I let her step in.

"I smell you just made a fresh pot of coffee, a mug of that please. A little bit of cream if possible" She said humbly, her seductive demeanor toned down a bit. Rolling my eyes, I headed back to the kitchen for the third time. "Aww, look who's here! My cute little sweetie-pie!" I heard her from the living room, couple with a few muffled grunts from Sylvie.

"Hey, try not to badger her too much. She's got a terrible headache since she woke up" I yelled from the kitchen.

"Really now?! Aw, you poor little thing must be sick…" She used an overly affectionate tone that made Sylvie look like a baby… It's true that her petite frame makes her seem younger than she actually is but still.

After I poured the cream into her coffee, I brought the mug to Aura, who took it gratefully. Sylvie was leaning onto her chest as the older woman caressed her head. The little girl had her eyes closed to enjoy the embrace… but I couldn't help but notice the barely noticeable disgusted grimace on her face, she was also clutching her own dress tightly. It made me chuckle. "Well, I'll go get the sleeping pills for you. Take care of her while I am away" I didn't wait for her response before I opened the door to my clinic.

"With pleasure! I'd love to just clutch this little dolly all day!" I heard her say with that baby-like tone, although no response or question came from Sylvie. She may be timid, but she is not the one to ignore comments regarding herself. In the end I simply shrugged it off as it being due to her headache and focused on finding those pills as quick as possible.

I opened up the second drawer of my desk where I usually keep the pills, only to find out only lotions, bandages and keys for the glass shelves in the back. Perhaps I misplaced them somewhere else last time I took inventory? That could be the case, but then I have no idea where could I left them. They are inside this clinic that's for sure, so I guess I'll just have to check every single shelf here… Great…

I spent the next few minutes checking every shelf, making sure to move away any big bottle that might be blocking the view of another smaller one. Luckily, it seems I am still not old enough to fall for that impractical mistake, but the fact that I forgot where I left the sleeping pills worries me…

"Just where could I leave them?" I whispered to myself in annoyance, this could be a little easier if most of these bottles weren't white with a few colored letters.

Suddenly, I heard hurried footsteps coming from the living room right before the door burst open. Aura was panting and looked shocked. "W-What's with the hurry? I almost got them, just wait up a few mor-"

"Sy…" She sounded tired, has she been running? But why would she? It's not like she is actually desperate for the pills "Sy-Sylvie…!" She managed to say, and I had to make sure I didn't drop a package I was holding… Did something wrong happen to Sylvie?!

In a second, I threw the package onto the desk and sprinted past Aura who quickly followed behind "To the bathroom…!" She yelled as I nodded and quickly climbed up the stairs. I was not sure what I was about to witness, but Aura seemed worried… I don't want to think about the worst case scenario, but I can't let it face me…

As I reached the bathroom door I opened it up in a flash, my eyes frantically looking for the little girl. It was not long until I found her kneeled down in front of the toilet… but what worried me was the painful and heartbreaking sound that was coming from her: She was vomiting.

She found the strength to hold it up and look up at me… Her eyes were swollen red, her cheeks were completely damped in tears, her nose was dripping with snot and a few streams of bile were running from the corner of her lips to her chin. But the most disturbing thing about this horrid picture was the pleading look from her eyes, like an injured animal asking for mercy… or slumber…

"David… H-Help me…" She gagged in terror while putting all her efforts to hold another barf. She quickly put her face onto the toilet again… as another revolting sound followed.

"D-David please, we gotta help her!" Aura said in panic from behind.

"Hey, keep calm, by getting nervous ourselves we will only make this worse" I took a sit next to Sylvie and slowly massaged her back to bring some comfort "If she is puking there's really not much we can do right now. Let's just wait until she calms down and then we will think on the next move okay?" I felt Sylvie hum, understanding the situation and trusting in my judgement. Aura seemed to calm down as well, even though she was still fidgeting nervously.

As I kept stroking the girl's back as a way to tell her 'I'm here with you', I wondered what could have happened… Is it something that she ate? And if it is then what is the cause? Last night she didn't even eat anything, and we ate the same meal during lunch at the hotel up in the mountains. Maybe Nebby is sick too? But why am I not? Is it just that Sylvie had the unlucky dish that time? Or maybe her immune system is not as used to alimentary pathogen as it should… She has been living all her life secluded in a cell after all, in the poorest conditions I'm sure… Perhaps I should vaccinate her just to be sure… But not now, what she needs now is comfort, something that tells her she is fine.

While I kissed the top of her head, she barfed out once again and my eyes mindlessly took a glance at the vomit… It was only then that I knew this was no ordinary stomach infection. The vomit's color was not that characteristic greenish brown you might expect… it was more of a reddish brown… And despite the nauseating smell of bile, I also noticed a too familiar metallic smell… It was blood… Sylvie was vomiting blood.

I have to analyze what's wrong, this might be serious "Sweetie can you raise your head a little?" I had to sound neutral, if she senses I'm nervous she will get scared.

She complied confused while I hurriedly picked up a cotton swab and took a sample of her vomit. This was not the best way to proceed in order to keep the sample intact, but it should be enough for a simple analysis. "Sylvie, I'll need to go to the clinic in order to see what's wrong now. I promise I will not be away for long… Okay?" I said softly, I knew she'd be against it, but I desperately need to see what's happening in her body.

She quickly looked at my eyes, silently pleading for me to stay and hold her close… but she reluctantly nodded while putting her face onto the toilet again. I stood up and looked at Aura intently "Stay with her. If she calms down tuck her into her bed, second room to the left. Make sure to bring a wet towel to her forehead and a bucket if she pukes again" She firmly nodded and quickly crouched down with the girl as she whispered reassuring things.

As for me, the frown I was holding back tightened while I hurried down the stairs. I took a glance at the cotton swab, wondering just what in the world is going on in her body…?


It has been long since I last used these tools, they were sitting on the far back on one of the top shelves. They were quite dusted so I had to wipe them off in order for it to work perfectly. Luckily I only need to use the microscope… for now…

"Ugh, where did I left those goddamn..." So now I was currently looking frantically for a glass plate to put the swab on. Curse the day I decided to make inventory without actually looking for where things were before. I was partially feeling ashamed for this error, if I had a patient on a critical condition these kind of mistakes could be fatal. I know my younger workaholic self would never tolerate something like this… Perhaps… my age is starting to take a toll on me…?

No, David. Now it is not the time to think about a few grey hairs, Sylvie needs you. Focus.

I took a deep breath and relaxed while I resumed the searching for those plates. Think, where could I leave them? Something small and easy to carry, they are not likely to be on the crystal shelves along with the bottles of medicine or lotion. They are not something I would use daily so the drawers on the desk are out of the question as well. Perhaps on the bottom cabinets? That's where I keep the heaviest utensils, like molds for slings and buckets of plaster, it's not convenient for me to leave the plates down there as I'd only use them for… Wait a second…

I approached to the microscope sitting on the desk and inspected it intently. I soon found where I was looking for, there's a small rectangular outline on the base. I pushed it and a small compartment opened up, revealing at last those crystal plates. I gently slapped myself on the forehead. I forgot that I bought this microscope two years ago especially for this compartment.

I retrieved one and put it under the lens. But right before I was about to adjust the microscope, I heard a knock coming from the clinic door. Who was it now? I'm pretty sure I had no appointments this morning… But maybe I'm remembering wrong, after the issue I had making inventory I just can't deny the possibility…

I went to open up, when a familiar pair of green pigtails greeted me up. "Oh, good morning Mr. Brook… You look tired, did I came too early…?" Flora said with a concerned and guilty look in her eyes.

"O-Oh, good morning Flora" I automatically said while my brains was still processing what she has just said "N-No it's fine, really… What are you doing here?"

"Pardon my intrusion" She bowed politely before adjusting a small handbag that was hanging from her shoulder "I've been meaning to see you these last days but I saw the note you left about your small vacation"

"Oh yeah, I was up in the mountain last weekend, I wanted Sylvie to see snow" Flora smiled sweetly after that "So what do you need?" I made an effort not to sound in a hurry with that question, she surely just needs a few herbs she may have run out of.

"Just a few chamomiles and dandelions would do. There are few things I love as much as I love tea!" She said playfully. Luckily for me, flowers are much more easy to spot than a few crystal disks, so it should not take long.

She stood at the door while waiting for me to retrieve the flowers, but it was not long until she spoke curiously again. "How is the little Sylvie?"

"She's mostly fine. Got a cold when we were away, the tailor is checking up on her" I said dismissively.

"The tailor? Oh, you mean Miss Aura. Are you two close?"

"You could say that…" I sighed internally.

"By the way, did you say Sylvie had a cold?! Oh the poor thing… Excuse me Mr. Brook, but I want to check if everything is okay!"

"Actually…! I'd prefer if you just come later when she feels fine! She has a terrible headache and I don't think that… And she's gone…" Before I could even stop her she was already rushing through the door to my living room. Well, let's just hope she understands how Sylvie might be feeling right now. She's a pharmacist after all, so I guess I can trust in her judgement.

After I found the flowers, I put them aside and quickly took the microscope to analyze Sylvie's stomach content. It was not long until those familiar miniscule creatures I've seen for years came to view. Cells covered the entirety of the reddish brown substance, varying in shape or direction. There were a couple of small, thin bacteria as well, as it is to be expected if I am to assume she ate something infected… But what threw me off… was the absence of white blood cells. Without them, the other blood cells are just at the mercy of the bacteria. But if this is the case, what could have caused this lower rate of defenses?

I suddenly caught a glimpse of an actual white blood cell, two to be precise. The amount of them in this single sample is too small to fend off the bacteria, but there's a small chance that I was just unlucky to pick up a poorly defended sample. However… things began to turn obscure when I saw what these white blood cells were doing next… They were not chasing any bacteria… they were trying to eat each other out… colliding and grinding to one another… until one could envelope around the other and digest it…

My eyes opened up in terror… It's not that her defenses are too low… What is actually happening is that her own defenses are undermining itself, leaving the way open for aggressive microbes…

What is this…? Some kind of autoimmune illness…? But that does not make any sense… How could these symptoms kick in so quickly overnight? These kind of illnesses take time to express themselves, and they surely not do it all at once… It simply cannot have happened so quickly if we are talking about an autoimmune illness…

And yet I can't deny the fact that her white blood cells clashing to eat each other out… but if this is the case… then I can't help her… The only known cause for these illnesses are faulty genes. Medication could never cure them…

I brought my hands to my hair and pulled strong to focus myself… She has just vomited, the illness is most likely secluded to that area. If I am quick to give her antibiotics, those rogue white cells will be kept at bay. As sad as it is, Sylvie would need to depend on immunosuppressants for the rest of her life… but at least she will get to live… She will…

Clinging in an unconscious desperate way to that thought, I collected a small pack of antibiotics pills and headed to the door. However, I heard a pair of frantic footsteps coming from the living room, and soon enough a tired Flora was panting and holding her knees. "Do- Doc… Doctor…!" She tried to call for me while trying to catch her breath at the same time.

"Wha-What is it? What happened?!" My tone betrayed my attempt to seem composed. If Flora was running like this towards me… that must mean something has gone terribly wrong…

"I-It's Sylvie…!" My eyes pierced her own in shock… Deep down I knew… I knew why she seemed so scared… but I also hoped I was wrong… I was begging I was wrong… As soon as those two words went past her lips I didn't wait for her to explain the situation further. I just ran… ran in pure panic… This deep sinking feeling down my stomach… I know it full well… the same despair boiling up, threatening to spill as it bursts I thought I'd never feel again… a feeling I was hoping to never experience anymore…

I just wish… I can actually make a difference this time…


I reached Sylvie's room after checking that the bathroom was no longer occupied. I soon found Aura sitting next to the bed, while Sylvie was heavily wrapped up in two or three spare blankets, not counting the one on her own bed…

The girl was breathing too strongly, taking sudden breaths and letting them out with the same strength. She was having difficulty breathing… Her skin was a clear sheet white, and her dull eyes were blood red, looking desperately for something she couldn't see.

Aura looked at me in terror, she couldn't understand what was going on and wanted me to tell her that 'everything was under the doc's control'… But I'm afraid… I cannot speak those words with certainty. "David, what is happening to her…?" She asked after a few seconds of confused mouth movements trying to put her thoughts into words… I took another glance at the poor girl's condition… Her body trembled… but not those shivers you have when you are cold… These looked more like small but unending spasms all over her arms and legs… even her neck twitched every now and then.

"Hey there little pumpkin…" I spoke softly to bring some comfort to her… and to me as well… Her eyes seemed to lit up for a second before looking at me with her pupils dull and swollen… I fear there might be a minor inner hemorrhage… Her pupils were unfocused… so she can't see me that well… The poor thing…

"D-David… is that you…?" She said with a hoarse voice… even her throat seemed to get worse.

"I'm here sweety… Daddy is here…" I took her tiny hand between mines. Her eyes began to water, tears running down her cheeks soon after.

"W-What is happening to me…? Why do I… feel so hot…?" It must be due to the temperature… I can see her sweating a lot on her own hands and forehead… But once I put my hand on her forehead, it felt cold… Her entire metabolism is simply messed up.

"You are okay sweetheart, you have just a cold. Soon you'll be as good as new…" I lied… simply to ease her mind… even though I shouldn't lie to her with these things, she will notice sooner or later…

"A cold d-does not feel like this… My body hurts… N-No… I don't like this feeling…" Her tears were now soaking down to her neck… Was she remembering something about… her previous life? "N-No please…! I'll be g-good…! Please, d-don't hurt me anymore…!" Her voice was now far from hoarse, you could almost feel the words clawing and tearing her throat as she spoke… I could only watch in shock, if this pain is making her to hallucinate about Mr. Reginald then my fears were founded…

Even the other two women were looking at her perplexed… I just hope they only think she's just being delirious… "Sweetheart… it's okay. No one is going to hurt you…" My words were cut short as blood was beginning to mix with her tears, staining her cheeks red… Was a right after all…? Is her own body eating her alive…? N-No… That can't be true… There is no cure for these type of illnesses… and giving her an antibiotic now would only end up killing her if her body is already this weakened…

"P-Papa…" Under different conditions… those words would have touched in my heart… Now, however, sounded as if you were squeezing and strangling to the very last drop of blood "P-Papa… am I going… to d-die…?"

What…? What are you saying…? What are you saying?! How am I supposed to answer to something like that?! I have no idea what kind of illness this could be, I have never seen it before! How am I supposed to treat you…?! What am I supposed to say…? Just what… am I supposed…

"Daddy…"

… Sylvie…?

"I… I-I don't want to die…"

Before I could be actually aware of what I was doing, I've already stormed out of that room… I was hyperventilating… My feet could not stop still… Fate was mocking me again… I have already lost my parents… must I now witness idly how Sylvie is taken away from me as well…? I have to do something… I need to do something…! I am not a doctor for nothing for fuck's sake! But I have never seen an illness with these symptoms…! Not even the mountains of textbooks told about it…! How am I supposed to treat her if I have not the slimmest idea what is going on…?!

… Just please… tell me this is just a bad dream… I just can't go through loss again… I know I don't have the strength of mind to bear more… If Sylvie were to die… I'd rather kill my-

You disappoint me, champ.

Uh…? That voice… Dad…?!

Sure am. It has been long right? I see you have hold the family name alright.

B-But how could you…?! How is it possible that you-?!

Look at you, my little baby… You have grown a lot…

M-Mom…? Is that really you…?

It's your mommy, David… I've missed you so much…

M-Mom… I-I… I'm so sorry…! I couldn't do anything…! I couldn't save you…! I should have worked harder…! I should have noticed how bad you were feeling…! I don't deserve any pity…! I can't repay all the damage I did to you… I-I'm sorry…

Do not cry my child… I am not angry… You have done nothing wrong… If anything, I'm feeling so proud of you…

Really…?

Of course we are! Your mom and I have been watching you and we could have not asked for more.

What you have done to that girl is beautiful, David… You gave her hope when she lost everything…

That's all we needed to see to know you were not lost on your own work.

But… now she is dying… and I don't know what to do… It's the same as mother once again… It will never end…

That's not true! It's not the same as mom, you still have time to safe her!

And you are not alone, David… You have friends that will help you as much as you helped them…

B-But… I can't… I just can't-

David... That girl is scared, she is currently at the end of the line… alone and scared… And yet, she's still going on, fighting off as much as she can… because she knows you can save her… If she sees you weak now, she will be devastated… And then, will be the moment you lose her.

That's right, champ. It's not just about you anymore, you have to consider what it's best for her, even if it clashes with your own interests. Think about when I met your mother, I would do anything to make her happy, no matter what.

Or even when you were born… When we looked at you the first time in our lives, we knew this wasn't about me, you or him anymore… This was about us… as a whole entity or group… As a whole family…

That's… That's true… If I can't calm down I will lose her… but she will lose her life… She has every right to be scared… and I must be the one to keep focused and composed… I can't let this face me, not now… There must be something I can do… I have to…

Looks like he understands, love. I'm proud of you, son. I have always been.

Take care of my grandchild… even if I was not there to meet her, but if you will take her… Then I will love her as much as I loved you, David…

We love you, son…

I finally stopped hyperventilating… Looks like I managed to calm down… I don't know what was that all about, if they were truly speaking to me… or I was just imagining them only for my own good… Regardless, I surely needed that talk. I must not cower now, not until everything is over. For the best… or the worst…

"Mr. Brook!" I heard a panicked scream behind me… Her youthful tone let me know it was Flora who was speaking. I was still massaging my temples to try and calm down completely "What was that?! Why did you suddenly run away like that?!"

"E-Excuse me… I just felt overwhelmed for a second" I humbly said as I took a deep sigh. It's time to work, David. No more weeping around. "Flora, I may need your help".

"U-Uh… Okay…!" She was caught off-guard, but otherwise seemed anxious about finally working with me.

"What I was analyzing before was a sample of Sylvie's vomit. I found out her white blood cells are attacking each other and letting bacteria harm her as a result. I believe that she has an autoimmune illness".

"What?! L-Like diabetes or sclerosis?! That's terrible! We cannot-".

"That's not the case, Flora" I hastily interrupted her. "Her symptoms kicked in too soon, and do not resemble any of those illnesses I know of, and trust me when I say I studied every incurable disease to the letter. What I believe is that she may be suffering from a new kind of disease".

"A new one? B-But is something like that even possible…?" She sounded more serious now, like she was giving it a deep thought.

"I can't believe it either, yet it's the only thing that makes sense…"

"So, what do you intend to do?"

"… I don't know…" She seemed shocked with that response, but sighed and closed her eyes. She seemed deep in thought, it looks like something is bothering her… For now, I decided to come back inside to reassure Sylvie… She must be startled if the last thing she knew about me was that I ran away after she told me she didn't want to die…

My guilt grew heavier once I stepped in and watched her squirm in pain, wheezing and sobbing in the purest grief. Aura was tenderly petting her head while patiently shushing her with nice words. She looked at me with urgency, silently telling me to go and tell her I was sorry. I wasted no more seconds to do so as my hands wrapped Sylvie's once again.

"Da… vid…?" She said with an even raspier voice.

"I'm sorry, Sylvie… Daddy needed to collect his thoughts for a second. But's okay now, you will not die. I will make sure you feel better soon" I squeezed her hand as a way to show resolve.

"Do you… promise…?" She asked, a small spark of hope shining in her red, hollow eyes.

"I promise…" I could feel a genuine smile crossing my lips.

"No… You must… pinkie promise…" Her tiny hand moved away and closed up, only revealing her even tinier pinkie, awaiting for my own finger. The gesture was so childishly cute I couldn't help but to let out a single contented laugh.

"Pinkie promise…" And our fingers were finally hooked, sealing the end of our small but meaningful contract.

"Then… I know you will…" She said, finally finding peace "… because you can't break a pinkie promise…"

"Mr. Brook!" Flora yelled suddenly. Her expression was unreadable, but it was clear she has thought of something "You said that her white blood cells were attacking each other, right?!"

"Y-Yes, that's correct" She wasted no more seconds to look into the handbag she was carrying, picking up a book and frantically sweeping the pages "You also said that you were up on the mountains until yesterday?" I nodded "I knew it, look at this" She then showed me a picture glued to the book, a familiar pink flower with blue outline on its petals in it… I have seen this before…

"What is it?" I asked curiously… Is really this flower the root of this mess?

"I am not sure, there has no records of this flower and experts do not seem to recognize it. I suspect it might be a new mutation of a lily, but I might be stretching it too much. The point is that this flower secretes a toxin that, if smelt, throws off the immune system, making it believe that other leukocytes are foreign and harmful bodies. Its effects wear off two or three hours later, so an average adult should be fine…"

But Sylvie's immune system is weak due to her miserable life, even if I managed to keep her up and still until now "Yeah… Sylvie and I ran into this flower in our trip there…" I said recalling the memory… But wait a second… If the cause of this is not a faulty gene but a toxin… then there might be a way! A way to cure her! "Is there any cure?!" I suddenly shouted, letting my hope show on purpose.

But Flora looked… troubled… Why is that? If there is a cure then everything will be over, and if there is not then she should look more gloomy "About that, there's actually a good new and a bad new… Good news is a cure actually exists, I have been collecting a bunch of these flowers and experimented on them. Apparently you can chemically arrange the toxin to act as an antidote of itself" She stated, smiling proudly at her own work.

"What does the antidote do?"

"For starters, erase any trace of the toxin if there is any residue of it still flowing in the system. Then it stimulates the medulla to secrete enormous amounts of leukocytes. Finally it sets the immune system straight, so white blood cells attack bacteria as they normally should" She stated while reading the notes she wrote in her book. It was… impressive how beneficial this toxin could be…

"And… what about the bad news…?" I asked with a gulp, bracing myself for the worst.

Flora bit down her lip before answering "The bad news is that I only experimented it on small animals. I managed to safely create a working antidote that does not harm needlessly mice or bunnies… but I am not sure what effects would it have on humans…"

Hmm… So we have a viable medicine we could use, but without any guarantee of it to work or not to make things work… That's fine, I can work around that. "Very well, that will suffice".

"You think so…?" Flora asked uncertain.

"I studied hard the process frequently used to make medicines viable for humans. It's not a 100% success rate but I think that, with enough time, I can prepare that medicine for Sylvie" Little by little, I could see a light in this dark hallway… It seemed like we could save her.

"U-Umm… I don't know about that…" Flora surely sounded unsettled now… "When did exactly smelt the flower…?"

"About… two days ago… W-Why do you ask…?"

Flora's eyes widened… I think I am not going to like this "Sometimes… the antidote would not work on some mice… And if that happened, they'd die three days later after administering the toxin... We only have until tomorrow morning to prepare it… before she…" What…?! We only have a day to make the medicine viable for humans?! But that's impossible! It'll take weeks to finish it, not to mention all the tests we would need to do to keep track of the progress!

But in the end… I had to do it… I must finish the medicine in a single day… and in a single shot… I think I can do it, I have done it before so many times that I'm sure I could finish it correctly without testing it if I focused enough… But doing so in a single day… That sure was a challenge, perhaps the biggest one I had and will have in my entire career…

"Then we must get going" I replied in determination. I can't doubt now, time is running against us, and every second is vital in this task. We must not waste them "Flora, hurry to your pharmacy and retrieve every note you have on that antidote and every flower you keep. Tonight, we will finish that medicine".

"R-Right on, Boss" She saluted before dashing out of the house… I just hope she is fast enough.

"Aura, stay here with Sylvie. Make sure her lungs still breathe and her heart still beats. If something happens to her, report it to me at once. We will be working in the clinic, but you are free to take and use anything to see fit. I'm counting on you" I said humbly, I need all the help I can get… and I now I can count on Flora and Aura…

"Of course I will, David… I am not going to let her bite the dust on my watch, you have my word…" I nodded. Now the only thing left is to get things ready in the small lab in my clinic, I must quickly revise those books to refresh my memory.

"David… I love you… I know… you can do it…" Sylvie's already weakened voice resonated with force in my mind, I quickly kissed her forehead and rushed downstairs.

I will not let Fate to snatch another important person in my life.


It took me more minutes than I would have wanted to find and dust off all the instruments we needed, like test tubes, syringes, gloves, masks and so on. They were scattered around in the drawers and shelves as I was already suspecting… If these wasted minutes were critical to our mission, that I don't know… and I'm hoping they are not…

I kept telling me it didn't mean much as long as Flora doesn't arrive, since we could not begin without those notes and flowers… I just hope she doesn't take too long…

I must call all the patients that had an appointment today, but time is running short, so I simply decided to write a post-it announcing that due to personal issues the clinic will be closed for the public today and apologizing for the inconvenience. I left it fixed on the door of the clinic so people can read it before knocking.

"Okay, I think that's everything" I said as I took a last glance at the desk to check if I forgot a needed tool. Once I saw everything was in place I took a glance at the clock on the wall. 12 PM. Noon already? The morning sure flew fast… I hope it doesn't apply to the rest of the day, but if I must stay awake overnight so I will…

As if on cue, the door to the clinic opened in a second, a panting Flora carrying a bigger handbag now "I think… I picked everything…"

"Good. Leave it on that table and take your notes, we will begin right now". I stated calmly but firm, we may be in a hurry, but I have to stay calm in order to focus and avoid mistakes. "What have you gathered until now?"

"We only have to pulverize one petal and mix it with water. Then we just need to add these substances" She said while showing me a list of chemicals I knew. I had some of them already, others I had to prepare the mix but it shouldn't take long. "The result is a thick ochre syrup that I mixed with the mice's water".

"So it can be drank, perfect" I am not sure if Sylvie has the strength to even chew in her state, but swallowing should be too hard. "Alright, first be have to prepare the initial chemicals. Once they are ready we can move on to the main task". I gently grabbed Flora by the shoulders and looked at her deeply "Listen… I may be asking you too much… But I need you to give it your all… This girl is too important to me, if she dies… I will never forgive myself… Can I trust in your capabilities…?"

The pharmacist was taken aback by my actions, her role-model was basically begging for help to her. I understand if she just leaves now, this too much of a responsibility for her to take in my stead… And yet, her eyes quickly shown resolve "O-Of course you can, Mr. Brook… I will not let you down on this one…"

"Thank you" I squeezed her lightly and smiled, I felt truly thankful for her help.

The rest seemed like a blur. We spent the next few hours carefully measuring the needed substances and mixing them up. Sometimes I would request Flora to go to her pharmacy again to bring more of a liquid we had not enough of. It was a slow, tiring process but in the end we managed to prepare a batch of the antidote and place it into the test tubes.

"Well… Looks like we made it, now it's time for us to update it, right?" Flora commented with a huff, she knew our work was far from over unfortunately…

"Exactly… Let me check those books to make sure I got the procedure and ingredients right and then we will begin" I am sure I know how to proceed, I checked those books again and again, but I can't let myself slip up not even once, not even the most insignificant thing. I will make this perfect… I have to…

I could see Flora reading intently as well… Too bad this books are huge and full of unnecessary academic talk. It's so hard to get to the point that sometimes I could see Flora physically frustrated she was not getting something useful.

In the midst of all, Aura came rushing to the clinic. She told us that Sylvie has passed out and is breathing with difficulty… Her systems are beginning to shut down… "This is inconvenient".

"U-Uh…? What do you mean?" Flora asked in worry.

"We have prepared the antidote as a syrup. But if Sylvie's passed out then she won't be able to swallow on her own if it's too thick… We'll need to administer it directly in her blood system".

"Then it should not be too much of a trouble, right? We only have to put the antidote in a syringe".

"Not quite" Flora looked confused yet interested, slightly excited to get new information from her role-model "We must first apply an agent to dilute the liquid, aside from altering it so its active ingredient does not act aggressively to blood cells. It's true that it is not something hard to do, but you must always pay attention to it". Flora quickly noted this little tip on her notebook.

But now was when things were beginning to take a darker tone… We successfully created a more liquefied version of the antidote, yes… But once we began the main task was when things got complicated.

No matter what we added to the antidote, it always seemed to harden up, making it almost solid… We could not make further progress like this so we had to study what could be the cause… and it was already starting to get dark outside…

After hours of testing we could find out the cause. By extracting the agent that prevented the antidote to harm blood cells, the mix seemed stable enough… However, by doing so, the antidote could basically kill her before it takes any effect… No matter what we chose, any option could be the end… We were between a rock and a hard place…

We quickly discarded the idea of giving up the agent, and focused our efforts to bypass the chemical reaction that made the antidote to harden. Suddenly, our progress was heavily slowed down. The antidote was holding it on its end while we tried to manipulate it… It was almost ready, I could feel it… but there was always a single step in the way that finally turned the solution to a solid rock… Flora didn't look like she was ready to give up, and neither I was. And then, our work came into a halt…

We spent minutes without progress, said minutes turned into hours… I turned to stone when I checked that it was already 3 in the morning… Just a few hours left…

"I just don't get it… I just don't get it…!" I shouted in frustration, slamming the desk under my fists.

"Mr. Brook, please… You need to calm down… If we get angry now we will achieve nothing…" Flora yawned, her eyes were a little red from tiredness. I kind of feel bad for making go through this… but I needed all the help I can get, and she gladly lent me a hand.

"I just don't get it… We are so close, I gave those books a good read and I know I followed the process perfectly… There is something that we are not seeing…" I massaged my temples… The exhaustion was also getting to me, I need to focus…

Let's see, the antidote is almost ready, we only need another catalyst for it to be suitable for human use… but the liquefying agent reacts with it in a way that solidifies the whole solution… If only we didn't use the agent then we would be done… but that would damage the blood system within Sylvie… Wait a second…

"Flora!" I shouted so loudly that I managed to jolt awake the pharmacist "You told me that once we administer this antidote, among other symptoms, Sylvie's medulla should produce massive amounts of leukocytes, right?!"

"Y-Yes…! That's right!" She perked up, feeling that I could finally break us through this conundrum.

"Then the only thing we need to do… is take the liquefying agent out"

Flora was stunned for a second "What?! But that wou-!"

"Listen, I know what will happen, but if the antidote can force her body to reinforce her defenses… then there is a small chance she can survive while setting her immune system straight…" There was a part of me that wanted to find another solution… that didn't believe we could pull this off…

Even Flora herself was looking at me with uncertainty "Her body is too weakened by now… to the point of death… You are conscious… that chances that she can hold on until her immune system responds are slim… right…?"

Of course I am… I know this is a huge risk… What am I supposed to do…? I have nothing else I can think of… and we are already running out of time… This is the only chance we've got… Come what may, at least I tried to save her… "I am…"

"Are you sure you want to do this…?"

"I am".


My hand was trembling… I have the syringe with the antidote ready… Just as I suspected, the solution remained liquid once we added the last catalyst… This is what will save my daughter's life… or put her to slumber forever…

"Hey…" I felt a hand on my shoulder, Aura was trying to reassure me… while Flora was a few steps behind, still uncertain if this could work… "It's okay… You created that medicine, I'm sure she will be fine…"

I gulped down, I could feel my throat tightening… My hands were sweating, my eyes were blurry… I was incredibly tired… But I have to focus…

I took a last glance at Sylvie's unmoving frame, her skin was pure white… Black bags were covering her eyelids, and her breath was nothing more than small puffs… I kneeled down beside her and took her arm gently…

This is it… This is the critical point… where Fates decides if she stays… or if she dies… I thought to myself as I fiddled with the syringe… Please Sylvie… Come back… Taking a deep breath, I finally injected the needle, letting the antidote into her system…

I waited for a few seconds… nothing seemed to happen then… Until I realized that Sylvie has stopped breathing… "Sylvie…?" I asked innocently… I know what has just transpired… but I just can't accept it…

"Sylvie…?!" I gently brought her body up, her arms dangling lifelessly… "Sylvie! Wake up!" I began to tear up… I couldn't believe I failed… "WAKE UP! Sylvie! Please, don't do this to me…!"

I cradled her body close to my chest… She can't be dead… She can't be dead… "Pl-Please… Don't do this to m-me…" I sobbed uncontrollably… I failed to notice both women behind me were weeping as well… I think Flora has told Aura to leave us alone… But I didn't notice they stepped outside… and left me here crying…

The only thing in my mind was this little girl… who went through hell and more, finally ending up in a place where she can be happy… And yet she has just died in my arms like her life meant nothing… This world was cruel… Too cruel…

I don't know how much time I've spent here… I have just been hugging Sylvie's lifeless body close… crying to the point of sleepiness… while rocking back and forth like a maniac… I'm too tired… I can't keep my eyes opened… And soon, the darkness consumed me…

To be continued…


Okay everyone, sorry for the delay. I really don't have any excuse now, and I am really sorry for this… Anyways, at least I could come up with quite the lengthy finale for this story. I really struggled with this medicine thing, I have little knowledge of medicine and I can't even begin to describe chemistry in English so I'm sorry if it came off as strange. I basically wanted to create a new disease that could throw off David, seeing that he is a really good doctor.

I think I will have an epilogue ready for all of you by tomorrow, so look forward to it.

See you in the epilogue!