Page 116 of Fighting Fate

"I understand, but—" the nurse is interrupted.

A new voice joins in, calm yet authoritative. "I'm Dr. Patel, overseeing Miles. Let's discuss this privately."

We move to a small conference room, the atmosphere is consumed with worry. Dr. Patel's gaze sweeps over us, lingering on those not directly related to Miles. I'm about to suggest we leave to give the Chasens space when Mr. Chasen speaks up.

"They're family. Please, tell us what's happening with our son." His voice is firm, underlined with a father's concern.

Dr. Patel starts, "Miles experienced a seizure at his game. It was minor, but we're keeping him for observation."

"Minor?" Mr. Chasen's voice is strained. "A seizure is never minor."

Dr. Patel inhales deeply, searching for the right words. "The situation could have been worse, but fortunately, we acted promptly. We've administered anticonvulsants to prevent any more seizures, and Miles is now resting. However, we've observed some signs that warrant close monitoring over the next few days."

Mr. Chasen's frustration is palpable. "What do you mean by 'concerning signs'? You're the doctor here, you should be able to explain!"

My dad's hand on his shoulder is a silent plea for patience. "Let the doctor speak, Drew."

Mr. Chasen exhales a heavy breath, nodding for Dr. Patel to continue.

Dr. Patel proceeds. "Miles experienced what we classify as a minor seizure. Upon his arrival, we conducted several tests and there are more we need to perform to fully understand his condition."

Mrs. Chasen's voice is a whisper of worry. "More tests? What are you looking for?"

"We observed a significant fever and Miles was holding his head in distress. We plan to perform a CT scan to investigate further. His blood pressure was unusually high, and his oxygen levels were concerning," Dr. Patel explains, his tone measured. "These symptoms contributed to his seizure, but there's more to it..."

The pause in his speech heightens the tension. Mr. Chasen urges him to continue, anxiety etching his face.

Dr. Patel sighs, the weight of the news evident. "We contacted the school for Miles' medical history as he wasn't previously registered in our system. It appears he has been under Dr. Reynolds' care for the past month, receiving specific treatment."

Mrs. Chasen's hold on her husband strengthens, her eyes welling up with tears. "What kind of treatment? I thought we had put all of this behind us," she utters, lifting her gaze to meet Miles' dad.

I fight the urge to spiral into worst-case scenarios. Stay grounded, Milli. It might not be as bad as you think.

Dr. Patel shifts. "We're still waiting for the full details of Miles' treatment plan with Dr. Reynolds. The school provided some information, but we need the complete records to understand the context of his recent health issues," he says, aiming to reassure us despite the many unanswered questions lingering in the air.

As the reality of the situation dawns on us, it hits like a tidal wave of shock and disbelief—Miles' cancer could be resurfacing. This fear, once a distant shadow, now looms ominously. Each clear check-up had been a beacon of hope, but now, doubt creeps in. Had he been hiding this all along? His recent stress, the unspoken words in his truck, the troubled look during our video call...were these silent cries for help that I had missed?

The room is suspended in a tense silence. Dr. Patel tries to navigate this emotional minefield with care. "I know this is hard," he says gently, "but let's not jump to any conclusions. We're doing everything we can to gather the necessary information and determine the best way forward."

Mr. Chasen rakes his fingers through his hair in frustration. "I just need to know what's happening with my son. We can face anything, as long as we know."

Dr. Patel nods in understanding. "We're working on getting Miles' full medical records as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, we're conducting all the necessary tests to get a clear picture of his current health."

Mrs. Chasen's eyes brim with tears, her grip on her husband's hand tightening. "After everything we've been through...the thought of him facing this battle again is unbearable."

The room feels like a storm cloud of mixed emotions—fear, hope, uncertainty. I'm rooted to my chair, the gravity of the situation pressing down on me. The thought of losing Miles, the heart and soul of my world, is paralyzing. His laughter, his smile, his touch, his very presence are irreplaceable treasures in my life. The mere thought of a future without him twists my heart into an unyielding knot.

My mom's hand on my shoulder brings a small comfort. Her touch seems to say, "We'll get through this." But the reassurance feels hollow. Not until we know for sure about Miles' condition.

In the stifling silence, it's as if a heavy shroud has been draped over us, its weight unbearable. My heart goes out to Miles and his family; our lives, once so ordinary and carefree, have been upended in an instant.

I push back the guilt that starts to creep in. This isn't your fault, Milli, I remind myself.

Mrs. Chasen's voice breaks the silence, determined yet fragile. "I need to see him. I need to be there for him."

Dr. Patel rises. "Let's keep it to the immediate family for now," he suggests.

The Chasens follow him. Mrs. Chasen's tears are a silent testimony to a mother's love and fear. The door closes, leaving the rest of us enveloped in a solemn hush.

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