Page 73 of Brick Wall
* * *
I wait all day. Patience isn’t a virtue of mine, but sometimes the payout is worth it.
Sebastian and I are lying in his bed, discussing small things regarding our day. He’s currently talking about Calvin’s latest prank in the locker room, and here’s the opening I’ve been waiting all day for.
“Does Cal bring his pranks back home or just the locker room?” I ask.
“Not just the locker room…” he says, but then says nothing further. All right. Let’s try this again.
“Are you the only two that live in the building, or are there any other teammates or friends that live here, too?” I ask slyly, at least I hope it was.
I didn’t want to ask my question too soon after running into Scarlett this morning because I didn’t want Sebastian to get suspicious or put two and two together. I think Bash really thinks Scarlett wanted to visit with him at eight o’clock on a Monday morning. Bless his heart.
“One cornerback used to have a place here, but he sold it when he was traded a year ago. I think it’s just Calvin and me now. Our building isn’t that large, with only a few tenants. We’re the only professional athletes, I believe.”
“That’s cool. Any other people around your age that live here?” I inquire.
“Nah, there are a couple older guys that work on State Street, and a few couples, but I think that’s about it.”
“Nice. It must be convenient to have Calvin so close.”
“Yeah. It’s the main reason I bought this place.”
“It’s great,” I agree.
I probably should share my suspicions about Scarlett and Calvin with Sebastian, but I decide to keep it to myself. For now, at least.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Sebastian
It’s confirmed. I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA for short. After practice today, I had a follow-up appointment with my doctor, and he wasn’t the least bit surprised.
He also said it may be why I fall asleep often, especially at practice when we watch game tape and on other occasions. I may not be getting enough sleep at night without even realizing it. I go to bed early and allot enough hours for a good night’s sleep, but often, I still wake up tired.
The test I did at home, the one that made me look like an elephant, only recorded two hours of sleep. I thought I had at least seven hours. I often wake up and stop breathing without even realizing it—several times a night, according to my test results.
Apparently, sleep apnea is common, especially among football players. I’m unsure of the exact numbers, but athletes and football players are at a higher risk of developing OSA.
One reason is that athletes, linemen especially, have thicker necks and looser tissues, which can obstruct the upper airway during sleep. Obesity and weight gain can contribute to sleep apnea as well.
If untreated, sleep apnea can lead to chronic heart failure, high blood pressure, stroke, and other health problems. I now wonder if my dad may have had untreated sleep apnea, which could have led to his stroke. He was a bigger guy, but he still died too young. I guess I’ll never know for sure.
Thankfully, I am aware of the problem for myself and can take some measures to help. I need to use a CPAP machine, which will force air into my mouth and keep my airways open while I sleep. I look forward to getting better rest.
Annie enters my apartment, and her eyes automatically fall on my dining room table, where my CPAP machine sits. She lifts an eyebrow, so I lead her to the couch and tell her everything I learned today.
“I’m relieved they figured out what it was,” she says, echoing my own thoughts from earlier.
I’m still a little embarrassed that I will need to sleep with a machine every night.
“Don’t feel pressure to stay tonight or any night. I know the machine will be annoying.” I have no idea how annoying it will be since I haven’t used it yet, but I’m sure it will be.
“I’m not worried. I’d rather sleep with you, anyway.”
I’d rather sleep with her, too. I’m relieved she’s not bothered, but that could change in the future, of course.
“Have you mentioned it to your mom yet?” Annie asks.
