“Your EEG results indicate some evidence of epileptiform activity. This looks a bit like small spikes in your brain activity, particularly when we simulate hyperventilation to trigger a response.”
“Even when she isn’t having a seizure?” Hyland questions.
“Correct.”
“Then what would a full seizure look like?”
“Ember’s episodes would elicit a much more dramatic result—prolonged, jagged waves of abnormal activity generalised across the brain. However, this baseline does confirm her diagnosis.”
“So you’re just telling us what we already know,” I huff.
“As I said before, finding a long-term treatment plan is a complex process.” He grants me a smile. “Confirmation of our initial diagnosis is an important step.”
I’m not sure how much longer I can clench my teeth to hold back my annoyance. This is such a waste of time. I’ve got the label. I’ve got the pills. I should be out there looking for Tom, not listening to this moron harp on.
“We will continue on your current regimen and proceed with regular checkups to monitor any changes to your condition. Any cause for concern or intense episodes, please contact me.”
“That’s it?” Hyland blusters.
Stacking the paperwork against his knee, Doctor Fawn levels him with an appraising stare. I’m sure Hyland harassed the poor man while I was stuck in here after my last attack.
“Mr Wesson, this is a long process.”
“You’re saying she could have an epileptic fit at any moment.”
“That is the nature of Ember’s diagnosis. Chronic illnesses can manifest at any time.”
“How is that okay? No one can live like that.”
“On the contrary, vast swathes of the population live with this condition and others like it. They live full lives, only with a few extra precautions.”
“But you’re seemingly okay with her walking around like a ticking time bomb?”
“That isn’t language I’d choose?—”
“There isn’t a cure,” I interrupt, fatigue weighing me down.
Pushed off from the wall, Hyland has to bend his neck to peer down at me. Aggravation is a well-versed look on him at this point.
“I found you on the floor just a couple of days ago, Em.” The corners of his eyes crease into an aggrieved frown. “You were barely conscious.”
“I pushed myself too hard. That’s it.”
“You could’ve triggered another seizure!”
“And it was stupid. I won’t do it again. Are you done?”
“No,” he replies hotly. “I’m not. You can’t live like this.”
“I have to!” My voice raises in volume.
Nose pinched, Doctor Fawn nods. “And we’re here to help.”
“Is that supposed to be comforting?” Hyland snaps.
“We’re teaching Ember to manage her long-term condition, but it’s enduring. She will always live with this condition because we cannot cure it. This is her new reality.”
“She can’t live in fear forever.”
