(Nate P.O.V)
“Yes,” I replied, my voice steady but carrying an unspoken weight. My heart gave an almost imperceptible squeeze as memories of that awkward and vulnerable moment flooded back.
His words tumbled out in quick succession, a torrent of questions that cascaded over me like a waterfall. “How did it go? Did the result come out? What did the doctor say about it? It’s nothing to be worried about, right?” His voice barely paused for breath, his concern palpable even through the phone line.
“Yeah, I have done the imaginary test.” My voice was shaky as speak “I got the results from that imaginary test, and it’s not good news. The doctors found out that the cancer is deeper than they initially thought. They want to do a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy to see if it has spread further.”
Silence hung in the air for a moment, heavy with the weight of the news. “Nate, I’m so sorry to hear that,” Elliot finally responded, his tone filled with empathy.
“Yeah,” I sighed, my throat tight. “It’s been a tough day. I just got back from the hospital after having the biopsy done.”
“How was it?” Elliot asked, concern lacing his words.
“It was... intense,” I replied, memories of the procedure still fresh in my mind. “First, they took me for an MRI, CT scan, and a PET scan. Man, those machines are like something out of a sci-fi movie. The MRI was loud, and I had to lie still for what felt like ages. The CT scan involved a contrast dye that made me feel all warm and tingly. And the PET scan was just surreal, lying there while this machine scanned my body for any signs of trouble.”
“Sounds like a lot to go through,” Elliot sympathized.
“Yeah, but you know what? I kept thinking about how you’d handle it, and it helped me stay grounded,” I admitted. “After a few days, they took me to the operating room for the biopsy. I was nervous as hell, but the doctors and nurses were really kind. They explained everything and kept me as comfortable as possible.”
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, the gravity of my words sinking in. “That’s really messed up, Nate,” he said, his voice tinged with disbelief and concern.
I managed a wry chuckle, appreciating his honest reaction. “Yeah, tell me about it.”
He hesitated, clearly at a loss for words. “I... I don’t even know what to say, man. I’m here for you, though, you know that.”
“And what about Arabella? How is she taking the news?” Elliot’s concern for my wife tugged at my heart.
“Not good,” I admitted, my worry for her mirroring his own. “She nearly went pale when the doctor discussed the results of the imaging tests with us. She loves me so much, and I can see the fear in her eyes.”
Elliot’s understanding voice resonated through the line. “That is understandable, Nate. Facing news like this is never easy, especially for our loved ones.” His words were a soothing balm, a reminder that I wasn’t alone in this ordeal.
“Make sure you spend some quality time alone with her. It will make her feel better.” Elliot advised, his wisdom rings true.
Elliot’s voice crackled through the phone, a momentary pause adding weight to his words. “When did the doctor say the result of the Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy came out?” His question hung in the air, heavy with concern. I could sense the worry lacing Elliot’s voice, even from miles away.
“The doctor said it will take a week for the result to come out,” I replied, my voice calm despite the turmoil within. “I was also thinking to visit the office and complete all the important impending tasks before the result comes out. Since I won’t be able to work for some time until after the treatment begins.”
My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, a storm of uncertainty and fear that I tried to keep at bay. Changing the topic seemed necessary, a way to lighten the mood and shift the focus. “No, don’t risk coming to the office in your condition and just rest at home. I can handle the work here,” Elliot’s voice held a hint of firmness, but I could sense the underlying concern, the genuine care that he held for me.
I leaned back against the headboard, my eyes fixed on a point in the distance as I continued. “It’s not just about the work, Elliot. I want to come there and get myself busy with work to avoid thinking about the things that happened these few days.” I paused, my throat tightening momentarily before I pressed on. “Besides, I would be able to relax more while going through the treatment once I know all the things I need to do were taken care of.”
A brief silence followed the unspoken emotions hanging between us like a fragile thread. I could almost picture Elliot on the other end of the line, his brows furrowed in concern, his lips pressed into a thoughtful line.
“Okay, fine. But don’t be too hard on yourself,” Elliot’s words finally broke the stillness, a mixture of resignation and understanding lacing his tone. A faint smile curved my lips, grateful for the understanding that Elliot offered.
Elliot’s voice came through the phone, a hesitant pause preceding his words. “So, when are you coming to the office?” His inquiry hung in the air, a testament to his uncertainty.
“Tomorrow,” my response was swift, almost reflexive.
“What?” Elliot’s astonishment was palpable, reverberating through the line. “Nate, you’ve just had a biopsy. You should take at least a day to rest. Come in the day after tomorrow. I’ll gather up your tasks in the office, so you can tackle them as soon as possible.”
I nodded on my end, a silent agreement forming between us. I caught myself, realizing that Elliot couldn’t see my gesture. I muttered a small alright, my voice barely audible.
As the conversation shifted, we ventured into other topics, discussing the progress of our ongoing project, our words intermingling with the soft rustle of papers and the distant hum of city life outside. The worries that had loomed large in my mind seemed momentarily distant, the connection with Elliot serving as an anchor in the midst of uncertainty.
It wasn’t until the sound of my name floated through the air, carried by Arabella’s melodic voice, that I realized how much time had passed.
“Arabella is calling me, I have to go I will see you the day after tomorrow,” I said, my gaze drifting towards the clock as the reality of our conversation settled in.
“Alright, Nate. Take care and rest up,” Elliot’s voice held a mixture of concern and support, a lifeline in this sea of uncertainty.
“Okay, see you on the day after tomorrow,” I replied, a heaviness in my chest as I reluctantly ended the call. The click of the phone disconnecting reverberated in the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
With a sigh, I rose from my seat and began making my way toward the dining room.
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