A m a y r a

"Are you happy to go home sweetheart?" I asked the 9 year old sitting in front of me.

"Yeah. But I'll miss you Dr. Amy!" He pouted. I chuckled at his cuteness and caressed his hair. He frowned setting his hair back to their place.

Instructing his parents about the aftercare, I checked the time. It was about to be lunch. I took my coat off and departed towards Layla's cabin.

I saw a little boy getting rolled on a wheelchair having measle type scars on his body. My mind drifted to Alexander. I was contended about sharing my feelings with him. I was on cloud nine when he reciprocated the words.

Molluscum Contagiosum.

Dermatology wasn't my specialisation. But according to the search engines, Molluscum Contagiosum wasn't a lifetime disease. Giving it a benifit of doubt, I decided to discuss the problem with my senior, Dr. Jacob Andruzzi.

Dr. Andruzzi is one of the best dermatologists of UK. He is currently working on a project in Manchester on generating awareness about common skin care and hygiene. Along with fame, he is also possessing a wide knowledge on his subject of specialisation. I hope he can answer a few of my questions.

Asking for the rest of the day off, I headed towards the camp just behind the hospital's parking lot.

Exchanging greetings I asked the grey haired man about his guidance on a few topics. He agreed to help me and that's how our conversation flew.

"Are there any skin diseases that may have a tenure of lifetime occurance?" I asked.

"Yes there are. Skin problems like Cradle Cap, Rosacea, Lupos and many more problems can even accompany an infant for lifetime." He explained.

"What about Molluscum Contagiosum?" I asked.

"It is an inflammatory skin problem that may or may not show red swollen marks on the patient's skins." He replied.

"Can Molluscum Contagiosum be chronic too? And be contagious for the entire lifetime just by touch or sharing of hygiene items or intimate gestures or anything like that?" I asked.

"Generally not. But for a few patients it may be chronic. But in that case, it won't be contagious forever. It would show contagious problems only during the infection period, that is when red marks and inflammation resurface. The patient may otherwise lead a normal life, have intimate relations, or anything else." He explained.

I was shocked would be a normal statement. Was Alexander being mislead? Or did he misunderstand his situation?

"Can the patient be harmed by UV light?" I asked.

"Absolutely not. At times UV light may be beneficial for the patient." He said.

"Can it be passed on my genetics? Like from one generation to another?" I asked.

"No. It cannot be passed genetically." He replied.

I pressed my lips for a moment. Trying to absorb everything.

"Well I have a friend who recently told me about his findings about Molluscum Contagiosum. He shared that he was diagnosed at the age of 9. It weakened his immune system along with causing dyslexic tendencies. He also faces problems in physical activities. He had been advised by his former doctor to avoid UV light, direct contacts, missing tablets and many more such precautions that led him to believe that he has a serious skin problem. They say it is contagious and genetical too. Can you help him anyhow?" I asked him expectedly.

"I see. This is very wierd. Can I perform a few tests before giving you any advices? Will it be possible to meet the patient once?" He asked.

"I don't know sir. He isn't doing very well with people these years. He might or might not be ready to come to the clinic." I admitted. It was true.

"Can you bring me his blood, urine and hair samples along with his medical file and list of drugs he's consuming now?" He asked me.

"Sure doctor. I can do that." I said.

"You can drop the samples at my clinic's reception by my name. I'll call and ask them to perform the test. I'll reach you again once I have the results." He smiled.

"Thank you so much, Dr. Andruzzi. That means a lot. The patient is very close to me and any leads on this case would be very helpful." I said shaking his hands.

Bidding adiéu, I took an uber back to home. I couldn't help but think about what Dr. Andruzzi explained about Alexander. I'll have to ask for Xander's samples without revealing much to him. If the ultimate findings remain the same, atleast he shouldn't be disheartened.

"I am home." I yelled entering into the condo. As always, pin drop silence resonated in the house. I heard the door click open, revealing Alexander. He gave me a small smile and I displayed a big grin of mine.

"How was your day?" I asked him.

"Same old. What about you?" He asked. This was the first time he asked me about my day. I am happy we are progressing.

"Oh I met a senior of mine today, Dr. Andruzzi. He is a dermatologist. He was setting up a camp just behind our hospital's parking lot. I had a chat with him and got to know about a lot of things." I informed him.

He nodded.

"Hey Xander." I called his name out. He hummed in reply. "Do you still get the inflammatory feeling or red marks on your skin?" I asked.

He paused and thought for a second. "No. I don't. I rarely miss my medicines so I don't think I'll get any reactions." He replied.

"When was the last time you had a reaction?" I asked cautiously. I don't mean to overstep but I need to find the root.

"At the age of 10. I never had another such reaction." He shrugged.

"Never?" I asked with widened eyes.

"Never." He answered.

"Why did Dr. Robert ask you to avoid UV rays? Did you have any problem?" I asked.

"I had a fever. I felt suffocation. He couldn't figure out anything at first. I asked if I should go to the cyber cafe and search something up about the symptoms. He agreed but before an hour I could depart, he told me he found out the reason and it was due to UV rays. He asked me to avoid screens and sunlight ever since." He said.

It seems like he just wanted to keep you away from internet, or better say, truth.

"Have you ever shared your problem with your parents or Ethan?" I asked cautiously. I knew it was a sensitive topic for him.

I saw his fist clenched and breathing heavy. He calmed down in a bit.

"I didn't want them to mock me regarding my condition. I was too scared that they might tell the world about this and I would get mocked or avoided like a plague. Everywhere I go. Later when I grew up, I reluctantly avoided informing them. I don't think it's any of their business now." He said. Before I could say another word, he went back into his room.

That night, we didn't have any normal conversation anymore. Alexander answered everything I asked in one word. It was quite visible he was upset about me asking about his parents.

We went to slumber without greeting each other good night.

It was 3 in the morning and I was overthinking about everything. My mind drifted to how I could convince him into collecting samples. That's when I heard a heart thrilling scream. I ran towards Alexander's room to check on him.

He laid in the middle of his bed. Screaming and trembling.

"Don-Don't touch me! Don't touch me!" He repeatedly screamed.

My heart dropped at the side. He was deeply affected by not being able to touch anyone for a long time. Human contacts now scared him, even in his sleeps.

"Alexander! Wake up!" I semi yelled. I tried my best not to touch him anywhere. Not because I was scared. But because I knew he'll flinch.

"Wake up Xander! It's just a dream!" I said. He opened his eyes in the next second.

He sat upright for a moment. "Leave." He muttered lowly.

As much as I wanted to give him space, I was scared. Scared of something happening similar to last time.

Two days after I left to live with Ava

I was still taking rounds when my phone buzzed. It was Aunt Malisa. I picked it up in a heartbeat. I really needed updates on Alexander's health.

"Hey Aunt." I greeted.

"Hey Hun. Are you free? Or should I call you another time?" She asked.

"No its okay. How's Alexander?" I asked her. I could literally hear my heart beating.

"He is okay now. Apparently he had some flashbacks. He went into the tub hoping that the warm water and medicinal oils would relax his mind but instead his PTSD acted. He slowly found himself drowning and couldn't control his senses enough to sit upright. I am scared to leave him alone now." She sniffed.

That's what I fear now. Leaving Alexander alone wouldn't be a good idea. Not after he just woke up from a nightmare.

"Can't you hear me Amayra? I just asked you to fucking leave!" He roared. I trembled in fear but didn't leave my place.

"No." I muttered. "I am not disturbing you but I am not leaving this room." I said. He closed his eyes. His patience running loose.

"Can you please stop being stubborn for once?! Just..just fucking leave me Amayra! Leave me!" He yelled at the top of his voice. He was already sitting on by the foot of the bed by now. So I did the only thing I could think of.

I pulled him into a hug. With my hands touching his bare back and my neck in the crook of his neck.

Okay bye.

Love yaa.