“Laura, what transpired?” The man enquires, embracing Ricky.
She suppresses her scream to respond. “I am uncertain,” she exhales. “It is simply painful.”
“What is the source of pain?”
“All!” She weeps, her hands grasping at her chest. “I am unable to breathe!” Marlon, I am experiencing difficulty breathing. I am unable to breathe!“
“Understood,” responds the one named Marlon, blinking rapidly as he contemplates his next course of action. “Very well, I shall escort you to the pack clinic so Dr. Rayna can examine you,” he states, lifting her out the room.
The environment transforms into a clinic, with Ricky seated nervously on an examination table in a patient gown, while Marlon sits next her, grasping her hand. The pain appears to have temporarily diminished; Ricky is no longer screaming or writhing, yet remains equally apprehensive.
“Everything will be alright, Luna,” Marlon attempts to reassure her. “I am confident it is merely menstrual cramps or something similar,” he asserts.
Ricky nods, attempting to persuade herself of the veracity of his statements, while her wrinkled brows remain tense. A tall woman enters the room, clad in scrubs and with a clipboard, after knocking on the door.
She takes a seat opposite Ricky and compels a smile while removing her glasses.
There is an issue present.
“Understood, Luna.” “I possess both favourable and unfavourable news,” she exhales, her gaze shifting to Marlon.
He casts her a cautionary glance before feigning a grin and grasping Ricky’s hand tightly.
“The favourable news,” the doctor states, wiping her mouth. All the tests returned negative results. Your uterus is normal, your heart is healthy, your lungs are performing optimally, both kidneys are operational, and there are no indications of gallstones or kidney stones. Utterly flawless. Your health is exemplary.
“Observe, Luna?” Marlon laughs, but his eyes remain devoid of mirth. I informed you that you were attractive.
A little smile of relief appears on Ricky’s lips. “What follows…?” ”
“The unfavourable news,” the doctor exhales, descending her clipboard. The pain you are experiencing is likely attributable to stress.
“Tension?” Ricky reiterates as though the term is unfamiliar to her. “Is it merely stress?” ”
The physician acknowledges with a nod. “Merely a construct of your imagination, Luna.” You indicated that the pain commenced following your confrontation with Mr. Kye. The strain has evidently culminated, resulting in a physiological response from your body.
“This does not seem to be stress,” Ricky replies. I have previously served as an EMT. I am familiar with stress. This is unequivocally inadequate-”
The physician elevates her hand to address the audience. “Occupational stress and emotional distress can present in markedly distinct ways,” she elucidates. “Emotional stress can manifest as an overwhelming sensation of impending collapse, accompanied by a sudden inability to breathe.” Does that resonate with you?”
“Affirmative…” Ricky acknowledges with a nod.
“Did your heart begin to race uncontrollably, as if it were about to explode from your chest at any moment?” ”
“Affirmative…” Ricky murmurs, her hands clutching the table’s edge.
“Did you experience fear?” The physician enquires.
“Yes…” Ricky whimpers, a faint sob escaping her voice. “Affirmative, indeed.” “I believed I was perishing,” she hiccups.
“Did you, for a fleeting instant, contemplate surrendering?” ”
Ricky merely nods, unable to articulate her anguish. The physician manoeuvres her chair nearer to Ricky, placing her palm atop his.
“Luna,” the physician intones. You have imposed significant pressure on yourself to conceive, and your body is aware of it. It is imperative that you unwind. Engage in an enjoyable activity and allow your body to fulfil its need. Your moment as a mother will arrive when it is destined to occur. Neither earlier nor later.
Ricky nods once again, drying her tears and remaining distressed by the diagnosis.
“I will prescribe a medication for your pain,” the doctor states, noting it on her clipboard. “However, I kindly request that you proceed with caution from this point forward. Allocate time to engage in enjoyable activities with your hubby. A pack suffers when its Luna is unwell.
The doctor once more exchanges glances with Marlon, and I then get that she is concealing the truth, keeping it captive in her head.
The recollection gradually transforms into a bedroom, where Ricky stands before a mirror, applying lipstick.
She is stunning in a black, floor-length gown featuring an asymmetrical neckline and a thigh-high slit.
“Darling, are you prepared?” Ricky announces Aldo’s entrance into the room, who is attired in an elegant tuxedo.
“I have been prepared,” he laughs, embracing her from behind. Nina is also fully attired. “We are all merely awaiting your arrival.” He bestows lips upon her exposed neck and shoulders. “You are aware that I could consume you right here…” he purrs, while Ricky beams with pleasure as she savours his lips. “You are nearly flawless.”
