Chapter 24

At the end of the lunch break, just before 1pm, the doctor approached us. His expression was neutral and he was carrying a clipboard.

- What's up, doc? - I stood up from my chair.

- We already know what your brother has, miss. - He confessed without any change in expression.

- And what is it? Is he going to be all right? - I asked anxiously.

The feeling was indescribable. Nervousness was choking my throat and my heart seemed hypertrophied for the place it occupied in my chest.

- David has a rare stem cell disease characterized by hemolytic anemia. The causes of the disease are not known for sure, but what occurs is a mutation in a specific stem cell gene within the bone marrow. - He continued slowly. - These modified cells go on to produce defective platelets, which can form blood clots, and red blood cells that break down easily.

- That's why thrombosis occurs... - I thought.

- Exactly. One of the clots formed fell into the bloodstream and blocked a vein. But that's not the only risk