CHAPTER 6 – A DOCTOR'S CURIOSITY

Oliot remained inside his medical office long after Xyrus had left.

The confidential folder lay open on his desk, displaying the latest examination results. He had reviewed the numbers several times, yet his attention kept returning to the same name.

Xyrus.

He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

He should have been thinking about the medical complications. He should have been preparing a proper report for the hockey organization and arranging an appropriate evaluation.

Instead, he found himself remembering Xyrus's expression during their last confrontation.

The frustration in his voice.

The disappointment in his eyes.

And the way he had asked why his own doctor seemed unwilling to tell him the truth.

Oliot slowly opened his eyes.

"Why does this bother me so much?" he whispered.

He had dealt with difficult patients before. Some questioned his decisions, while others refused to follow medical instructions.

But Xyrus was different.

His reactions stayed in Oliot's thoughts even after their appointments ended.

At first, he had considered Xyrus an interesting medical subject. Now, however, his attention was becoming increasingly personal.

And that realization made him uncomfortable.

Oliot opened Xyrus's confidential medical record.

He reviewed the athlete's previous physical assessments, training history, and recent symptoms.

Before the experiment, Xyrus had maintained excellent physical condition. His endurance and strength were remarkable, especially for someone competing at a professional level.

But the latest examination showed concerning changes.

Oliot compared the results and began recording his observations.

SUBJECT: XYRUS

CURRENT CONDITION: Recurring physical discomfort.

OBSERVATIONS: Symptoms becoming more noticeable during strenuous activity.

CONCERNS: Unexpected complications following the experimental procedure.

He stopped writing.

The word subject suddenly bothered him.

Xyrus wasn't merely a collection of medical observations.

He was a person with ambitions, relationships, and a career he had worked hard to build.

He had a girlfriend who was waiting for him at home. He had teammates who depended on him. He had a future that could be destroyed by the consequences of Oliot's decisions.

For the first time, Oliot felt the weight of what he had done.

He placed his pen down.

"I shouldn't have allowed this to happen," he muttered.

But regret didn't immediately make him willing to confess.

A notification appeared on his computer.

It was a request from the hockey organization's medical department.

MEDICAL DEPARTMENT: We need an updated assessment of Xyrus's condition. Please confirm whether he is medically cleared to resume training.

Oliot opened the message.

He began typing his response.

OLIOT: Xyrus experienced another episode of chest discomfort and difficulty breathing. Further medical evaluation is necessary before he can safely return to strenuous training.

He hesitated.

The organization deserved to know about the experiment. More importantly, Xyrus deserved to know what had happened to his body.

Oliot moved his fingers toward the keyboard again.

He considered adding the truth.

But his hand stopped.

If he disclosed the unauthorized procedure, his medical career could be ruined. He could lose his position, face professional consequences, and be held accountable for the harm he had caused.

His eyes returned to Xyrus's medical record.

He finally sent the incomplete report.

The decision brought no relief.

Instead, he felt even more trapped.

Later that afternoon, Oliot opened the confidential folder containing his experimental research.

The original procedure had produced results different from what he had anticipated. The latest complications suggested that another stage of investigation might be necessary.

He studied the proposed medical intervention.

A second procedure could provide additional information about Xyrus's condition, but it could also introduce further risks.

Oliot knew that conducting another procedure without Xyrus's informed consent would be another serious violation.

He pushed the folder away.

"No. I can't make another mistake."

For several minutes, he remained motionless.

Then his eyes drifted back toward the documents.

His scientific curiosity was still there, but it was no longer the only thing driving him.

He wanted to understand Xyrus.

He wanted to know why the athlete's condition had become so important to him.

And, although he refused to admit it, he wanted another reason to see him.

That thought made him uncomfortable.

He was Xyrus's doctor. His responsibility was to protect his patient, not become emotionally attached to him or use his medical position to create opportunities for personal closeness.

Yet he was already struggling to separate those feelings.

Meanwhile, Xyrus sat beside Benny at home.

She noticed that he had barely touched his food.

"You're thinking about something again," she said.

Xyrus looked at her.

"Is it that obvious?"

"Very obvious. You've been quiet since you came home."

He sighed.

"It's about my medical condition."

Benny moved closer.

"What did the doctor say?"

"He wants me to stop training until further evaluation."

"Then you should listen to him."

"I know, but something doesn't feel right."

"What do you mean?"

Xyrus hesitated.

"Every time I ask him what's happening, he avoids answering. It's like he knows something but doesn't want me to find out."

Benny gently held his hand.

"Maybe he's still trying to understand your condition."

"Maybe."

Xyrus looked down.

"But I don't think that's the whole story."

Benny squeezed his hand.

"Whatever happens, don't put your health at risk just because you're afraid of losing your career."

He nodded.

For a moment, he felt relieved by her presence.

But the questions surrounding Oliot remained unanswered.

That evening, Oliot returned to his research documents.

He stared at the proposed second procedure.

He imagined another examination with Xyrus sitting across from him, asking the same difficult questions.

He could almost hear his voice.

Tell me what you're hiding.

Oliot lowered his gaze.

He wanted Xyrus to trust him.

The irony was unbearable.

He wanted the trust of the very person whose trust he had already betrayed.

His phone suddenly vibrated.

An unknown number appeared on the screen.

UNKNOWN NUMBER: Have you reviewed the latest results?

OLIOT: Yes. The complications are developing differently than expected.

UNKNOWN NUMBER: Then proceed with the next stage.

Oliot stared at the message.

OLIOT: I'm not certain that's safe.

UNKNOWN NUMBER: You knew the risks before starting the experiment.

Oliot tightened his grip on the phone.

OLIOT: I need more time.

UNKNOWN NUMBER: Your personal feelings are becoming a problem. Don't forget why you started this.

Oliot froze.

He read the message again.

His expression changed.

Someone else had noticed that his interest in Xyrus was no longer purely professional.

He slowly placed his phone on the desk.

Then he looked at the confidential folder.

For the first time, he questioned whether his growing attachment was making him even more dangerous to Xyrus.

He had wanted to understand the athlete's condition.

Now he was beginning to want something he had no right to demand.

And he knew that Xyrus would never willingly give it to him if he discovered the truth.

Oliot closed the folder.

He hadn't performed the second procedure, but he had not abandoned the idea either.

His curiosity, guilt, and growing personal attachment were pulling him in different directions.

And somewhere between those conflicting emotions, he was losing sight of the person he was supposed to protect.