Chapter 883
The doctor hesitated for a couple of seconds before asking, โWhy do you want to undergo an HIV screening? Are you feeling unwell, or have you recently come into contact with someone diagnosed with the disease?โ
โIโve been in contact,โ Yuna said softly, her voice tinged with unease. โI didnโt know beforehand. I only found out recently, and itโs been making me really anxious.โ
โIs it confirmed that the person you were in contact with has this disease? And what kind of contact did you have?โ the doctor asked, pausing briefly before continuing. โHIV is indeed a serious condition, but itโs not something you catch from casual contact.โ
After explaining the basics about HIV transmission, the doctor added, โIf you tell me honestly, I can help determine if youโre at risk and whether this screening is necessary.โ
โThe infected person is a girl. Sheโs from a difficult background and works in a karaoke lounge as a drinks promoter. About a month ago, she got sick, and I took care of her for a few days. During that time, we shared meals, lived together, and used the same bathroom. Last week, she had a high fever and went to see a doctor, where she was diagnosed with HIV. Over the past two weeks, Iโve been experiencing discomfort down there, so I started to suspect that I might be infected,โ Yuna admitted, her words sinking heavily into Keira and Hayden.
Even with humanityโs limited understanding of HIV, the circumstances she described suggested there might indeed be a risk of transmission.
The doctor patiently repeated what they already knew but reassured her. โSince youโre concerned, itโs wise to do a blood test. However, you donโt need to be overly worried. HIV is primarily transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and mother-to-child transmission. The likelihood of transmission through casual contact is extremely lowโalmost negligible.โ
โStill, Iโd like to get tested,โ Yuna insisted.
The doctor nodded, writing out an order for the blood test, then asked, โThat girl at the karaoke loungeโฆ was she involved in, well, that kind of work?โ
โNo,โ Yuna denied quickly. โSheโs a decent girl. A year ago, she was drugged and assaulted.โ
The doctor fell silent for a few seconds before replying, โEncourage your friend to seek proper treatment. There are plenty of antiviral medications available now.โ
Yuna said nothing in response, and shortly after, we saw her step out of the consultation room holding the test order. She was so preoccupied that she didnโt notice Hayden and Keira sitting nearby.
Chapter 883
Keira grabbed Haydenโs hand, finding it ice-cold. โLetโs wait for the test results before jumping to conclusions,โ she whispered.
Lena, who had been listening from the adjacent room, joined them after Yuna left. Keiraโs first question to her was, โIs it really unlikely for her to be infected?โ
โIf her contact with the infected person was as she described, the likelihood of infection is extremely lowโless than one in ten thousand. But the real question is whether sheโs being entirely truthful,โ Lena said, casting a glance at Hayden. โShe seems emotionally distraught. You should keep a closer eye on her in the coming days.โ
Haydenโs expression remained heavy, his thoughts visibly weighed down. Keira could sense his turmoil, but there were no words of comfort that could truly help. All she could do was hold his hand tightly in silent support.
Keira proceeded with her prenatal checkup. Lena handled everything swiftly, handing her the necessary forms.
Despite the size of the hospital, fate seemed to have a sense of humor. Hayden and Keira crossed paths with Yuna again. This time, she was speaking to someone: Nate.
โHave you been feeling unwell lately?โ Nateโs voice was calm and gentle.
Yuna shook her head. โNo, Iโm fine.โ
โThatโs good. But you must still get regular checkups, even if youโre feeling well,โ Nate reminded her.
โProfessor Neumann,โ Yuna clutched the straps of her bag tightly, her voice hesitant. โCan I add you on WeChat or get your phone number?โ
It was only then that Keira realized Yuna and Nate hadnโt had any prior interactionโeverything had been mediated through Lena and her.
Nate pulled out his phone and exchanged contact information with Yuna. As she put her phone away, she suddenly asked, โProfessor Neumann, if I donโt want this heart anymore, can I donate it to someone else?โ
Her words froze Keira and Hayden in place.
Nateโs expression didnโt change visibly, but his voice softened. โWhy would you want to give up your heart? Itโs already part of you now. You should cherish it and live well for the donor who gave it to you.โ
Yuna lowered her gaze and didnโt respond, her expression unreadable. Keira exchanged a worried glance with Hayden, his jaw tightening in silent frustration.