Page 93 of No Fear

“How are the headaches?”

“They’ve eased. Yesterday, I don’t recall having one until the evening. This morning was good, but one came on suddenly on the way here.”

“Suddenly? How do you mean?”

“It was a sudden piercing pain behind my eyes. A stabbing pain.”

“And now?”

“It’s better. More of a dull ache.”

“Were you wearing sunglasses?”

Donnie frowned. “No. Why would I? I can't exactly see the sun.”

“It’s a bright sunny day. The sunlight can still affect you. Have you been outside in the sun since you left here?”

“No. Not left the condo.”

“Alright. Let’s get going on the tests.”

For the next thirty minutes, Sophie shined lights in his eyes, did scans and asked more questions. He loved Sophie, but his patience was wearing thin. No matter what she did, all he could see was darkness.

“Wait here,” she finally declared, “and as soon as the scan results are in, Dr. Swanson will join us, and we can talk. Sit tight.”

The door opened and closed, and then there was silence. Donnie let out a sigh.

“That was a lot of tests.” Charlie said. She’d remained silent throughout the tests.

“Yes. And no positive comments. Not looking good.”

She took his hand and squeezed it. “Dr. Summers isn’t the specialist, and I’m sure she wants to review the results before sharing anything.”

She was right. He just needed a little ray of hope. Anything. The constant waiting for news, for any signs of encouragement, was wearing him down.

“How is your head now? Do you need something for the pain?”

“No. It’s eased off.”

“Do you think maybe the bright light did make your eyes react?”

Donnie shrugged. “I know it was sunny because I could feel the heat, but I couldn’t see anything different.”

The door opened and two sets of footsteps entered.

“Mr. Donaldson. It’s good to see you again.”

“Wish I could say the same,” Donnie said tightly.

“Dr. Swanson, this is Charlie, a friend of Donnie’s.” Sophie made the introduction.

“I’m sure you’re eager for me to get straight down to it, so let’s do that,” Dr. Swanson said.

Donnie straightened in the chair, bracing for bad news. He gripped Charlie’s hand; grateful he wasn’t facing this alone.

“The inflammation has completely gone. Your brain looks good. Blood flow all normal. We ran tests on your eyes, and there is no visible damage. This is all very good news.”

Charlie’s hand tightened on his. “So why can't he see?” She asked the question that had been on his lips.