Page 163 of Fractured Future

The label I’ve battled to avoid.

“Don’t look so crestfallen, Ember.” The doctor smiles kindly. “Epilepsy isn’t the end of the world. You have a serious chronic condition, but it can be managed. Now we know what it is.”

“If you’re going to tell me to stop fighting or work?—”

“No, no. Let me stop you right there. I’m not about to recommend you remain in bed for the rest of your life.”

Surprise holds my tongue.

“However, I am going to prescribe medications that you will take daily. Anticonvulsants and perhaps an anti-epileptic. This could be a long trial and error process until we find the right fit, though.”

Faint hope sparks within me. “I understand.”

“What about lifestyle changes?” Warner questions, apparently pushing his anger aside for now.

“There will be some.” Doctor Fawn adopts a serious tone. “You’ll need to surrender your driver’s license. If in the future you remain seizure free for a set period of time, you will be able to drive again.”

Now I’m the one squeezing Warner’s hand to a breaking point. We’re both strangling the blood from each other’s veins.

“Simple changes like diet, exercise and avoiding excessive stress need to be considered,” he adds. “You do not have to give up your career, Ember. But you have to be careful.”

“I can do that,” I quickly confirm.

“That means resting when needed. Avoiding further trauma that may trigger a seizure. Learning to manage stress and recognising your triggers. You need a good support system.”

Perking up, Warner leans forward in his seat. “She has that. We can look out for her.”

“Then you need to learn how to help.” Doctor Fawn turns his gaze to Warner. “I can recommend reading on supporting a loved one with epilepsy. What to do, warning signs, after care.”

“Yes please. Write me a list. I’ll share it with the whole team.”

“You’ll need to be on the lookout for…”

Their voices quickly fade from my awareness, swallowed by the blood pounding in my ears. The hospital room becomes greyscale as I simply stare at Warner.

I’m fascinated by his endless passion. The way his voice fills with excitement when he discovers a purpose. His steadfast commitment even when he’s mad as hell.

Who cares that much?

He hasn’t abandoned me to do this alone because I lied to him. To all of them, really. This secret was theirs to know too, but still, I kept it to myself. Yet Warner hasn’t given up on me.

Snapping back into the dreary hospital room at the sound of my name being called, I glance at the doctor. He’s pressed his clipboard to his chest in preparation to leave.

“I’m going to give you some time to process while I discuss treatment options with our clinical pharmacist. We’ll get you sorted, Ember.”

My tongue unpeels from the roof of my mouth. “Thank you.”

“Of course. Please try to get some rest.”

When he leaves the room, I deflate like a popped balloon. The pressure to hold it together in front of Doctor Fawn has drained what little energy I had left.

I sink into the arm that Warner wraps around my shoulders. His body feels firm and steady against mine, bathing me in the intoxicating scent of the forest I hold so dear.

“Thanks for being here,” I murmur.

“Always.”

“Aren’t you mad at me?”