Posted by Lieutenant Solal Segal (Oncology and Immunology) in Side sim: The Things We Don’t Tell Our Loved Ones
Solal was not getting better. In fact, he felt worse. It was late in the day and Solal had yet to drag himself out of bed. His body ached. He had a headache. He was exhausted. He wanted to sleep simply so he didn’t have to feel it all.

Laying on the nightstand near him was his PaDD, left open to a letter he’d received from his parents two days ago. It was written in French, but the UT would auto translate it into any language. It read as follows:

Solal,

It’s been months since we’ve heard from you and it is beginning to worry us. How have you been? Have you earned any promotions? Made new friends? Meet anyone interesting? Or what about a date? Haven’t you thought about dating somebody?

We have been busy lately, ever since the next nearest hospital was closed for structural repairs to the buildings. We are doing well as ever. We visited Japan last month. It was a beautiful trip. The letter went on to describe the trip in more detail.

We both hope to hear from you soon, Solal. We miss you.

Write soon,

The Segals

Solal had been rereading it, still undecided on how best to respond. He was unwilling to lie, yet also unwilling to disclose his illness, to mention the discovery of his half sister, V’alura. Then he had been distracted, set the PaDD down, and forgotten to deal with it. Presently he lay awake, eyes closed, wasting time with little energy or motivation to do anything.

~ Solal

The chime rang at this time notifying that someone was at the door.

Sci Petrakos