Page 7 of Healer
Then, a month after my fifty-eighth birthday, my muscles began twitching, which soon progressed to excruciating cramps and uncontrollable spasms in my legs and arms. Some days, it was a struggle just to get out of bed. And during those difficult times, Derek left me. His parting words stung like salt in an open wound. A flippant remark about our wedding vows, not including the possibility of him having to wipe my ass for me as I deteriorated from ALS.
Fucker.
Every day, I felt myself weakening despite a strict treatment regimen that included medication like Riluzole, Radicava, muscle relaxers, and hydrocodone to help me function as normally as possible. Any changes in my demeanor or actions I simply attributed to the stress of dealing with a cheating husband. I might have lied about why Dereck left me, claiming he cheated. But the jerk had moved on rather quickly with his new medical assistant, in my opinion.
The Appalachian hike with the girls was my last hurrah. A way to say goodbye, after which I’d pretend to be swept off my feet by a gorgeous doctor and move to Spain to be with him. In truth, I planned to check into one of the best ALS care centers in the world, located in Barcelona. Thankfully, Spain didn’t havethe same hang-ups about euthanasia as the US for when things got too bad.
Hakkar enveloped my left hand in his strong, comforting grip. His touch sent a warm, blissful sensation through my body. As far as rescuers went, I hit the jackpot with this one. His presence brought me a sense of safety and comfort I hadn’t felt in a long time.
Gritting my teeth, I clenched my right hand into a fist and felt a sharp spasm shoot up to my elbow.
Just like before.
I’d started experiencing full-blown ALS symptoms when the aliens grabbed me. Despite my body being reverted to its twenty-something youthfulness, it took only a week to notice the stiffness returning to my joints. Based on the growing discomfort in my hands, it seemed time was already running out. I’d been through this hell once. The thought of facing this debilitating condition again was beyond terrifying—especially in an alien world.
No.
I would not be its victim again.
This time, I’d take control of my future—or rather, lack of one. This time, there would be no tests or drugs. No clinic in Barcelona to aid my escape from the pain. This time, the end of my illness would be up to me. The idea terrified me, but becoming a burden to others as disease wrecked my body terrified me even more. While the idea of being reunited with my friends filled me with joy, imaging how they would insist upon caring for me as my body wasted terrified me.A fear stronger than being an escapee in the middle of a dangerous alien jungle.
Chapter 4 – Hakkar
The potent dose of ephadreiline gave Agnes the strength to walk without stopping through the night and into the pale light of morning. Although I expected her pitiful shoes to disintegrate at any moment, they clung limply to her dainty feet. As the sun rose, we paused by a babbling stream and shared a meager meal of dried meat, tart berries, and crunchy nuts. I would need to hunt soon if we wanted to sustain ourselves on the journey.
The jungle around us teemed with life. Thankfully, none that seemed predatory where we were concerned. From what I knew of this planet, that would change the deeper into the jungle we moved. I’d kept us off the known paths… that’s where the Ajani would expect us to travel. Going overland would be rougher and take longer, but Agnes did not complain. Her bright gray eyes traveled the landscape with a curious air, occasionally commenting on a plant or small animal that favored something from Earth.
Despite her demeanor, there was a delicate quality to her I couldn’t help but notice. It was as if something fragile existed within her—easily shattered, or partially broken. But she carried herself with a fierce determination and strength that surpassed many Vaktaire I knew. The way she allowed the Ulkommanian to slice her arm without so much as a wince spoke volumes about her resilience. Even now, hours after the ephadreiline should have worn off, she continued on without complaint, showing no signs of pain or weakness.
“Emmy mentioned you are a healer, like me.” I kept my voice low, wanting to break up the monotony of jungle chatter because, surprisingly, I’d like to know more about her.
Gray eyes flickered up to my face and widened in surprise. “You’re a doctor? A healer?”
“Yes, I am the resident healer on the Bardaga,” I said proudly.
“What’s your specialty?”
“Specialty?” I blinked at her, unsure of the question.
The corners of Agnes’ lips curled ever so slightly, forming a gentle smile that lit up her entire face. “On Earth, most physicians concentrate on one type of medicine. Mine was pediatric surgery... surgery on children.”
“Ahhh,” I issued a sound of understanding. “I forget your medicine is not yet technologically sophisticated.”
She frowned, still an adorable expression.
“You don’t do surgery?”
“Rarely,” I shrugged. “We heal most injuries and illnesses by manipulating electromagnetic waves.” I tapped the Medi-unit held in a leather pouch on my hip.
Agnes stared at the instrument for a long moment, then chuckled, the sound musical. “Your medical training must be a lot different from mine.”
I could only imagine. “Once someone enters the healing arts, we receive an implant containing anatomy and diagnostic files for every species in the Alliance.”
“Implanted?” Agnes tilted her head to the side, her silky hair falling over her shoulder. Her curious eyes locked onto mine, studying me intently.
I tapped the side of my head where the implant lay embedded just above the point of my ear. “Yes. We have a tiny microchip implanted, not much different from the language implant the Trogvyk gave you.”
“Implant,” Anges snorted. “I study for fifteen years, and you get an implant.”
