Mera was working at the computer when Tora and Dr. Twist entered the room. It was just after noon, and the hospital floor was relatively quiet. Everyone was either having lunch, or just coming off it. On the other hand, Mera had holed up in an available office to do some research. She was so absorbed in her work she barely hard the knock at the door.
“It’s just me and Dr. Twist.” said Tora. Mara quickly rose and opened the door for them. The only reason she’d locked it was because she didn’t want anyone stumbling in on her research. As it was mostly were-related. After exchanging brief pleasantries, the three doctors got right down to business.
“How is Julie doing right now?” Frances asked.
“She’s on the mend. Nothing to worry about in terms of her physical being.”
“And her psychological? Did something develop while we were away?” Tora raised an eyebrow.
“Nothing to be concerned about, but there have been a ‘few’ developments….” Mera began.
Fact of the matter was that there were more than a “few” developments since Tora and Frances had left. They would have stayed, had it not been for their other patients that needed their care. Which left Mera to “hold down the fort” as it were.
It took some time to thoroughly explain recent events. Mara didn’t know where to begin. Everything from Julie’s apparent amnesia regarding Eric Anderson, to her apparent “bonding” with Arthur Curtis, and the changes in eye color. There was a lot of ground to cover.
“Based on Julie’s fast progress since the surgery, I’d say this is her brain’s way of ‘resetting’, for lack of a better phrase.” Mera said, indicating the various test results.
Everything from Julie’s blood work to her basic motor functions were normal. And that was what surprised the three doctors so much. Seeing a few abnormalities was to be expected after one had surgery. Let alone went through everything Julie went through. But all feasible tests run showed no reason for alarm. No reason to suspect Julie had almost died.
“This is quite the turn of events.” Frances said.
“Indeed. Question is, how should we proceed? Julie’s quick recovery is a welcomed surprise. But as for her mental state, I’m not sure if this is a good sign or a bad one.” Tora looked at Frances for further comment.
“I agree. Best case scenario Julie continues to live life with no memory of her previous relationship with Eric, and finds happiness with Arthur.”
“Worst case?” Mera asked nervously.
“Something, maybe as simple as seeing Eric, sets her off. And that could have any number of ramifications. From Julie suffering a mental breakdown to another aneurysm.” Frances said.
“You do realize at some point Julie will have to go back to her regular life. Which means going to school and potentially running into Eric.” Mera reminded Frances.
“Yes. And the only thing we can do is prepare for the worst if that interaction goes sour. Truth be told I’d rather have a ‘controlled’ incident here in the hospital. That way should anything go wrong, at least Julie’s here and not in the middle of class.”
“But will Julie’s parents agree? Say nothing for Eric or Arthur.” Tora wondered aloud. Based on what he knew about weremers and their strong bonds, he thought it was safe to say Arthur wouldn’t approve of anything that could potentially harm the object of his affections.
“There’s only one way to find out. And I’m not saying we have to do this today or even tomorrow. In th near future? Yes. There is plenty of time to consider other options, though at the moment I have none.” Frances said.
“Fair enough, given that I only told you about Julie’s current condition today. Just out of curiosity, how is Eric?” Mera hadn’t seen much of the, in many ways, catalyst for the present situation. She didn’t blame Eric for anything, no one did. But Mera’s curiosity was peaked. What was so special about Eric that made Julie almost literally lose her mind over him?
“He’s doing about as well as I expected him to. Better than he was a day or two ago, but I suspect he still feels a bit guilty. Who wouldn’t?” Frances said.
“Mmm, of course. How well do you know Arthur Curtis, if you know him at all?” Mara directed her question to both her colleagues, as she was the “outsider” in the group.
“I’ve never had the pleasure of treating him, but I have seen his older brother before.” Tora said.
“Arthur is in the same class as my son, Ben. All in all, I’d say he’s a good kid. I’ve never heard of any trouble coming from him.”
“Was there any indication that he had feelings for Julie before all this happened?” Mera continued.
“I don’t know.” Both Tora and Frances replied.
“Tora said Arthur had an older brother. I suppose that’s who has been driving him to and from the hospital. They’ll probably be back later this evening. Asking him is probably the best way to find out for certain. Of course he might not even know. Arthur could have kept this all to himself. Be rather awkward to ask him, but if that’s what it comes down to, I guess I’ll have to” Mera concluded.