"Ryo's brain tumor is located in a position we should be able to have access to through sugery." Dr. Ashizumi started showing us a dark spot on the X-ray of Ryo's brain.
"However, before the sugery, we need to do some more tests." he added.
I nodded, I didn't trust my voice. I felt Ryo squeezing my hand.
I needed to be strong for him. How could he be the one comforting me, when he was the one with the tumor?
"I also suggest that after the surgery, you go through the radiation therapy. It will ensure that all the tumor cells are dead. This will prevent them from developping into another tumor later on." Dr. Ashizumi explained.

I glanced at Ryo. He was frowning.
"Dr. Ashizumi, I don't think we'll be able to afford all these treatments." Ryo said. I was taken by surprise. I didn't think the price would be the first thing on his mind.
"Mizuki and I will have to be raising a child in a few months. We can't afford to pay for everything now." Ryo added. Dr. Ashizumi closed his eyes for a moment.
"I know, Ryo. It is a very difficult time," he opened his eyes, "but I assure you that I believe the best option is to go through the tests and the surgery as soon as possible. It'll be better in the long run." Dr. Ashizumi said.
"But Dr. Ashizumi, it's not only a question of when it'll be done. We won't be able to afford it." Ryo insisted.
"Ryo, I think it's time you talk to your father again." the doctor replied.
I had never heard anyone talk of Ryo's parents.
"It won't change anything. I've decided to come here on my own, and I told him I didn't want him to interfere." Ryo said.
I observed Ryo a moment. Things seemed more complicated in his life than I thought. He'd rarely talk of his problems. He was always there listening and supporting me when I needed him. But he carried his own burdens as well.

"Ryo." Dr. Ashizumi breathed in deeply. "He is your father, and he's worried about you. He won't decide not to help you." he tried to tell Ryo. But Ryo wasn't listening anymore.
"If that's the only solution, then it's better we forget about it." he said angrily. Dr. Ashizumi remained calm.
"Ryo, calm down. Getting angry won't solve the issue." he said.
"Dr. Ashizumi. You must at least know more or less how I feel about this. I can't do it." Ryo said. His hand slipped out of mine. He wheeled himseld to the door. I was about to get up to push him. But Ryo stopped me.
"It's alright Mizuki. I'm just going out for some fresh air." He said. He opened the door, and I watched him leave. I got up, wanting to follow him out.

"Don't worry Mizuki." Dr. Ashizumi said calmly. "Tumors can affect people's temper easily. He just needs to cool down for a moment." he tried to reassure me. I nodded and sat back down. I thought for a moment about what had been said, then looked up at the doctor.
"Dr. Ashizumi, what did Ryo mean when he said that you should understand his feelings? Did you have a tumor as well?" I asked.

He closed his eyes.
"No, but when I was younger, the girl I loved was pregnant with my child. I loved her dearly. But I came from a poor family." he said, pausing before going on.
"Her father didn't approve of me."
I found it hard for someone not approving of him.
"In the end she moved with her family somewhere in the southern part of the country." He continued, "I didn't hear from her for years. In the meantime I started studying medicine, and eventually started to work here. Only this year, I met that girl, now a woman, again." he said.
I waited for him to continue.
"What happened then?" I asked.
He was silent for so long that I thought he wouldn't answer.
I then heard a woman's voice behind me.
"She miscarried, shortly after she moved. Out of grief. She hadn't taken care of herself well enough. In the end it was the foetus that suffered the consequences." I turned to look at Aya standing in the doorway.
She had tears in her eyes.