#Chapter 53: Dialysis, the Superhero

Ardal I hold Erbao’s hand as Jack’s nurse, Peggy, leads us to the exam room, the sound of our footsteps echoing through the white hallway. Erbao, with his youthful curiosity, gazes at the various medical charts and anatomical models lining the walls. "Mommy, are we going to see Dr. Jack again?" "Yep, little man,” I say, trying to sound peppy. “He’s going to make you feel better.” I look down at him and force a smile. We stop by the scale, and although it’s been only a few days since his last appointment, Erbao’s lost a pound. Just a normal fluctuation, I hope, but the gaunt look to his face tells me a different story. Peggy gets Erbao’s vitals before stepping out. Then, we wait. Erbao’s normally pretty talkative, but today, we’re both quiet. I’ve been dreading this for Erbao, and sitting in this room, the scary reality we’re facing is starting to sink in. All the emotions I’ve been wrestling with over Jack and Kadeem fade to a background buzz. I