Strictly a Pulmonary matter (Feedback appreciated)
Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2012 12:14 am
This is, admittedly, my first attempt at a (hopefully) long-length story in quite a number of years. So I apologise for any writing rust that might rear its ugly head. Feedback/Criticism is greatly appreciated!
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Chapter 0: Prologue- January 18th 2006
"Hey...Wilhelm, how're you feeling?"
I knew that voice, how could I not? Though, in my current state, I really wasn't in any mood for any of my dear Grandfather's antics. Taking as slowly as I could, to conserve the precious little air my body seemed able to take in currently, I whispered back "Grandfather...how many times, have I told you...it's William." What came as a surprise at this point was the breathlessness my body seemed infected with after uttering this phrase. A phrase which, after taking care of me for the last 18 and some years, my Grandfather seemed to have hardened himself towards.
Letting a light chuckle loose, he replied "One day you'll appreciate your roots, my boy. But, we've had that conversation...multiples of times over your lifetime, haven't we? I think I'll let it rest for the time being, eh?"
As if on instinct, I felt a smile adorn my, by now I imagined, gaunt, pale face. How IS someone supposed to look after serious surgery, anyway? I always imagined a sickly, emaciated fellow, chained to his hospital bed until he recovers. Not knowing what my face looked like, I didn't know whether any of this applied to me however, my body felt far too exhausted to even lift my arms. My lips, however, still had some energy left in them "Yes...I think we should, my dear Grandfather. I feel terrific, by the way. Absolutely athletic".
My familiar tone of sarcasm was received by another chuckle from my Grandfather "Well, at least I know you haven't changed...same old sarcastic William I see. I was beginning to get used to the peace and quiet...maybe if I had a word with the Doctor-"
"Hey, you remember our deal in your senile old age, don't you? I'll be the one to sing at your funeral...that was the only way I could shut you up about your bloody song, wasn't it?" My sudden interruption, I could tell, by the silence around me, took my Grandfather by surprise. At least, slightly. Maybe he wasn't expecting me to be even a little active? I may still have some of the anesthesia in my system after all.
"Yes, your 'senile' and 'old' Grandfather DOES remember your proposition. That song is very special to me. If you even so much as miss a single line, I promise you, I'll come back from the grave and kill you myself."
"Oh really?" I replied rather forcefully. Perhaps too forcefully, as I began coughing quite loudly, drawing the attention of a gentleman who I assumed was a Doctor.
"Sir? Mr...Dresner, is it?" I began to part my lips for a reply, but my Grandfather cut me off.
"Yes, that's me, what do you want?" His tone was a little aggressive, I thought, given the situation. He, however, was my Grandfather, and would remain that way until the end of his days. Something I had slowly accepted over my many years of knowing him.
"I apologise, but I'm going to have to ask you to leave. Your...Grandson is obviously in no fit state for this sort of...banter. He needs rest, sir." Banter? I felt like a barman was telling us to stop arguing over who spilled on who. Awfully caring.
I heard my Grandfather snort at this, clearly thinking me fit to have an all-out debate with him, of course. "How can you claim to know what he's thinking? Psychic, are you?...Speak up, I haven't got all day!"
"I'm a Doctor, sir."
I could almost feel my Grandfather's embarrassment from my half-asleep state. How I wish I had the energy to sit up and relish in this moment. Not once in our years together have I achieved a victory of this magnitude, yet this mere medical professional achieves it within about 15 seconds.
"Well...erm...when you put it that way, I...yes, I suppose you are, aren't you? Carry on injecting him with...morphine, or whatever it is you people use these days. I'm leaving." At hearing this, I feel a mix of sadness and happiness. On the one hand, I could get the rest that my brain was attempting to subdue me into. On the other, however, my Grandfather was always good for lifting my spirits, even if half the time it wasn't what he intended, I believe.
"Take care, you hear me boy? If they have to perform any amputations, grin and bare it like a man, right?"
"Sir, amputations really aren't neces-"
"Oh are you still here? Fine, if it'll appease you, then yes, I'll make my leave. I'll see you soon, Wilhelm"
Hearing his footsteps gradually getting quieter and quieter, my opportunity for a retort was non-present. "William, Grandfather. It's William."
"Erm, I'm going to assume that was something he affectionately calls you? We have you down on our records as William..." Now realising the Doctor is addressing me, I prepare myself for another minute or so without rest.
"Yes ,it's William. You are...?"
"Richards. I'm Doctor Richards. You'll be seeing me now that you're out of the ICU"
"ICU...?"
"Oh, my apologies. Intensive care unit. You spend the first few days of recovery in there. You're in a general patient ward for the time being, and if all goes well, you wont be seeing the ICU again, William."
"I've...been here for that long? I feel like this is my first day here."
"Yes, lots of post-surgery patients, particularly of your kind, tend to bypass the first few days. It's as if your body is on automatic while it adjusts to its altered state. Quite convenient, actually. Being in an ICU is boring, if nothing else. Plus the Ventilator and the Chest Tubes, of course, make it quite difficult to do anything remotely entertaining."
"Knowing my Grandfather, he'll likely bring me some books to read. There's a lot I haven't gotten through yet at home, and he's always encouraging me in that regard. So if nothing else, my literary knowledge is going to improve."
"Of course. Well, by our projections you should only be here for another two weeks, barring any complications. It'll help you get into the routine, which is a VERY good thing to do, William" Wondering what he was talking about, I moved my head slightly to his right, to see several bottles of medication. 'Cyclosporine' and 'Azathioprine' the only two labels I could read.
"Oh...of course. I'll make it my top priority" I replied, putting on my most sincere voice. It seemed to work, as Doctor Richards merely smiled at me and nodded his head in approval. Leaving my bedside to converse with other patients on my ward.
"This is going to be, without a doubt, the most boring two weeks of my life. Time to sleep, Brain" As if by some magical incantation, my brain appeared to heed my order, as I felt the ward around me becoming quieter and darker. As I shut my eyes, and with it, the world out, I felt myself lulled into a peaceful slumber.
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February 4th 2006
Reading the last few pages of Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World', my mind readily comparing it to George Orwell's '1984' (Which I had read several times, but not on this occasion of hospitalisation), my concentration was lost at the sound of two pairs of approaching footsteps. I raised my head from the novel to see Doctor Richards and my Grandfather. It was painfully obvious that they had been in an argument. My Grandfather was doing his 'Dresden Murderer's stare' as he called it, directly at the unaware Doctor. I felt like he was starting directly into the poor Doctor's soul.
"Hello there William, how're you feeling?"
"Distracted. Otherwise quite well thank you." I do hope my annoyance at him distracting me from my book was obvious. By his pained expression, I see that I've succeeded.
"That's good to hear. Me and your Grandfather have been having a...discussion, concerning you, and we came to the conclusion that you should be heavily involved in this" By his hesitation with the word 'discussion', his awkwardness all-but-proved my Grandfather's arguing had infected even a house of the sick. Impressive.
"We would like to know about what you plan to do about your education, William. What are your plans?"
"Well, I'm planning to contact Notre Dame when I get back home. I know plenty of people who have re-done a year of their education due to more frivolous reasons. Being on the verge of death every now and then, I think they'd allow me to re-take Year 13" At this declaration, both Doctor Richards and my Grandfather both had a sharp sigh, staring solemnly towards me. I braced myself for something bad.
"William...we were discussing your educational future, and...I'm sorry to say it, but in my position as a medical professional, I can not recommend that you return to Notre Dame college for your education. Your new bodily condition would simply, bluntly put, be too fragile, especially in an environment as...hectic as I imagine it is. I'm sorry William."
My Grandfather was silent, as was I. This revelation that I couldn't go ahead with resuming my normal life struck me right in the heart. I had the medication, sure, but other than that, I was going to live as normal, as if nothing happened, right? That's what I had planned to do, and had seemed pretty damn achievable. Until this 'medical professional', this Doctor, this man who I've barely seen as it is for my stay in this ward. How DARE he tell me what I can and can't do.
"What gives you the right to tell me what college I can and can't go to?" I sharply retort, a hint of nastiness in my voice. "Being one of the top performing colleges in the Leeds area, I'm perfectly sure that they WILL have adequate facilities for someone with a condition such as mine. I have every right to choose my future. How DARE you tell me what I can't do, you don't have the right."
Doctor Richards simply looked on at me solemnly, it was a routine he had performed many times I bet, stripping a young man or woman of their right to choose what they do with their lives. I felt anger. But more than anything else, I felt disappointment.
"In fact, why don't yo-"
"William" My Grandfather's voice stopped me in my tracks. I had forgotten he was present, as, which was quite unusual for him, he hadn't made his presence known. In fact, that was the first time I'd heard his voice in two days, as his last visit had been on Wednesday. "Please, stop. Listen to what Doctor Richards has to say."
It seems I had misjudged his anger earlier. Either that, or he had a sudden change of heart during my tirade. Which, I now realise, was ridiculous. This man's a Doctor, of course he can tell me what I can and can't do. I'm his patient, it'd be foolish to ignore his advice or his instructions. Lord, I must've sounded like a spoilt child.
"Thank you, Mr. Dresner." The Doctor says thankfully, glancing at my Grandfather.
"William, I'm going to say this in the most kind way I can, but I'm sorry, you can't return to Notre Dame College. My conscience as your Doctor would not be clear if I were to read in the paper that you had passed away at that College. Your body simply will not be suitable for a hectic place such as that.I know of a few colleges and schools that would be able to accommodate with ease a special-needs student such as yourself."
"Special Needs? How dare you, I'm not a cripple you moron."
"Special Needs...Doctor? I'm not a Special Needs student at all, I'm perfectly fine, I just have to take medication. Otherwise, I'm perfectly fine! Notre dame would be a perfect place for someone like that, don't you think?" I said in a overly-jolly voice that the Doctor clearly did not find amusing. "In fact, if I don't go back to Notre Dame, the only other place I could really feel comfortable going to school would be in somewhere like Japan! I obviously couldn't afford to go to Japan, so I guess I'll have to stay here at Notre Dame where I'm safe, wont I?" "Japan? Why did that come into my mind? Huh..."
At this, the Doctor and my Grandfather looked at each other, with an understanding I've never seen anyone have with my Grandfather. What have I gotten myself into?
"Japan, you say? Well, it's no Germany by any means, but that'll do nicely for you I think, my dear Wilhelm!" "What?"
"Yes, Mr. Dresner! I believe I know of a School in Japan that would suit your Grandson's needs perfectly! It's internationally renowned, so it's a real step-up over that Notre Dame place, too!" "I...what? This must be some sort of Joke, right? Somewhere like that must be ridiculously expensive regardless..."
"I think we can set that up for my dear Grandson here, don't you, Doctor Richards?" "I don't"
"I believe we can, Mr. Dresner. I'm glad you agree! Besides, William, I'm sure you'll love it. Learning a new language and I new culture can really enrich your life!" "I'll enrich YOUR life you Mongoloid" "I'll make headway with contacting them about William, don't you worry, Mr. Dresner. I'll do everything I can to get your grandson the place he deserves in this school. I'll leave you now, I hope this has been a lesson for you, William" As the Doctor walks away, I feel confused. A lesson? That means that was all a joke to get me agitated and teach me about the wrongs of ignoring stuff from Doctors, right?
"William, William, William...you really do need to watch your mouth sometimes. Look what you've gotten yourself into now."
"What? You can't be serious. That was a joke, right?"
"Nope. We were both being completely serious, William. This is what we call tough love, I suppose. My father did it to me, and I turned out great!" "Arguably"
"Tough love? What the hell is that supposed to mean? How is it loving to send, might I remind you, the only relative still in your life, to a foreign country, when he's in bad health?"
"Oh, my dear William, you wont be going this year, don't be ridiculous! You'll be going next year, when you've learnt enough Japanese to not embarrass the family name to those who might know it!" "Family name? We have a reputation? I highly doubt that you senile old git."
"Right...this place has got to be expensive, right? We can't afford it, how can I afford to go?" My Grandfather positively beamed at this question, making me feel slightly disconcerted.
"Me, of course! You'd be surprised at the amount of money I have saved up for an occasion such as this. My Father's orders, too! He sat me on his knee, and told me 'Son, be as tight-fisted with your money as you can. Maybe your son needs help one day, or your wife, or your grandson' or something to that effect, anyway. I don't remember, it was a long time ago. The point of the message stands though, and I've been saving up for an event such as this!" "Well, I guess that explains why, if this money business is true, we live in such humble accommodation."
"Yeah...okay. Fine, I'll go along with this scheme of yours for the time being. I've always wanted to go travelling to Japan anyway..." The last part of that sentence didn't sound at all convincing, though, truth be told, I HAD always wanted to go to Japan. I was a positive technophile, and the amount of technological innovations that come out of Japan make it all the more enticing for me to go. I wouldn't miss Notre Dame that much anyway. Besides not really having much of an attachment to the college in the first place, I was only so adamant about returning so I could keep living as I did before my surgery and before everything seemed to happen at once. I think I'll survive.
"Well, I should go pick you up some Japanese-language books, right? I think I'll see if there's any night-classes you can attend at the local colleges too, I hear Leeds City College has a good language department. After you're done with the gym, of course."
"The Gym? What're you talking about?" I now sounded more anxious than I did when talking with the Doctor. I hated Gyms, positively hated them. I hated the people I saw at Gyms, too. Show-offs with nothing on their mind but taking Steroids and impressing the next stupid girl to come along and jump into bed with them. It disgusts me. I hate gyms.
"Oh, did the Doctor not tell you? You're required to attend a rehabilitation gym for at least three months to regain the fitness levels you had before, to let your lungs adjust too I think...you'll be starting on Monday." "Well, at least I get the weekend at home...I'll be glad to leave this hospital, I've been here a mere three weeks and I've hated it. I can't imagine staying for months."
"Rehabilitation gym? Huh, that doesn't sound bad, I can do that, yeah." My agreeableness pleased my Grandfather, as he ushered me up and told me to get dressed.
"Come on Wilhelm, let's get you discharged and home, you need to start on your Japanese!" "Oh good lord, please don't remind me. This is too ridiculous to be actually happening. Please wake me up?"
With my plea to no-one in particular going unanswered, I did as he asked, and before long we were walking into the door of the apartment we shared. As I heard I wasn't going this year, that gives me a long time to learn. thankfully. I might not be especially fluent by the time I presumably leave for Japan, but I should be competent enough as to not be a walking embarrassment to the western world.
"This is going to be a long year..."
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April 3rd 2007
"Have you got your passport?"
"Yes, Grandfather"
"Your paperwork for enrollment at Yamaku?"
"Yes, Grandfather"
"Your medication?"
"Of course! What do you take me for, an idiot?" I felt and sounded mock-offended at his suggestion that I could forget the things that were routinely drilled into my head at the hospital not to forget. I even sound responsible. Gosh.
"No, Wilhelm, I take you for someone who is going to the other side of the world on his own, on my money, and on my insistence. I feel both responsible for this and adamant that you don't mess it up. Don't mess it up, Wilhelm."
"Grandfather, I've told you, it's William."
"Attention all passengers. The Japan Airlines flight to Narita is now boarding at gate 5. All passengers for the Japan Airlines flight to Narita, please proceed to gate 5, thank you."
This announcement brought a sad look to my Grandfather's face. This was my first flight, as I would be connecting with an All Nippon Airways flight at Narita, which would then take me onto Sendai, the region where the school was located. Why can't it be in Tokyo? I feel a slight annoyance at having to take more than just a single flight, but it shouldn't be too tiring. I wasn't flying for more than a full day at least.
"Well...Wilhelm...this is it, isn't it? The culmination of a year's worth of preparation, I have faith you'll carry yourself with an air of dignity. Don't fail me, boy."
"Grandfather...trust me, I'll make you proud to be a Dresner." My Grandfather had the biggest smile I had seen for a long time at my last comment. Then, something very strange happened. We both walked forward and embraced each other. Separating from him, and looking him in the eyes, I simply said "Goodbye, Grandfather. Pass auf dich auf"
That was the first time I'd spoken his mother tongue in a long time, and he appreciated it. I even thought I saw a tear drop down from one of his eyes, but he embraced me again, returning the same phrase back to me. Then, speechless, we simply smiled at each other and parted ways. I had an interesting year ahead of me no doubt. But too busy to contemplate on the year ahead, I rushed myself to ensure I didn't miss my flight, getting there briskly with 10 minutes to spare.
"Well, here we go. Goodbye England, I'll miss you and your terrible weather" I sarcastically thought as I boarded the plane.
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Chapter 0: Prologue- January 18th 2006
"Hey...Wilhelm, how're you feeling?"
I knew that voice, how could I not? Though, in my current state, I really wasn't in any mood for any of my dear Grandfather's antics. Taking as slowly as I could, to conserve the precious little air my body seemed able to take in currently, I whispered back "Grandfather...how many times, have I told you...it's William." What came as a surprise at this point was the breathlessness my body seemed infected with after uttering this phrase. A phrase which, after taking care of me for the last 18 and some years, my Grandfather seemed to have hardened himself towards.
Letting a light chuckle loose, he replied "One day you'll appreciate your roots, my boy. But, we've had that conversation...multiples of times over your lifetime, haven't we? I think I'll let it rest for the time being, eh?"
As if on instinct, I felt a smile adorn my, by now I imagined, gaunt, pale face. How IS someone supposed to look after serious surgery, anyway? I always imagined a sickly, emaciated fellow, chained to his hospital bed until he recovers. Not knowing what my face looked like, I didn't know whether any of this applied to me however, my body felt far too exhausted to even lift my arms. My lips, however, still had some energy left in them "Yes...I think we should, my dear Grandfather. I feel terrific, by the way. Absolutely athletic".
My familiar tone of sarcasm was received by another chuckle from my Grandfather "Well, at least I know you haven't changed...same old sarcastic William I see. I was beginning to get used to the peace and quiet...maybe if I had a word with the Doctor-"
"Hey, you remember our deal in your senile old age, don't you? I'll be the one to sing at your funeral...that was the only way I could shut you up about your bloody song, wasn't it?" My sudden interruption, I could tell, by the silence around me, took my Grandfather by surprise. At least, slightly. Maybe he wasn't expecting me to be even a little active? I may still have some of the anesthesia in my system after all.
"Yes, your 'senile' and 'old' Grandfather DOES remember your proposition. That song is very special to me. If you even so much as miss a single line, I promise you, I'll come back from the grave and kill you myself."
"Oh really?" I replied rather forcefully. Perhaps too forcefully, as I began coughing quite loudly, drawing the attention of a gentleman who I assumed was a Doctor.
"Sir? Mr...Dresner, is it?" I began to part my lips for a reply, but my Grandfather cut me off.
"Yes, that's me, what do you want?" His tone was a little aggressive, I thought, given the situation. He, however, was my Grandfather, and would remain that way until the end of his days. Something I had slowly accepted over my many years of knowing him.
"I apologise, but I'm going to have to ask you to leave. Your...Grandson is obviously in no fit state for this sort of...banter. He needs rest, sir." Banter? I felt like a barman was telling us to stop arguing over who spilled on who. Awfully caring.
I heard my Grandfather snort at this, clearly thinking me fit to have an all-out debate with him, of course. "How can you claim to know what he's thinking? Psychic, are you?...Speak up, I haven't got all day!"
"I'm a Doctor, sir."
I could almost feel my Grandfather's embarrassment from my half-asleep state. How I wish I had the energy to sit up and relish in this moment. Not once in our years together have I achieved a victory of this magnitude, yet this mere medical professional achieves it within about 15 seconds.
"Well...erm...when you put it that way, I...yes, I suppose you are, aren't you? Carry on injecting him with...morphine, or whatever it is you people use these days. I'm leaving." At hearing this, I feel a mix of sadness and happiness. On the one hand, I could get the rest that my brain was attempting to subdue me into. On the other, however, my Grandfather was always good for lifting my spirits, even if half the time it wasn't what he intended, I believe.
"Take care, you hear me boy? If they have to perform any amputations, grin and bare it like a man, right?"
"Sir, amputations really aren't neces-"
"Oh are you still here? Fine, if it'll appease you, then yes, I'll make my leave. I'll see you soon, Wilhelm"
Hearing his footsteps gradually getting quieter and quieter, my opportunity for a retort was non-present. "William, Grandfather. It's William."
"Erm, I'm going to assume that was something he affectionately calls you? We have you down on our records as William..." Now realising the Doctor is addressing me, I prepare myself for another minute or so without rest.
"Yes ,it's William. You are...?"
"Richards. I'm Doctor Richards. You'll be seeing me now that you're out of the ICU"
"ICU...?"
"Oh, my apologies. Intensive care unit. You spend the first few days of recovery in there. You're in a general patient ward for the time being, and if all goes well, you wont be seeing the ICU again, William."
"I've...been here for that long? I feel like this is my first day here."
"Yes, lots of post-surgery patients, particularly of your kind, tend to bypass the first few days. It's as if your body is on automatic while it adjusts to its altered state. Quite convenient, actually. Being in an ICU is boring, if nothing else. Plus the Ventilator and the Chest Tubes, of course, make it quite difficult to do anything remotely entertaining."
"Knowing my Grandfather, he'll likely bring me some books to read. There's a lot I haven't gotten through yet at home, and he's always encouraging me in that regard. So if nothing else, my literary knowledge is going to improve."
"Of course. Well, by our projections you should only be here for another two weeks, barring any complications. It'll help you get into the routine, which is a VERY good thing to do, William" Wondering what he was talking about, I moved my head slightly to his right, to see several bottles of medication. 'Cyclosporine' and 'Azathioprine' the only two labels I could read.
"Oh...of course. I'll make it my top priority" I replied, putting on my most sincere voice. It seemed to work, as Doctor Richards merely smiled at me and nodded his head in approval. Leaving my bedside to converse with other patients on my ward.
"This is going to be, without a doubt, the most boring two weeks of my life. Time to sleep, Brain" As if by some magical incantation, my brain appeared to heed my order, as I felt the ward around me becoming quieter and darker. As I shut my eyes, and with it, the world out, I felt myself lulled into a peaceful slumber.
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February 4th 2006
Reading the last few pages of Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World', my mind readily comparing it to George Orwell's '1984' (Which I had read several times, but not on this occasion of hospitalisation), my concentration was lost at the sound of two pairs of approaching footsteps. I raised my head from the novel to see Doctor Richards and my Grandfather. It was painfully obvious that they had been in an argument. My Grandfather was doing his 'Dresden Murderer's stare' as he called it, directly at the unaware Doctor. I felt like he was starting directly into the poor Doctor's soul.
"Hello there William, how're you feeling?"
"Distracted. Otherwise quite well thank you." I do hope my annoyance at him distracting me from my book was obvious. By his pained expression, I see that I've succeeded.
"That's good to hear. Me and your Grandfather have been having a...discussion, concerning you, and we came to the conclusion that you should be heavily involved in this" By his hesitation with the word 'discussion', his awkwardness all-but-proved my Grandfather's arguing had infected even a house of the sick. Impressive.
"We would like to know about what you plan to do about your education, William. What are your plans?"
"Well, I'm planning to contact Notre Dame when I get back home. I know plenty of people who have re-done a year of their education due to more frivolous reasons. Being on the verge of death every now and then, I think they'd allow me to re-take Year 13" At this declaration, both Doctor Richards and my Grandfather both had a sharp sigh, staring solemnly towards me. I braced myself for something bad.
"William...we were discussing your educational future, and...I'm sorry to say it, but in my position as a medical professional, I can not recommend that you return to Notre Dame college for your education. Your new bodily condition would simply, bluntly put, be too fragile, especially in an environment as...hectic as I imagine it is. I'm sorry William."
My Grandfather was silent, as was I. This revelation that I couldn't go ahead with resuming my normal life struck me right in the heart. I had the medication, sure, but other than that, I was going to live as normal, as if nothing happened, right? That's what I had planned to do, and had seemed pretty damn achievable. Until this 'medical professional', this Doctor, this man who I've barely seen as it is for my stay in this ward. How DARE he tell me what I can and can't do.
"What gives you the right to tell me what college I can and can't go to?" I sharply retort, a hint of nastiness in my voice. "Being one of the top performing colleges in the Leeds area, I'm perfectly sure that they WILL have adequate facilities for someone with a condition such as mine. I have every right to choose my future. How DARE you tell me what I can't do, you don't have the right."
Doctor Richards simply looked on at me solemnly, it was a routine he had performed many times I bet, stripping a young man or woman of their right to choose what they do with their lives. I felt anger. But more than anything else, I felt disappointment.
"In fact, why don't yo-"
"William" My Grandfather's voice stopped me in my tracks. I had forgotten he was present, as, which was quite unusual for him, he hadn't made his presence known. In fact, that was the first time I'd heard his voice in two days, as his last visit had been on Wednesday. "Please, stop. Listen to what Doctor Richards has to say."
It seems I had misjudged his anger earlier. Either that, or he had a sudden change of heart during my tirade. Which, I now realise, was ridiculous. This man's a Doctor, of course he can tell me what I can and can't do. I'm his patient, it'd be foolish to ignore his advice or his instructions. Lord, I must've sounded like a spoilt child.
"Thank you, Mr. Dresner." The Doctor says thankfully, glancing at my Grandfather.
"William, I'm going to say this in the most kind way I can, but I'm sorry, you can't return to Notre Dame College. My conscience as your Doctor would not be clear if I were to read in the paper that you had passed away at that College. Your body simply will not be suitable for a hectic place such as that.I know of a few colleges and schools that would be able to accommodate with ease a special-needs student such as yourself."
"Special Needs? How dare you, I'm not a cripple you moron."
"Special Needs...Doctor? I'm not a Special Needs student at all, I'm perfectly fine, I just have to take medication. Otherwise, I'm perfectly fine! Notre dame would be a perfect place for someone like that, don't you think?" I said in a overly-jolly voice that the Doctor clearly did not find amusing. "In fact, if I don't go back to Notre Dame, the only other place I could really feel comfortable going to school would be in somewhere like Japan! I obviously couldn't afford to go to Japan, so I guess I'll have to stay here at Notre Dame where I'm safe, wont I?" "Japan? Why did that come into my mind? Huh..."
At this, the Doctor and my Grandfather looked at each other, with an understanding I've never seen anyone have with my Grandfather. What have I gotten myself into?
"Japan, you say? Well, it's no Germany by any means, but that'll do nicely for you I think, my dear Wilhelm!" "What?"
"Yes, Mr. Dresner! I believe I know of a School in Japan that would suit your Grandson's needs perfectly! It's internationally renowned, so it's a real step-up over that Notre Dame place, too!" "I...what? This must be some sort of Joke, right? Somewhere like that must be ridiculously expensive regardless..."
"I think we can set that up for my dear Grandson here, don't you, Doctor Richards?" "I don't"
"I believe we can, Mr. Dresner. I'm glad you agree! Besides, William, I'm sure you'll love it. Learning a new language and I new culture can really enrich your life!" "I'll enrich YOUR life you Mongoloid" "I'll make headway with contacting them about William, don't you worry, Mr. Dresner. I'll do everything I can to get your grandson the place he deserves in this school. I'll leave you now, I hope this has been a lesson for you, William" As the Doctor walks away, I feel confused. A lesson? That means that was all a joke to get me agitated and teach me about the wrongs of ignoring stuff from Doctors, right?
"William, William, William...you really do need to watch your mouth sometimes. Look what you've gotten yourself into now."
"What? You can't be serious. That was a joke, right?"
"Nope. We were both being completely serious, William. This is what we call tough love, I suppose. My father did it to me, and I turned out great!" "Arguably"
"Tough love? What the hell is that supposed to mean? How is it loving to send, might I remind you, the only relative still in your life, to a foreign country, when he's in bad health?"
"Oh, my dear William, you wont be going this year, don't be ridiculous! You'll be going next year, when you've learnt enough Japanese to not embarrass the family name to those who might know it!" "Family name? We have a reputation? I highly doubt that you senile old git."
"Right...this place has got to be expensive, right? We can't afford it, how can I afford to go?" My Grandfather positively beamed at this question, making me feel slightly disconcerted.
"Me, of course! You'd be surprised at the amount of money I have saved up for an occasion such as this. My Father's orders, too! He sat me on his knee, and told me 'Son, be as tight-fisted with your money as you can. Maybe your son needs help one day, or your wife, or your grandson' or something to that effect, anyway. I don't remember, it was a long time ago. The point of the message stands though, and I've been saving up for an event such as this!" "Well, I guess that explains why, if this money business is true, we live in such humble accommodation."
"Yeah...okay. Fine, I'll go along with this scheme of yours for the time being. I've always wanted to go travelling to Japan anyway..." The last part of that sentence didn't sound at all convincing, though, truth be told, I HAD always wanted to go to Japan. I was a positive technophile, and the amount of technological innovations that come out of Japan make it all the more enticing for me to go. I wouldn't miss Notre Dame that much anyway. Besides not really having much of an attachment to the college in the first place, I was only so adamant about returning so I could keep living as I did before my surgery and before everything seemed to happen at once. I think I'll survive.
"Well, I should go pick you up some Japanese-language books, right? I think I'll see if there's any night-classes you can attend at the local colleges too, I hear Leeds City College has a good language department. After you're done with the gym, of course."
"The Gym? What're you talking about?" I now sounded more anxious than I did when talking with the Doctor. I hated Gyms, positively hated them. I hated the people I saw at Gyms, too. Show-offs with nothing on their mind but taking Steroids and impressing the next stupid girl to come along and jump into bed with them. It disgusts me. I hate gyms.
"Oh, did the Doctor not tell you? You're required to attend a rehabilitation gym for at least three months to regain the fitness levels you had before, to let your lungs adjust too I think...you'll be starting on Monday." "Well, at least I get the weekend at home...I'll be glad to leave this hospital, I've been here a mere three weeks and I've hated it. I can't imagine staying for months."
"Rehabilitation gym? Huh, that doesn't sound bad, I can do that, yeah." My agreeableness pleased my Grandfather, as he ushered me up and told me to get dressed.
"Come on Wilhelm, let's get you discharged and home, you need to start on your Japanese!" "Oh good lord, please don't remind me. This is too ridiculous to be actually happening. Please wake me up?"
With my plea to no-one in particular going unanswered, I did as he asked, and before long we were walking into the door of the apartment we shared. As I heard I wasn't going this year, that gives me a long time to learn. thankfully. I might not be especially fluent by the time I presumably leave for Japan, but I should be competent enough as to not be a walking embarrassment to the western world.
"This is going to be a long year..."
-------------------
April 3rd 2007
"Have you got your passport?"
"Yes, Grandfather"
"Your paperwork for enrollment at Yamaku?"
"Yes, Grandfather"
"Your medication?"
"Of course! What do you take me for, an idiot?" I felt and sounded mock-offended at his suggestion that I could forget the things that were routinely drilled into my head at the hospital not to forget. I even sound responsible. Gosh.
"No, Wilhelm, I take you for someone who is going to the other side of the world on his own, on my money, and on my insistence. I feel both responsible for this and adamant that you don't mess it up. Don't mess it up, Wilhelm."
"Grandfather, I've told you, it's William."
"Attention all passengers. The Japan Airlines flight to Narita is now boarding at gate 5. All passengers for the Japan Airlines flight to Narita, please proceed to gate 5, thank you."
This announcement brought a sad look to my Grandfather's face. This was my first flight, as I would be connecting with an All Nippon Airways flight at Narita, which would then take me onto Sendai, the region where the school was located. Why can't it be in Tokyo? I feel a slight annoyance at having to take more than just a single flight, but it shouldn't be too tiring. I wasn't flying for more than a full day at least.
"Well...Wilhelm...this is it, isn't it? The culmination of a year's worth of preparation, I have faith you'll carry yourself with an air of dignity. Don't fail me, boy."
"Grandfather...trust me, I'll make you proud to be a Dresner." My Grandfather had the biggest smile I had seen for a long time at my last comment. Then, something very strange happened. We both walked forward and embraced each other. Separating from him, and looking him in the eyes, I simply said "Goodbye, Grandfather. Pass auf dich auf"
That was the first time I'd spoken his mother tongue in a long time, and he appreciated it. I even thought I saw a tear drop down from one of his eyes, but he embraced me again, returning the same phrase back to me. Then, speechless, we simply smiled at each other and parted ways. I had an interesting year ahead of me no doubt. But too busy to contemplate on the year ahead, I rushed myself to ensure I didn't miss my flight, getting there briskly with 10 minutes to spare.
"Well, here we go. Goodbye England, I'll miss you and your terrible weather" I sarcastically thought as I boarded the plane.
