(10:00 A.M; HOSPITAL'S WARD)
TINOCO SALVADOR'S P.O.V.
The doctor keeps on checking Aeris for the third time, for she failed to recall the case happened week ago. The doctor provided sedatives for Aeris, but she enquired that the pill will only last for 6 hours once it's taken.
Mrs. Garcia on the other hand, remains silent sitting beside me. She didn't utter a word since Aeris have woken up from a deep long slumber. Boss is like a cold hearted beast just like Aeris but when it comes to the ones they love, they can be as soft as a bread. Just like today. Boss never say any cheesy nor sweet things to Aeris and me but her actions says it all. She was and still worried. When I first introduce Aeris to her, She was stunned and can't even say a word. Both their eyes were cold but I know there is part of them that still needs warm and longing for warmth.
Back then, Boss never like to add a part timer at work. She wants only me for she trust only me. She was so sensitive in everything. She can easily get mad in anything though I always understand her, sometimes I want to quit. Thanks to Aeris, she change a lot. She is still strict but she can adjust whenever Aeris is around. She is careful with her words especially she cares for Aeris too much.
I was the one who saw Aeris, during the incident and I almost killed the culprit, but he still managed to run away. I was busy checking on Aeris so I don't have the time to chase him. One thing that only came up into my mind was save Aeris no matter what and seek for help. Luckily, Mrs. Garcia quickly took an action. Until now, that bastard is still hiding around the corner. The officers were unable to find him although there are small tracks and hints about him, still, they keep hitting a dead end.
We're waiting for the results to be declared by the psychiatrist . Me sitting on a chair, inside the ward with Mrs. Garcia while Aeris, is now laying on bed due to the sleeping pill the doctor had given .
Doctor Emma finally close her file, placing her pen on her pocket on her gown, and walk slowly towards us. Both me and Mrs. Garcia stand up while waiting for her to talk.
"PISTANTHROPHOBIA. Mrs. Garcia, Aeris, has been suffering from a phobia. A fear of trusting a person due to her past experience in life. I've been a psychiatrist for a long time yet this phobia is still not common for young individual like her. Some of my patients were already in thier 30's and 50's when they have this but....for Aeris, it's a new. She's still 18 years old yet she's bringing it afore. I just found out that, it didn't started today ,or week ago. It started from 2 or 3 years based on my observation . Have you seen her talking less? Or..vomiting when making physical contact? Or worst, hurting herself secretly. If you noticed it, then my examinations were accurate for her situation currently. "
"Uhm...doc, earlier when I came here, she indeed throw up in front of me. Maybe because she was just tired?"
I enquired, thinking about Aeris, throwing up. I'm trying to recall the things happened when I suddenly remembered that before she puke out her mix food and liquid with digestive juices , I grabbed her hand. Yeah! That's right!
"Maybe you are right about that Mr. Salvador but as far as I know, based on her current condition, a person having this phobia will never feel nauseous unless that person just touch a human skin. If she or he will get tired, her or his body will only feel weakness and the first thing that they will do is to sleep or be alone. "
I agree to Doctor Emma's words. Aeris is always avoiding physical contact. She will sleep whenever she want and eat whenever she want ,but vomiting is new to me. It is her first time throwing up and I never saw her hurting herself. Before I can say a word, Mrs. Garcia lifted her hand, grabbing the doctor's arm. She's begging to Doctor Emma's help to heal Aeris. The doctor immediately reassured her to do her job. Mrs. Garcia smiled while wiping her tears in the corner of her eyes. She walk slowly into Aeris's bed, and fix the small strand on her head. She must be worried for her and we're feeling the same way. Aeris doesn't have anyone on her side except me and Mrs. Garcia.
It looks like boss is really afraid of losing Aeris. To think, all these 3 years...she is more loving to Aeris. She can open up to us too. She is very considerate and understanding now. That day, when she heard that Aeris was molested by the same person for the second time, she was on the rampage. She used all her power as a part of board director, a teacher, a businesswoman just to catch the suspect. She can't even sleep a second and guarded Aeris 24/7. As long as the culprit is alive, she can't stay silent and sit back.
She decided to bring Aeris to this psychopathic hospital because she knows Dr. Emma. She was afraid that when Aeris will stay at home, that guy will be back and will do even worse. Since then, we both knew , Aeris is different from others. The way she interact with us and avoids crowd places. She eats less sometimes and there is also days that she don't eat. The way she can only respond "Mn, Yeah, that's right" No more talk after that. Lastly, when she wears a blank face. One can't even guess what's on her mind. So we guess, Aeris is sick mentally.
"Mrs. Garcia, and Mr. Salvador, you can leave the room for now. It's time for her to rest again. She couldn't still remember it so a little more time and we will tell her about it. She doesn't need to be stress because it can worsen the situation."
The doctor signalled us to leave and we both agreed to it. Mrs. Garcia lightly kiss her forehead and left. Me on the other hand, petted her hair . I walk towards the door, and finally watch her sleeping peacefully. I was the last one to leave the room and lock it.
"A little more time Aeris. A little more time. I promise, I'll tell you anything. After this , you can be happy again"
I told myself while leaving the hospital and walk back to my workplace.
[3 DAYS LATER...]
Its antiseptic, a little bitter, with undertones of the artificial fragrance contained in soaps and cleaners, filled the entire hospital room. On patient floors, the smells become more intense and diverse. I am here again at Aeris's ward checking on her from time to time. Three days, already passed since she have woken up from that day. Still unconscious and closing her eyes. It must be hard dealing that kind of phobia.
"Mn..."
I heard her making a small sound and immediately got up from my seat. Waiting patiently for her to open her eyes. We've been together for the past 3 years and I am the only person who knows her the best. She slowly open her eyes, while trying to got up. I wanted to give her a hand but I remember her phobia. So instead of helping, I just watch her carefully ,moving her body while leaning her head against the headboard.
"Are you feeling better?"
I enquired, looking at her cold eyes .
"More like feeling bitter"
She enquired, and I got a feeling that she's getting better since she's sulking like that again. She can only open up on me , and I am glad to hear that.
"Guess, you're alright now."
"Phobias. That doctor told you about my phobia, didn't she? "
"How did you know?"
"It's been a while talking about it. Honestly, I know it, since it started. Tin, I'm sorry for not telling you. And lastly, now that you know why I am acting this way."
From the start she is aware of her sickness but refuses to tell us. From the very beginning she knew that she is mentally ill. How did she managed to stay at this cruel world?
Assuring her with my painful smile, that she must not worry about it, and it's alright ,as long as she knows I'm always here for her.
Pistanthrophobia is an enormous fear of trusting people because of awful past experiences. As stated, the feeling of not wanting to trust anyone, where you feel like you have no capacity to do so is triggered by a nasty experience from before.