Chapter 11 - Vera's Vacant Stare

Doctor Milena took a deep breath before responding. "I have to be honest with you, Mr. Elio. Mrs. Vera's brain damage is very severe. Although we will do our best with treatment and therapy, it is highly likely that her condition will be permanent. Amnesia Infantil Regressiva, also known as 'Regression Amnesia,' is a very complex and difficult condition to overcome."Elio felt an emptiness creeping inside him. Any hope he had briefly felt was now shattered into pieces."So... so there is no hope for Vera to return to how she was before?" Elio muttered, his voice filled with sadness.Doctor Milena looked at him with empathy. "I can't give you any guarantees, Mr. Elio. However, what we can do now is provide Mrs. Vera with all the support she needs. While her condition may not return to how it was, we can create a safe and comfortable environment for Mrs. Vera to live with the best quality of life we can provide."Elio lowered his head, trying to absorb all the information he had just heard. This was incredibly heavy news to bear."Thank you, Doctor. We will do our best for Vera." Elio said, his voice full of sadness but also determination.Doctor Milena nodded, fully understanding Elio's feelings. "There is one more thing you need to know. Mrs. Vera's condition, behaving like a baby, will be more challenging for you than caring for an actual infant."Emma was shocked to hear this explanation. "How can we take care of her, Doctor?"Doctor Milena gave a small smile, though her eyes showed sadness. "The best care is to provide love and full support. Therapy might help, but this is a very long process with no guarantee of full recovery. The most important thing is to make Mrs. Vera feel safe and loved."***Doctor Milena, Elio, and Emma returned to the room where Vera was being treated. As they entered the room, the atmosphere felt tense.Vera was conscious, but her eyes were empty, glancing around without understanding anything, like a newborn baby. Her lying movements also seemed like those of a baby, with her hands and feet moving aimlessly.Doctor Milena approached the bed and gently began to examine Vera's condition. Elio stood beside her, carefully holding his wife's hand."Vera, my dear." Elio whispered lovingly. "It's me, Elio, your husband."But Vera only stared at him with vacant eyes, her lips moving as if trying to say something, but no words came out. Elio felt his heart break seeing his wife in such a helpless state.Emma stood next to Elio, holding back tears that were about to spill. "Doctor, is this what you explained earlier?" She asked, her voice trembling.Doctor Milena nodded slowly. "Yes, Mrs. Emma. This is part of her condition now. The brain damage Mrs. Vera sustained has caused her to regress to an infantile stage. She doesn't recognize anyone and can't understand her surroundings in the same way as before."Emma gently stroked Vera's hair, trying to calm herself while soothing her mistress. "We're here, Mrs. Vera. Hopefully, you understand what we're saying."Vera suddenly began to murmur softly, like a baby responding to its mother's voice. Her movements became more active, with her hands trying to grasp something in the air.Doctor Milena smiled gently at Vera's reaction. "This is a good response, Mrs. Emma. Although she can't recognize or communicate as before, she still responds to her surroundings. We must continue to provide stimulation and attention."Emma tried to smile despite the tears flowing down her face. "We will do our best, Doctor. We will care for Mrs. Vera with all our love."Doctor Milena nodded. "That's what's most important, Mrs. Emma. Your love and attention will greatly aid her recovery process. Even if her condition may not fully return to normal, with proper care, we can provide a better quality of life for Mrs. Vera."Elio looked at Doctor Milena with hope. "Is there anything else we can do now, Doctor?""For now," Doctor Milena replied, "Just stay by her side. Talk to her, touch her gently, and make sure she feels safe and loved. We will also plan therapy sessions that can help with mental and physical stimulation."Vera began to murmur again, this time a bit louder, as if trying to express something. Elio leaned down and kissed her forehead, while Emma gently stroked Vera's hand.Doctor Milena gave them both a knowing smile. "You are doing the best you can. Remember, my medical team and I are always here to help whenever you need us."Doctor Milena finished checking Vera's condition. After ensuring all her vital signs were normal and stable, she looked at Elio and Emma with confidence."Mrs. Vera's heart and all vital functions have returned to normal." Doctor Milena said calmly but firmly. "She is ready to be taken home."Elio sighed in relief, but there was still clear concern on his face. "Thank you, Doctor Milena. What should we keep in mind when caring for her at home?"Doctor Milena gave an understanding smile. "There are a few important things you must remember. Understand that Mrs. Vera now has the condition of an adult baby due to her amnesia. She requires very careful supervision and care."Emma nodded, listening intently to Doctor Milena. "We will make sure to always take care of her, Doctor. What else do we need to do?"Doctor Milena continued, "Never leave her alone for too long. Ensure her environment is safe and free from hazardous objects. She may try to grab or bite things like a baby. Mental and physical stimulation is also important. Talk to her, read stories to her, and provide safe toys to stimulate her senses."Elio absorbed everything Doctor Milena said. "We will do it all, Doctor. Is there anything else we need to know?""Yes, one more thing," Doctor Milena said firmly. "You must be very patient. This is a long journey, and there will be many challenges. But with love and patience, you can provide a good quality of life for Mrs. Vera. Never hesitate to contact me or seek medical help if needed."Elio and Emma stood up, ready to take Vera home. They thanked Doctor Milena once again before heading to Vera's room.In the room, Vera, still lying with vacant eyes, occasionally murmured like a baby. Elio approached and gently stroked her hair."Vera, dear, we are going home." Elio whispered lovingly.Emma began preparing all the items needed for the journey home. "We will take good care of you, Mrs. Vera." She said softly.Carefully, they lifted Vera from the bed and moved her to a wheelchair.The journey home, full of new challenges, was about to begin, but they both promised to face it all with love and patience.They knew that although this journey would not be easy, their love for Vera would give them the strength to overcome every obstacle ahead.