"Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, avoidance behavior, and hypervigilance related to the traumatic event." The old man's voice echoed in the dimly lit room, standing there explaining the images that appeared on the large screen behind him.
"Trauma can have a significant impact on a person's mental health, affecting their body, outlook on the future and their thoughts." From the reactions of the audience and medical personnel there, it seemed that the person was not an ordinary one and was quite credible. "Physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and digestive problems, as well as emotional distress."
A white-haired old man paused for a moment to look at his audience, before continuing. "It also interferes with your memory storage process and changes the way your brain works, which has implications for later life such as challenges in forming healthy attachments and trusting others."
Then the gaze of the old man in the neat, cream-collared shirt shifted to the row of people wearing patient uniforms in the front row of the audience nearby. "However, rather than trying to deny those feelings, it is better to slowly accept them one by one. Because another chance will come again today."
Then his smile that depicted the old people's wisdom appeared there, "There are so many good things in this world if we try to look the other way. Maybe we will see a bright future tomorrow, or warm sunlight shining on us, or even the dark black sky of the night that can calm our hearts and gently blow away our worries."
With both hands in front of his chest and a hopeful gaze at everyone there, the old man said. "The only thing more tiring than having a mental illness is pretending not to have one."
His voice was calm and clear as if he could sympathize with everyone who had experienced those hard times. "Because your real life begins when you want to stop and make a decision to move on, so don't try to look back because you will never find your future there."
"And when you feel you don't deserve it, then no one else will." His cheerful expression and smile reappeared there. "There are no mistakes in life, there are only lessons. There is no such thing as a bad experience, only an opportunity to grow, learn, and advance along the path of life. From struggle comes strength. Even pain can be a great teacher."
The two-hour conference seemed to happen in just half an hour, where every word heard in the room seemed to give strength and at the same time became medicine for all the listeners who came from all different circles. Including Nicole who sat in one of the middle rows and did not take her eyes off the figure at all.
"Since the event has reached the end, there are closing words that I want to convey to all of us."
The old man glanced at the watch wrapped around his wrist for a moment then looked back forward. Although Nicole was sure that the old man could not see every one of the attendees there because it was too crowded, even just a glance Nicole felt that the man was looking at her with affection. Which she was sure was also felt by everyone there.
"Believe in yourself, your abilities, and your potential. Never let doubts control you. You deserve everything you dream and hope for." The old man closed his words. "Because, sometimes the wrong choices lead us to the right place. Don't forget to be grateful."
The sound of applause and the audience standing up accompanied the end of the event, people began to leave the room and some approached the speakers to chat or ask for autographs while carrying books. Nicole entered the group leaving the hospital auditorium and chose to wait for the old man outside without trying to disturb other people who had certain interests there.
Out of the door, the view in front of her led to the first-floor lobby below where besides people busy here and there, child patients were seen playing in the area that had been provided with their caregivers or families.
"Nicole," the girl didn't know how long she had been standing in thought until the old man's voice behind her came out of the room and walked towards Nicole with his typical cheerful smile. "Have you been waiting long?"
She glanced at her watch and said, "It's okay Professor Mark, meeting you lately has been much harder than meeting the president." Nicole smiled. "How are you?"
The old man then spun around once while stretching his arms like a ballet dancer. "I'm fine and healthy as usual."
Although Nicole knew that the old man wasn't as fine and healthy as he said, being in a positive state was the most important thing right now. "Glad to hear that."
"Then, how about you?"
Answering that question, Nicole imitated Professor Mark who spun around once with both hands raised. "Unfortunately, I'm busy as usual."
The two then looked at each other while laughing for a moment, before Professor Mark went into the agenda of why the woman had come to Nice.
"The latest research on a sedative for patients with mental indications that fall into the middle category has been tested and has given satisfactory results."
That was the information Nicole had been waiting for, it felt like a burden had been lifted off her shoulders. The last time she heard from Professor Mark, the drug had fatal effects on some of the people they had chosen as the first consumers. When investigated, the problem came from the patient's wrong way of taking the drug itself, which had different effects on their bodies without them expecting it.
"Glad to hear it, I think Ryan will be very happy to hear this news," Nicole said with a faint smile.
She knew very well that this project was very important to Ryan, and that's why Nicole had to pay full attention to this research. "Then, we just have to wait for the distribution permit until the drug can enter hospitals and clinics."
Professor Mark nodded his head in agreement. "However, I have another piece of good news, but this is for you."
Nicole raised her eyebrows, listening to what the old man was going to say with great anticipation. Because the way he spoke was specifically about herself. Because she didn't feel that this research was related to herself.
"When I was doing that research, I also found that the drug could help cure some neurological diseases." Professor Mark said while looking at Nicole seriously. "It seems like it will work for you too."
The girl felt like she heard shocking news in her ears. Somehow it felt like the tragedy had happened a long time ago. However, when the sudden pain came, Nicole felt like she had just seen Luo Jicheng's face yesterday.
"Although you don't feel any significant effects now, the wound still needs to be treated." Professor Mark's voice sounded a little worried, "You've endured and delayed it for so long, Nicole. This time, you have to get the right treatment to prevent the worst from happening."
Nicole sighed inwardly. "How likely is it that this drug will work if I perform the surgery?"
This time Professor Mark didn't answer immediately and hesitation was visible on his face, which was enough to give Nicole an answer.
"I think living like this now is the safest choice, Professor." Nicole turned her body and put her hands on the tall glass barrier there, then her gaze returned to looking down there, at the children's play area. "I can't accept that consequence now, because I still have something much bigger to deal with."
As if understanding what the woman meant, Professor Mark followed her, standing facing that direction and observing the busy people below. "That's why you should breathe more and worry less."
Nicole smiled hearing the psychological advice given right next to her ear.
"Somehow the best medicine is not the medicine itself, but the feelings you try to keep inside yourself." Professor Mark said in his usual calm voice, "Actually compared to reading from books, I get more direct life experience when I meet certain people."
The old man's chin pointed to one of the figures below, "One of them is that boy, Lucas." His expression changed between sympathy and pride. "When I first met him when he was little and accompanied his mother to get treatment here, but I knew Lucas would grow up to be a strong child."
A sigh was heard from Professor Mark, "Having a mother who suffered from mental illness when he was young is not easy, while his father seemed so busy that they only had each other at that time."
Nicole's gaze was fixed on Lucas who was playing with the children there, it seemed that the man was enjoying the playful environment.
"His mother also died when he was young, growing up alone even with all the financial circumstances, but it would be very difficult to be on the right path in life when you have no one to ask for help." Professor Mark commented.
"But, as I said before, I knew Lucas would be a great person when he grows up." This time Professor Mark's tone changed a little more cheerfully. "All the things he has done for his community and society are more than what they gave him."
Then Professor Mark looked at Nicole, "When you learn to enjoy the little moments, you will learn to enjoy your whole life." He said meaningfully. "I think he is a good man, Nicole."
***