Chapter 14
Dr. Patel's eyes met Vivian's, his expression grave. "I'm not sure, but I think it's something we should be less concerned about."
The doctor made an earlier assessment and sought clarification. "Excuse me, doctor," I said, my curiosity piqued. "When did you conduct an initial check-up on our bodies?
The doctor's expression turned contemplative. "I ran a test on all of you when you were brought in, including Vivian. You and Johan had shown the most significant effects."
I nodded, understanding dawning on me. "I see. Can I undergo another check-up now?"
The doctor hesitated, unsure how to proceed. "Hmm… I'm not sure…"
I intervened, my tone firm but polite. "Just me alone, doctor."
He relented, a hint of curiosity creeping into his voice. "Okay, fine. I'll conduct a quick check-up. Follow me."
I trailed behind him to his office, where he swiftly examined me. His eyes widened in astonishment as he scrutinized the results. "Wow, your body seems to have stabilized," he exclaimed, incredulous.
I grasped the implications, my heart racing with hope. "Does that mean I'm okay?" I asked, my gaze locked on his.
The doctor nodded and still looked perplexed. "Yes, yes, you are. I need to classify these results… I have never seen such a drastic change."
His words trailed off, leaving me to process the news. He continued, I'd like to check on the others too, but it's already too late. We will do that tomorrow. Astra, come back tomorrow for a proper and general check-up."
I nodded, a sense of relief washing over me. "Okay, I will, doctor."
As I continued, I re-entered the hospital room, a sense of relief and curiosity etched on my face. Johan and Vivian looked up, their expressions expectant.
"Well?" Vivian asked, her voice laced with curiosity. "What did the doctor say?"
I smiled, feeling a sense of wonder. My body had stabilized. The doctor was amazed by the change."
Johan's eyes widened, a grin spreading across his face. "That's incredible news!"
Vivian's expression turned thoughtful, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. "This raises more questions than answers. What could be causing this?"
I nodded, my mind racing with possibilities. "The doctor wants to run more tests, see if he can understand what's happening to me… and us."
Vivian'd gaze turning serious, her voice firm. "We will make sure to follow up on that, Astra. We need an understanding of what's going on."
As we spoke, the room fell silent, each of us lost in our thoughts pondering the mysteries that lie right now.
Vivian's inquiry caught my attention, and I turned to face her, my expression thoughtful. "Did I remember anything that could have led to this?" I repeated, my mind racing with more possibilities.
I reflected on my brief stay at the hospital, attempting to recall any events or actions that might have contributed to my current state. The enigmatic image I had seen in my unconscious state resurfaced in my mind, but I dismissed it as an unlikely cause. It seemed too abstract, too inexplicable.
I paused, collecting my thoughts as Johan's gaze turned introspective, his eyes narrowing in concentration. "I'm not sure, Vivian," I said finally, my voice measured. "I don't recall doing anything unusual."
Johan's eyes snapped back to mine, his expression pensive. "Astra, could it be connected to the cave?" or something we encountered there?"
Vivian's gaze turned analytical, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"That's a plausible lead, Johan. We should revisit the events in the cave and see if we can establish a link."
I exclaimed, my frustration evident, "Of course, it's from the cave, Johan!" My mind is racing back to our initial sojourn in the cave, where Johan had been exposed to the miasma-laden environment. A plethora of thoughts, previously unspoken, now flooded my consciousness. I permitted them to settle, and a conclusion crystallized: the aura, or glowing substances emanating from our body, was likely the causative agent.
As I meditated on this epiphany, a serene smile spread across my face, despite my eyes remaining closed in contemplation. Vivian's voice pierced the silence, "Astra, you've thought of something, haven't you?" You've smiled."
I opened my eyes, responded with a warm, enigmatic smile, "Yes, the aura
induced these transformations. The cave's aura has intertwined with our own, precipitating a profound impact on our psychological systems."
Johan and Vivian's eyes widened in unison, their faces alight with astonishment. "How did you arrive at that conclusion?" Vivian asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
Johan's face broke into a sly grin, his eyes winking at me. "I gave him a hint, he said, his tone laced with amusement.
Vivain's laughter erupted, playful and teasing. "A hint? Oh, Johan, you're being too modest!"
Johan's expression turned mock-defensive, his eyes flashing with indignation. "What? What's wrong with that?"
Their banter jogged my memory, recalling our initial cave expedition, where Johan had struggled to resist the miasma's influence. Vivian's gaze followed mine, and she burst into laughter, her eyes shining with mirth. "I think I see what happened," she said chuckling. "Johan's aura control was still nascent back then, and he succumbed to the miasma's effects."
I nodded, my expression turning serious. "The same phenomenon occurred with us in the cave, albeit to a greater extent. Our prolonged exposure has amplified the effects."
Vivian's gaze turned contemplative. "So, what's our next course of action?"
Johan's response was immediate. "We engage in meditation. We must attune ourselves to the aura that's permeating our bodies."
I nodded, reflecting on my own experience. "I actually meditated upon waking, although it took me a while to grasp the underlying dynamics."
The room fell silent as we each turned inward, focusing on our bodily sensations and the subtle energies within, our faces set in determined resolve.
The door silently creaked open, and a nurse entered to check on us. "Good morning," she greeted.
I opened my eyes, having been resting on Johan's bed. "Good morning," I responded, my voice sharp and deep.