One
Sol
-at 13-
Cold.
That’s how it often felt in the doctor’s office. Very cold. But after a while, Solidad got used to the cold, especially after his past. He was at the doctor’s office for a routine checkup.
He was used to it by now. The bi-monthly visit to the doctors, drawing blood to check on it, his blood cells and hemoglobin levels normal, the doctors and his mother’s relieved smiles at the end. It used to be every 2 weeks but his immune system became stronger and he didn’t need to have his blood checked so often.
Solidad has lupus nephritis. Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissue. Nephritis is kidney failure caused by the immune system attacking the kidneys. He’s had it since he was 12, when he was diagnosed last year. He had to fight to even stay awake. But now he’s better, his lupus dormant, and his life still going.
His mother held a hand over his, squeezing it tightly. She suffered the most from his illness. She had to watch Solidad suffer when he was hospitalized for his lupus, unable to do anything but stand by and let him. But he’s better now and still with her.
Momma had a pale, warm face that glowed with comfort and warmth. Her ebony hair had blond streaks running down. Her deep brown eyes held a secret worry that her poker face refused to show.
Compared to her, he had brown hair that curled around his ears and under his chin. A small mole dotted over his upper lip. Other than that, he was very similar to Momma.
The doctor smiled at them, looking up from his computer. “Your platlet counts are normal, hemoglobin levels are good, blood cells are great. Solidad’s lupus is still dormant.” Solidad grinned and faced Momma, seeing relief wash over her. He squeezed her hand. I’m still ok, it told her. She squeezed back.
I know.
As they drove back home, he sang along to the music playing in the stereo, happy to know his lupus is still dormant.
