Diagnosis (English Translation)

2

Co-translator : pledis_uwus

Chapter two: Close Friends

I woke up in a cold sweat at 4 in the morning. My bedroom was completely dark. A dim light was shining through the window.

I was panting. I took the blanket off of myself and went to the bathroom.

I dreamed that I saw that shadow. That shadow that I saw that afternoon approached me, took me by the shoulder, and said “see you again” in a tone that I remember perfectly. The tone prevented me from moving. I felt something hit my chest and press against my arms and legs. I struggled with this for a while before panicking.

I splashed cold water on my face, and looked in the mirror to see my current state. I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

The symptom that I had just experienced is what people call “sleep paralysis”. I have had this many times myself, usually while half-asleep. I had just dreamed of when I saw the shadow of the man from that night and when he spoke to me in a frightening tone.

Why do I dream of this? The teacher told me that listening to our dreams can tell us of certain mental symptoms. It’s a door that opens a deeper, more profound level of that person’s mind.

I must have been so frightened from that patient to have a dream, but if I often dream like I did a moment ago, I’ll have to talk with the teacher.

Six months passed without problems. There were no nightmares or shadows that bothered me which made me feel comfortable and healthy.

After the exam in the psychiatric ward, which was the second one I attended, I rotated through several other wards. 

For my next rotation, I went to the medicine ward, which has been my favorite ward from the beginning. It’s the place that I’ve wanted to study medicine in since my first year, and so far I have not changed my mind.

“Bastard!” Wai, my classmate greeted me with his own kind, polite language while I was studying patient’s medical records. “You’re a doctor! Come teach me how to read the ECG. It’s an emergency! I bet P’Sai to a face off and I don’t know a damn thing.”

“Oh, why does this involve me?” I asked.

I sat down and pretended like I didn’t care.

“Nong Ton, bend down! I will eat your head as you are the smartest in the group. Consider it a merit for your friends, may this merit make you stay with your girlfriend for as long as you want.

I laughed at Wai’s words. He is someone who always speaks humorously by being dramatic and making us laugh. Though, he is not good at studying. It was me who helped him pass each class.

“There are a million things to know about ECGs (electrocardiograms). Which part do I have to teach to you?’

“From the basics. I completely forgot fourth year.”

“Oooii!”

I spent half an hour teaching the basic concepts of the electrocardiogram lecture.He is a very attentive listener. Even if he doesn’t understand it, he keeps listening with his full attention.

Finally, the doctor who is practicing with Wai arrived. I left the room and said to cheer him up, “I am sure you’re dead.”

I left the two of them alone.

Outside of the room, I took out my iphone and checked the time. In twenty minutes I will have to go to classes now that my work in the ward has finished.