h4Chapter 411: An Assessment/h4

    is Jung continued to stare at the door as if, by sheer will, he could make it vanish. His eyes hadn’t left it for what felt like forever. Six hours. They had been in there for six whole hours. Since when did a basic consult take that long?

    His fingers tapped restlessly against his knee before stopping. He almostughed at himself, except there was nothing funny about the tight coil in his chest. Six hours. His mind couldn’t let go of the number. Each passing minute had dug in deeper until now the only thought in his head was what was happening on the other side.

    He was almost tempted—no, beyond tempted—to break down the door and see for himself. He had pictured it several times already: storming in, demanding answers, dragging Cadence out if he had to. What could they possibly be doing in there all this time?

    Finally—finally—after what felt less like hours and more like six years, the door creaked open. is shot to his feet so quickly his chair slid back with a scrape.

    "Dr. Verran," he said, voice tighter than he intended.

    The older man stepped out, calm as ever, and offered him a smile. "Dr. Jung. I’ve made you worried."

    is shook his head automatically, not trusting himself to speak. His eyes were already darting past him, searching for Cadence, waiting for him to appear. But when the door closed again and there was no sign of him, a fresh wave of unease went through him.

    He was about to push past and go inside when Dr. Verran lifted a hand to stop him.

    "He’s very tired," the man said gently. "He just fell asleep. Let him rest for now. Why don’t we sit and discuss things first?"

    is hesitated, jaw tight. His instinct screamed to see Cadence for himself, to confirm with his own eyes that he was fine. But if he was sleeping... if he was really sleeping... then maybe it was all right to wait.

    Slowly, he nodded. His hands clenched once at his sides before he forced them to rx. He gestured toward the chairs nearby, his voice steady even though the tension in him hadn’t eased.

    Dr. Verran took the seat across from him and folded his hands on hisp. "Dr. Jung," he began, "I’ve read the entire case file for Cadence Sint, and I must say... you have done an incredible job."

    is blinked, but the man continued before he could respond.

    "Patients with conditions like this rarely survive once the violent episodes start," Dr. Verran said, his tone one of measured admiration. "And yet, you’ve managed to keep it under control for years. To have not only stabilized the episodes but maintained progress for this long... It’s remarkable. Truly remarkable. If you’re able to develop a control medication for this, you may well have a patent under your name in the future."

    is barely reacted to thepliment. His mind wasn’t on praise or recognition. It was on the silent room behind that door.

    He leaned forward slightly, his voice quiet but cutting straight to the point. "Dr. Verran," he said, meeting the man’s eyes, "do you think I’ve made a mistake in his treatment? At any point? Over the years?"

    Dr Verran puased and gave him a considering look. "Are you asking this as a peer or as someone who is concerned about him."

    "Both."

    Dr Verran sighed and gestured for him to take a seat," Dr Jung. You are one of the most respected doctors in our field. Whether it is your research or analysis, they have always been spot on."

    "Dr Verran, please get to the point." is cut in irritably, not wanting to dawdle over meaninglesspliments.

    The man smiled faintly before speaking. "Dr. Jung," he said, his tone measured, "as a doctor, I believe the measures you have taken so far have been the very best anyone could have given him."

    is let out a slow breath, a flicker of relief loosening the tightness in his chest—until Dr. Verran continued, voice calm but firm.

    "But," he added, leaning back slightly, "as a friend... I think you have made a very big mistake."

    is froze. The words hit harder than he expected. His eyes narrowed slightly as he asked, "What do you mean by that?"

    Dr. Verran didn’t answer right away. Instead, he gave a small, almost sympathetic smile before speaking again. "Dr. Jung, I don’t know what made you second-guess yourself after all these years," he said evenly. "I don’t know why you suddenly feel unsure. But I will tell you this, and I need you to hear me clearly."

    He paused briefly, watching is’s face before going on.

    "From this moment forward," he said, his voice leaving no room for argument, "you will no longer be his doctor. His care will be transferred to me, or to any other doctor you choose, but not you. You will refrain from giving him any medical instructions, any prescriptions, or any diagnosis. That role ends today."

    is’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing, his expression unreadable.

    Dr. Verran continued, his tone softening slightly. "Second, you should know this—Cadence Sint, right now, is in his most lucid state. You do not need to be on edge around him as though he might break at the slightest thing. He doesn’t need that from you."

    He leaned forward, folding his hands together on the table. "Andstly," he said, his eyes steady on is, "if the dayes when you must choose between being his doctor or being his friend... choose to be his friend. Every single time. You might find yourself surprised at what he needs most."

    Dr Verran smiled then and said," Though, from what the young man told me inside, you might not remain friends for long."

    And with that, Dr Verran stood up and walked out of therge apartment, leaving a shell shocked and almost scared Dr Jung behind. Because what did he mean by they might not remain friends for long?