Chapter 159 Training Doctor In Remote Areas III
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The next day, Haruto returned once again to visit the elderly woman he had met yesterday.
He had considered going back to the clinic, but something inside him wouldn’t let him leave things unfinished.
”Are you the new doctor who just arrived here?”
A woman stood near the entrance of the home. From her features, Haruto guessed she must be Yoshimi’s mother.
”Yes, my name is Ichijou,” he answered with a polite nod.
”I heard what happened yesterday… My husband was in the wrong,” she said quietly. “Yoshimi told me everything.”
”I see… Thank you. I understand it’s not easy to trust someone new.”
Haruto had prepared himself to carefully explain everything and go through the proper medical interview process. But it seemed they already understood most of what he had intended to say.
”So… about the medication for the grandmother?”
”Yes. I wasn’t able to complete the examination yesterday. I’d like to finish it now, if that’s alright.”
”Of course. Please, come in.”
”Thank you very much.”
Haruto felt a wave of relief wash over him. He hadn’t expected to be welcomed so smoothly.
”Good morning. Let’s continue from where we left off yesterday.”
”Good morning, Doctor. I’m sorry to trouble you again.”
He checked her blood pressure, which he hadn’t managed to measure the day before, then handed over the necessary medication. After that, he decided to bring up the issue that had been on his mind since yesterday.
”Actually… I’d like to talk a bit about her eye condition.”
But the mother gently raised her hand.
”That’s enough, Doctor. It’s not your fault.”
”I understand. But… there might be a way. It’s difficult, but not impossible. If we’re lucky, she might regain enough vision to live more comfortably.”
”Yesterday, you said it was unlikely she could recover,” the mother replied, her tone cautious.
”If you’re just trying to give us false hope, we won’t stand for it,” said a voice sharply.
”I—I’m not trying to deceive anyone!” Haruto said, flustered. “Please, just give me a chance to explain.”
”Tell us everything,” the mother said.
Just then, Yoshimi stepped into the room, her expression serious.
”I’d like to hear it too,” she said, standing beside her mother.
Haruto gave a small nod. “Alright.”
He began to speak, choosing his words carefully, weaving truth and theory together into a coherent explanation.
Back in medical school, Haruto had studied an experimental massage method that blended techniques from various traditions—Eastern pressure points, modern rehabilitation therapy, and even ancient practices. It wasn’t recognized by standard medicine, and because of that, he’d been sent out to a rural area after presenting his findings.
”I can’t promise a full recovery,” he admitted. “But if it goes well, it could help improve her condition—enough that daily life becomes easier.”
The mother narrowed her eyes. “Are you really a doctor? You’re not some scam artist, are you?”
”I understand your doubts. That’s why I’d like to demonstrate. If you don’t mind, I’d like Yoshimi’s help for a small test.”
Both the mother and daughter looked surprised. Yoshimi blinked.
”My help?”
”Yes. Since I’ll be applying the massage around the grandmother’s eyes, I’d like to demonstrate the method on someone younger first. Just to show that it’s safe and gentle. It’s a facial technique, so I’d focus on your cheeks.”
”On… my cheeks?” Yoshimi asked, slightly flustered.
Haruto nodded. “It’s meant to reduce inflammation. From what I see, it may even help with your acne.”
”…You can do that?” Yoshimi asked, her eyes wide.
”I can’t promise a miracle. But yes, it’s worth a try.”
Her expression lit up instantly. “Then I’ll help!”
With her mother watching closely, Haruto began the demonstration. He applied a small amount of ointment—something gentle, intended to reduce inflammation—and began carefully massaging Yoshimi’s cheeks in smooth, practiced motions.
(Hmm…? This feeling… where have I felt this before…?)
Notes:
• Yoshimi – Female. A high school girl who guides Haruto to her grandmother’s house. She is wary of doctors due to past experiences and becomes agitated when Haruto reveals her grandmother’s condition. Her relationship with Haruto is tense, and she sides with her family in distrusting him.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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