An emergency room received a 12-year-old girl with a huge belly. Doctors originally suspected gastric issues or a tumor. The ultrasound brought a profound silence to the room. What they saw froze them. It was a fading spark of life, not a pregnancy or tumor.
Her name was Kira. Quiet, slender, and pale, she had wide blue eyes and clutched her stomach. Late at night, she was hospitalized. The same thing her mother said while weeping.
I thought it was bloating. Gas… Nighttime torment made her scream and curl up. She can no longer stand.
Kira’s father left her aged six. Her shopping center cleaning mother did all she could for her daughter. They loved each other despite hardship. No one realized her smile hid her agony. She persisted. She wanted to avoid upsetting her mother. She thought it would pass. To prevent more damage, she drank water and fasted.
When they lay her on the bed, her tummy skin stretched like an eardrum, preventing her from extending her legs. Tests, IVs, and examinations were rushed by physicians. An ultrasound showed a lot of abdominal fluid. Initially, physicians feared internal bleeding. The blood was clean. The surgeon called an oncologist. Oncologist is gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist specializes in infectious diseases.
Intestinal lymphangiectasia was alarming. A disease that dilates lymphatic vessels and fills the abdomen. Years of misdiagnosis as a “bad stomach” may lead to pain, fatigue, and death.
The mother was carefully informed by an elderly doctor with caring eyes and silver hair:
Your daughter’s grip is excellent. Her body has struggled for months. Urgent puncture, treatment, and support are needed. You must attend. She’s lost without you.
Mom remained in the room throughout. With a moist forehead, Kira gently opened her eyes and whispered:
– Mom. Don’t want to… I haven’t completely seen my favorite series…
Treatment was lengthy and unpleasant. Over three liters of abdomen fluid were pumped. Every move was awful. Injections were tests. But Kira didn’t cry. A teddy bear with a lovely bandage on her tummy brought tears to her eyes when her mother gave it to her:
Will he become sick with me?
After two weeks, everything improved. The doctors said they had never seen such childish bravery. The strict, quiet nurse handed her a warm blanket and whispered:
You resemble an angel. No leaving, please.
Kira’s narrative spread over the floor. Other kids learned Kira’s fighting technique. You can too.
