"We're almost done, Miss Scratch. I promise."
Dr. Terra's voice is a whisper at the far end of a magenta tunnel.
Every time I try to make it out, I'm filled with the urge to vomit. Everything is spinning... spiraling.
"Maintain it. You can do this. Just a few seconds longer."
I continue exhaling. My lungs ache... my head throbs. At last, I've spent every bit of breath inside me, and I slump back on the hospital bed as if I've just run a marathon.
"And... got it." She slaps her hoof over a crystal-powered console. Beyond the fading magenta veil, I sense a flash of white light. The room grows still, and I come down from a turbulent roller coaster ride into my own voice box. "There. This data should help out nicely."
I can barely keep my eyes open. There are hoofsteps clopping... clopping closer. I sense her at bedside, and she hoofs a paper cup towards me.
"Here. Drink this."
I take it, then bring the thing to my lips. I'm disappointed at the utter blandness of water flowing down my throat.
"Yes, I know," she says. Her smile is a timely thing, appearing just as my vision returns. "It's not Dr. Pony. But I do believe that's the point, Miss Scratch." She scribbles down notes in her clipboard while standing beside me. "I would greatly encourage you to drink lots of water... at least more water than you're used to. That many carbonated soda products on a daily basis...?" She shakes her head. "It's a miracle you haven't rolled into a hospital, screaming in pain for another reason."
I arch an eyebrow.
"Yes, well, I know that's not what you're in here for, but I would advise you to pursue a urologist one of these days all the same." She looks up with a smile. "Ms. Capricorn has already pushed you in one healthy direction... so why not take all roads?"
I find myself shuddering—but not from disgust. For once, I don't have a knee-jerk desire to argue with her...
Or with anypony for that matter.
Huh...
"I know you are probably dying for results, but this is going to be a day by day basis, Miss Scratch. But—if you want my opinion? I'd say that there's ample evidence to show that you are doing well... quite well, actually." Her brow furrows. "So long as you stick to these sessions. I promise you that we will have results."
I nod weakly, sliding to get out of bed.
She lends me a hoof, supporting me. "In the meantime... I wish you a good day. I'll see you next appointment. And, in the meantime..." Dr Terra smiles. "I hope you get lots of results with your other venture."
I look up at her.
I manage a soft grin.
And... I think I mean it.