章節 42: [42] Aid
"We are looking for some arthritis medicine. Can you please show me it?" I asked.
"Of course," Hazuki said, her tone professional and calm as she led me further into the pharmacy. "Arthritis medication usually comes in both pill and topical cream forms. They work in different ways but can be used together if needed."
I followed her down the aisle, passing by rows of dusty, abandoned products. Every so often, the flickering fluorescent lights would cast odd shadows onto the metal shelves, creating an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere. It was unsettling, but with Hazuki leading the way, I felt a certain sense of calmness.
"Here," she said, stopping at a particular section of the shelves. She began sorting through the medications, reading the labels with an expert eye. "The most common medication is NSAIDs - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They work by reducing inflammation and pain in the joints."
Her hands moved deftly as she picked out the relevant medications. In the dim light, her professionalism shone through. She was focused and sure, despite the uncertainty of our surroundings. It was comforting in a way, this evidence of her capabilities and experience.
"However, there are other options if NSAIDs aren't effective," she continued, her voice steady and instructive. "Steroids can be taken orally or injected directly into the joints to reduce inflammation. And there's also a class of drugs called DMARDs, Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. They work by suppressing the immune system to prevent it from attacking the joints."
Her explanations were clear and concise, painting a picture of a medical world far removed from the chaos of our current reality. As I listened, I realized that her knowledge was more than just a result of training. She was driven by a desire to help, to use her skills for the benefit of others.
"But considering the situation, I think NSAIDs are the most practical option," she concluded, handing me several bottles of pills. "They're easy to administer and have fewer side effects than the other medications. And if we're lucky, they should be enough to manage the arthritis symptoms."
"Thank you, Hazuki," I said, meeting her eyes. They were calm and focused, and in them, I saw the resolve that had carried her through this apocalypse. "You're not just saving a life today. You're giving hope to us all."
For a moment, she just looked at me, her eyes wide and slightly surprised. And then, slowly, she nodded. "I'm glad I could help," she said, and there was a new softness to her voice. "After all, that's why I became a nurse."
Hearing the unmistakable, chilling sound of a shotgun clicking behind us, my heart instantly began to pound in my chest. A chill ran down my spine and a lump formed in my throat, but I knew I couldn't let fear take control.
"Turn around slowly. Let me see your face," the deep, male voice continued. His words echoed off the empty supermarket shelves, amplifying the menacing tone.
Gently, I put my hand on Hazuki's arm, a silent message for her to stay calm. I then turned around slowly, hands raised in the universal sign of surrender.
My eyes met those of a burly man holding the shotgun. He was a hulking figure, with a thick beard and a pair of cold, evaluating eyes that scanned me thoroughly. I could see the slight narrowing of his eyes, the suspicion in his gaze. "I haven't seen you before in the party before," he challenged, not dropping his guard for even a moment.
"I'm new," I said, matching his gaze, maintaining the eye contact. The lie came easily, delivered with a confidence I didn't actually feel. I had to sound convincing, believable.
"You're new? Since when do we recruit new guys without telling everyone?" he asked, his voice gruff, not buying my story completely.
"Since things got bad, and we need every hand we can get," I responded, improvising quickly, "I'm here with Hazuki to get the arthritis medication."
I motioned towards Hazuki, who was standing by my side, her face as composed as ever. But I could see a hint of fear in her eyes, a clear sign of how precarious our situation was.
"She is my guide, showing me around, teaching me what needs to be done," I continued, trying to sound as genuine as possible. The man glanced towards Hazuki, his eyes narrowing a fraction more as he considered my words.
"You got any proof?" he questioned, skepticism seeping into his voice.
As I slowly began to roll up my sleeve, the man cocked his head to the side, curious about what I was about to show him. My heart hammered in my chest, the adrenaline surging through my veins. This was it, the moment of truth.
"I want to show you my mark," I explained, my voice steady and even, disguising the tension that wound its way around every one of my words. The 'mark' was a mere ruse, a way to buy time, and hopefully catch the man off guard.
As I seemingly struggled to push up my sleeve, my other hand discretely moved towards my back where I had my pistol holstered.
Q: Are you knowledgeable in first aid?
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