577 577. White Disease

"I am afraid she has the White Disease," Jean said.

Silence followed his words. Someone could drop a pin and it would echo with how silent it was.

Jael could see Jean's nervousness increase as the silence dragged on. The physician's eyes darted from left to right.

"She thought the same thing," Jael finally said.

"She did? Her mother died of the same thing, I am sure it is familiar to her."

"She thinks she is going to die," Jael said. There was no point beating around the bush.

Jean shuffled his feet, twisted his fingers and Jael could see sweat break out of his forehead.

"Jean, you're allowed to say what you think. There is no need to sugarcoat your words, it won't help anyone," Jael commanded.

Jean swallowed and nodded at Jael's words. He looked to the floor before he slowly looked back to Jael's face.

"She won't be wrong," he replied.