**Chapter 3: Shadows of Uncertainty**

The minutes ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity as Hange and I waited for Dr. Kim's arrival. I could sense Hange's tension, his body rigid as he sat beside me, his eyes fixed on the door. I tried to calm him down, but my own anxiety was simmering just below the surface. As we waited, I couldn't help but think about the countless times Dr. Kim had visited me, always with a kind smile and a reassuring word. But this time, something felt different. The urgency in her message had been palpable, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was terribly wrong. The doorbell rang, and Hange quickly got up to answer it. I heard the muffled sound of his voice as he greeted Dr. Kim, and then she appeared in the doorway, her expression somber. "Hey, kiddo," she said, her voice soft as she smiled at me. "I'm sorry to intrude, but I needed to see you as soon as possible." Hange helped her into the room, and she began to unpack a small bag she had brought with her. "I've been going over your test results, and I think we need to talk about your treatment plan," she said, her eyes locked on mine. I felt a knot form in my stomach as Hange sat back down beside me, his hand wrapping around mine in a comforting gesture. Dr. Kim pulled up a chair and sat down, her expression serious. "Your fever seems to have stabilized, but I'm concerned about the underlying cause," she said, her voice measured. "The lab results indicate that you have a rare autoimmune disorder, one that's triggered by stress and anxiety." I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. An autoimmune disorder? That sounded serious. Hange's grip on my hand tightened, and I knew he could sense my panic. "What does it mean?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. Dr. Kim leaned forward, her eyes filled with compassion. "It means that your body is attacking itself, kiddo. We need to start you on a new treatment plan, one that will help regulate your immune system and manage your symptoms." I nodded, trying to process the information. It sounded like a lot to take in, and I felt overwhelmed. Hange squeezed my hand, and I turned to him, seeking reassurance. "We'll get through this, baby," he whispered, his voice full of conviction. "We'll face it together." But as I looked at Dr. Kim, I saw a shadow of uncertainty in her eyes, a hint that this was just the beginning of a long and difficult journey. And I couldn't shake off the feeling that our lives were about to change in ways we couldn't even imagine.