Rare Disease

Both Andres and Sekar looked confused by the name of the disease. For them, the name of the disease is very foreign to their ears. As if they did not believe the diagnosis of the doctor and other medical teams.

"Sorry, Doc, we just heard the name of the disease. It's very foreign to us," added Sekar, showing a face full of inquiry.

The doctor sighed before finally explaining in detail about a disease that is relatively rare in Indonesia.

"Okay, I'll explain. Porphyria aka Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) is called Vampire Disease Syndrome or vampire disease. In which patients who suffer from it will behave very similarly to these vampire-like creatures. This disease is said to be rare because only 1 in 1 million people in this world experience such conditions." The doctor explained in detail the disease Dreena is currently suffering from.

"What? Vampire disease?" shouted Andres in disbelief.

"What do you mean, Doc? Our son is a human, how can he behave like that horrible vampire monster?" said Sekar, who also did not accept the results of the doctor's diagnosis, which they thought was very irrational.

Again, the doctor took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. He again explained. "Yes, Sir, Madam, indeed in medicine or medical science there are several rare diseases, one of which is Vampire Disease or Porphyria. This disease is a group of symptoms that arise when the process of heme formation does not run perfectly. Heme is an important part of hemoglobin, which is the delivery of oxygen and iron binding in the blood." The doctor took another breath and let it out slowly before explaining further.

"Under normal conditions, the formation of heme requires a series of chemical processes that involve many types of enzymes. If one of the enzymes needed is lacking, this process will be disrupted. As a result, an imbalance of blood-forming enzymes occurs due to the buildup of chemical compounds called porphyrins. This buildup of porphyrins will cause this symptom to be called porphyria. The symptoms of each patient are different, some even don't cause any symptoms," explained the man in the white coat patiently and always gave Sekar and Andres a warm smile.

"Then what's the cause, Doc?" Sekar asked with body gestures showing concern.

"This disease can be caused by conditions in which the formation of heme is not perfect, it can be due to genetic factors or caused by trauma, stress and alcohol. However, only your son and I have experienced slightly different symptoms. such as dizziness, nausea, and pale skin color except that there are no rash or red spots around the skin." The doctor explained so patiently that even Sekar and Andres became convinced and believed in him.

For a moment, they both thought and studied every explanation the doctor had explained. The only thing that makes them not believe is why this rare disease can attack their only daughter.

"But will our child be cured, Doc?" Andres hesitantly asked that.

"Because cases like this are very rare in Indonesia, our medical team cannot say whether we can or not. But we will try our best. Later, the medical team will provide treatment or therapy in the form of drugs. However, patients suffering from Vampire Disease are very sensitive to ultraviolet light. It can burn his skin like a vampire."

Sekar and Andres also begged the paramedics to continue trying to cure Dreena regardless of her condition. They even said not to worry about costs and so on. If necessary, they are also ready to receive a referral from this hospital for treatment abroad.

Once again, the man in the white coat just said he would try his best to heal all the patients he and the medical team treated.

After hearing all the diagnoses presented by the doctor, Sekar and Andres left the room. The doctor had permitted them to see Dreena's condition.

***

In another place, still in the Jakarta area, a 16-year-old boy is watching his favorite movie. He was in his private room, which was quite spacious. He is a teenage boy named Jarrel Shankara Ganendra, the son of a famous billionaire in Indonesia.

Jarrel, besides watching movies, also really likes reading books and that makes him even cooler and loved by women because he was the captain of the basketball team at his school from elementary to middle school. You could say Jarrel is in the same class as Dreena. They did go to different schools, but they graduated this year.

"Oh, it's only right that a boy is liked by a lot of girls, it turns out that his secret has been discovered. He's a vampire. By the way, if I were a vampire, there would be a lot of girls coming to me," he said imaginatively while chuckling to himself.

One oddity of Jarrel is that he is a teenage boy who is infected or can be said to be obsessed with creatures called vampires. He even fantasized about whether he became a vampire or king Dracula. Just look, the room decorations have dark nuances, there are only two colors, black and red.

Apart from collecting vampire films, Jarrel also collects films from other mythological creatures or monsters, such as werewolves and even zombies. You could say he is a fan of horror and fantasy. It's just that he is more obsessed with vampire characters.

He is a big fan of Bram Stoker's novel in his book, Dracula. Maybe because the author's book made Jarrel so obsessed with everything related to Dracula or vampires.

"Ahh, unfortunately the ending is really hanging. There must be a season 2 here." Jarrel grunted disappointed with the ending of the film he watched.

From outside the room came the voice of a housekeeper knocking on her door and calling her name several times.

"Young Mister! Mr. Jarrel at this hour why didn't you come out of the room? From earlier, Ma'am Mira woke up, but didn't wake up. Madam ordered Mr. Jarrel to have breakfast. But now Sir and Madam are on their way to work," said the housekeeper from outside. Jarrell's door.

"Iishh, just bother," he grumbled.

He forced himself to answer in a slightly annoyed tone. "If they're busy there's no need to pretend they care about their child," shouted Jarrel with emotion.

Why is Jarrel so upset with his parents?

***