A patient's detailed descriptions are crucial for a physician, especially with complex diseases. Careful observation and description allow analysis of the patient's condition and the possible causes of their pain.

Austin watched his granduncle for a moment, seeing him leaning against the pillow, eyes closed. Dominic's lips barely moved; his face was ashen, yet he remained coherent. Austin took his pen and recorded his granduncle's words. After a time, Dominic stopped speaking. Austin looked up, expecting him to continue, but his granduncle's head had slumped to the side.

"Uncle Dom?" Austin called softly, receiving no reply. "Uncle Dom," he repeated, his voice more urgent, "Uncle Dom!" Getting no response, Austin anxiously set down his pen and embraced the older man. "Uncle Dom!" Tears welled up, and he forgot to check Dominic's pulse.

"What the f*ck are you doing?!" Dominic demanded, frowning impatiently. He was clearly annoyed, but alive.

Austin released his grip and looked at his granduncle, who stared back with half-opened eyes. Austin laughed through his tears. "Thank goodness you're alive!"

"You could have checked my pulse, couldn't you?" Dominic retorted.

"I-I forgot!" Austin admitted, ashamed. He knew his granduncle was right; his anxiety had overwhelmed him. He realized he would have known Dominic had merely fallen asleep from exhaustion if he'd checked his pulse.

"You f*cking dumbass!" Dominic breathed, then added, "Water!"

Austin retrieved the glass of water. "It's not warm anymore. I'll get you another."

Dominic didn't object, and Austin fetched fresh water. This time, Dominic drank it all, seemingly very thirsty.

Austin was surprised to find his granduncle livelier, free of coughing or pain, and seemingly stronger. Despite their recent conversation, Dominic had only napped briefly. "Are you feeling better?" Austin asked, taking his granduncle's wrist to check his pulse.

Dominic nodded. "It doesn't hurt so much now. The sensation of bugs crawling inside my body is gone, too."

"Your pulse is normal," Austin stated after careful observation. However, he felt even more concerned. "What's going on? I couldn't detect the symbiotes inside you."

Dominic saw his grandnephew's troubled expression and understood his thoughts. He weakly tapped Austin's forehead. "Did you forget that I couldn't detect anything inside you when you were sick?"