Chapter 54
: Sophia's Depression
"It's not surprising that the earliest psychics were even children of humans and Pokémon."
Harvey, noticing Xia Ming's gaze, showed no embarrassment whatsoever and openly admitted his relationship with the Magical Masked Cat.
He's a man too, and he has some special needs. He even thought about finding a girlfriend to spend the rest of his life with when he was around twenty years old.
But... the Magical Masked Cat is just too good at it. Aside from not being human, she's done everything a girlfriend could do, leaving Harvey with absolutely no advantage in having a human girlfriend. Plus, her humanoid appearance itself fits his aesthetic, so...
He simply made a mistake that any male trainer could make.
It's fine to just joke around online, but in real life, who wouldn't want a clingy and considerate magical masked cat girlfriend? Gardevoir would be the same.
"No, Harvey, I'm just a little incredulous, but congratulations on getting Magic Masked Cat! Does she have a name now?"
"Of course, I registered a new name for her with the league. She's now called Harley Niels."
Niels is Harvey's surname, and registering the name is a mandatory requirement, unless Harvey doesn't intend to marry the Magical Masked Cat.
There are many reasons for naming a Pokémon. Usually, each trainer will give their ace Pokémon a memorable name.
It may be taken from a moment of unforgettable memory, or it may embody a certain wish.
Harley Niels, the magical masked cat, represents her identity as Harvey's wife.
Yes, Xia Ming might have to call her Sister-in-law Harley now.
"Let's not talk about that now. Tell me what you want to know today. Oh, and you should cherish Sophia, or I won't forgive you."
Harvey's warning carried a sense of oppression unique to someone of his status as a big brother.
Although he was fifteen years younger than the two, Harvey was indeed of the same generation as Xia Ming, and had taken care of many children since they were young, so he was considered their older brother.
Otherwise, Xia Ming wouldn't have brought Sophia directly to his office door; that's a method only close people would choose.
"Yes, I know, Brother Vigor."
"Don't worry, Brother Harvey, Xia Ming is very good to me. He's still exactly the same as when we were kids."
Sophia then stood up to speak for Xia Ming.
Harvey smiled with satisfaction at this sight, then sat down on the sofa chair next to him and waited for Xia Ming to speak.
"Brother Vige, I've come to inquire about Sophia's health. The situation is roughly like this..."
Soon, Xia Ming recounted the events of that night when he took Sophia to the superdimensional operation, but he omitted many details, focusing instead on why Sophia's tear ducts were so prone to collapse and whether she had contracted some dangerous condition.
After listening to Xia Ming's story, Harvey also recounted it in detail, while the magical masked cat beside him took the opportunity to find Sophia's medical report:
"This happened two years ago, about three months after that incident. Sophia came to see me because she wasn't feeling well. Luckily, she came in time, otherwise I might have called you back earlier."
Is there anything else about him?
Have you ever heard of depression, Xia?
"Of course, it is a mental illness. Many people do not believe that such a special disease exists, and it is also difficult to see people suffering from depression in the early and middle stages."
"That's right, Sophia has depression. I diagnosed her with moderate depression, but it worsened to severe depression six months ago. If you weren't just six months away from graduating, I would have called you back immediately."
Nodding, Harvey first told Xia Ming that Sophia had been diagnosed with depression, and then continued:
"Sophia's tear glands are congenitally fragile. When strong emotions surge up, they can easily cause the tear glands to collapse, resulting in endless tears. In the long run, this can easily lead to the tear glands drying out."
But don't worry, this is just a side effect of severe depression. It's not very harmful in itself. Sofia's treatment approach is positive, and I've been helping to maintain her mental state, although it's basically treating the symptoms, not the root cause.
At this point, Harvey fixed his gaze on Xia Ming, saying nothing but as if he had said everything.
Xia Ming knew that Harvey's idea of curing the root cause was referring to himself; if it weren't for his appearance, Sophia would still be receiving treatment.
His appearance caused Sofia's depression to improve rapidly, preventing her emotions from becoming so fragile as to easily experience dramatic ups and downs, thus avoiding a series of additional symptoms caused by depression.
Sitting beside Xia Ming, Sophia remained silent, only reaching out to tightly hug his arm, as if a drowning person had found a piece of driftwood called "hope." She seemed to regard Xia Ming as her last emotional support.
Xia Ming first glanced at Sophia, then looked at Harvey.
"It seems you've figured it out. The departure of her aunt and uncle has left her in an environment of dependency and fear of living alone. This will amplify the last emotional attachments in the patient's heart. In this small town, only you fit this description. Judging from the current situation, my guess is quite correct."
Harvey had already suspected something when he heard Xia Ming was back, and when Sophia didn't bring her medicine on time, he was certain that their relationship was rapidly heating up.
"Sophia's medical reports are all here. You can take them back and take a look. These are her medications for this week. Sophia knows when to take them. They are all medications for treating tear gland issues and bodily deficiencies. There are no antidepressants."
Spend more time with Sophia when you get back, like you did when she was little, tell her bedtime stories. Treating depression can be difficult, but it can also be simple. Companionship is always an invisible medicine, but few people realize this.
Harvey took the report from the Magic Masked Cat and handed it to Xia Ming, followed by some pre-prepared medications, all for auxiliary treatment.
After taking the medical report and medication, Xia Ming glanced at them briefly and then slowly spoke:
"Thank you, Brother Vi. Don't worry, I will take good care of Sophia."
"Hmm, I'm relieved to hear that. By the way, when things are calmer in winter, would you like to come and learn a couple of emergency treatment techniques from me?"
"well?"
"I've heard a bit about the brutal combat environment of the Hyperdimensional Operation, so knowing some medical skills is definitely a good idea."
"Um... Brother Harvey, can I learn it? I... I want to help Xia Ming."
Sofia suddenly spoke, interrupting their conversation.
Upon hearing this, Harvey glanced at Sophia with some surprise, then immediately nodded in agreement before Xia Ming could speak:
"That's fine. It's always good that you have the intention. Don't worry, it won't be too difficult to learn. It's all just basic knowledge. Just come find me when winter comes."