Chapter 6
Bucky Barnes stood outside the hospital entrance, his hands clenched at his sides as he stared at the imposing building. The sleek, modern architecture seemed to loom over him, casting long shadows that mirrored the unease churning in his gut. Sam Wilson stood beside him, a steady presence amidst the bustling flow of hospital staff and patients.
"You okay, Buck?" Sam asked, his voice laced with concern.
Bucky nodded tightly, but his clenched jaw betrayed the tension he felt. "Yeah, just... hospitals," he managed to murmur, his voice strained. The sterile scent of antiseptic and the distant hum of machinery were overwhelming.
Sam's expression softened with understanding, remembering what Bucky had revealed about Hydra’s abuse.
"Let’s just take it one step at a time," Sam encouraged gently, his hand reassuring on Bucky's shoulder. "Step one is getting through these doors. You got this, Buck," he added with a supportive smile.
With a deep breath, they entered the hospital together. The automatic doors whooshed open as they stepped into the bustling lobby. Bucky's heart raced, memories of Hydra doctors standing over him flashed.
The sights and sounds enveloped him—a cacophony of ringing phones, hurried footsteps, and muted conversations. Bucky felt a tightening in his chest, a familiar sense of dread creeping in. He tried to anchor himself in Sam's steady presence, but his breathing quickened, each inhale sharper than the last.
"Hey, Buck, look at me," Sam's voice broke through the haze of panic threatening to engulf Bucky. "Just breathe, okay? You're gonna be alright."
Bucky nodded, struggling to regain control over his racing thoughts. He leaned against the wall, his legs suddenly feeling like lead. Sam stayed close, his hand a grounding force on Bucky's arm.
"You're safe, Buck. We're just here to get some answers," Sam murmured, his voice a calm reassurance. "Remember, I'm right here with you every step of the way."
Minutes passed in slow motion as Bucky fought to steady his breathing and quiet the storm raging within him. Gradually, the panic began to ebb, replaced by a wave of fatigue that made him want to lie down.
"I'm sorry," Bucky finally managed to say, his voice hoarse.
Sam shook his head gently, a small smile tugging at his lips. "No need to apologize, Buck. We'll take this at your pace."
With Sam's support, Bucky straightened up and approached the reception desk, where a nurse greeted them with a warm smile.
"Mr. Barnes, Mr. Wilson?" the nurse inquired, her voice gentle.
Bucky nodded, grateful for the distraction. "Yes, we're here to see Dr. Strange."
The nurse checked them in and directed them to the neurology floor. Bucky walked with determination to the elevators, Sam following closely behind. Knowing Sam was beside him, each step forward felt like a triumph over his fear.
As they waited in the neurology center, Bucky clenched his hands in his lap, trying to ignore the persistent tremor that had plagued him for weeks. Beside him, Sam glanced at his friend with concern, their shared worry hanging heavy in the air.
“James Barnes,” a nurse called, gesturing for them to follow. She led them down the hallway and into an examination room where Dr. Stephen Strange awaited them. His presence was reassuring and intimidating—a renowned neurologist with a reputation for handling the most complex cases.
Dr. Strange rose from his desk, his expression both professional and empathetic as he greeted them. "Mr. Barnes, Mr. Wilson, it is nice to see you when we aren't facing the end of the world. Please, have a seat."
"I've reviewed your symptoms with Dr. Raynor," Dr. Strange began, his voice steady as he addressed Bucky. "Headaches, nausea, tremors... These can be indicative of various conditions, but we'll need to conduct some tests to pinpoint the cause."
Bucky nodded, his gaze steady as he focused on a point on the wall behind Dr. Strange’s head.
"We'll start with a thorough neurological examination. Then, depending on the findings, we may proceed with imaging studies," Dr. Strange continued, gesturing towards the exam table for Bucky to sit.
As the examination began, Dr. Strange meticulously led Bucky through a set of tests designed to evaluate his motor skills, reflexes, and cognitive function, mirroring Dr. Raynor's earlier assessments. He began by assessing Bucky's mental status and asking questions to gauge his memory. Bucky struggled to recall details at times, frustration creasing his brow.
Next, Dr. Strange tested Bucky's motor skills and coordination. He asked him to perform specific movements—touching his nose with his finger, walking heel-to-toe across the room—and observed closely for any abnormalities or difficulty in coordination.
He also checked Bucky's reflexes using a reflex hammer, tapping various points on his body to evaluate the integrity of his nervous system pathways.
After completing the examination, Dr. Strange reviewed his findings thoughtfully. "I'm going to recommend a CT scan," he stated, his tone measured yet decisive. "Normally, I would prefer you got an MRI, but given the vibranium arm, it is not advisable."
Sam nodded in agreement. "Whatever you think, Doc. We'll do it."
Dr. Strange nodded, "I'll arrange for the scan immediately. It will help us get a clearer picture of what we're dealing with.”
"I'll also order an EEG to assess your brain wave activity, especially after your recent seizure. Additionally, we'll run some blood tests to rule out any metabolic causes."
He moved back to his desk and began typing quickly into the computer. “I’ve sent the orders down to radiology and pathology. Once I have the results, I will call to schedule a follow-up appointment.”
Bucky nodded again, his expression severe but resolved. "Thank you, Dr. Strange," he said quietly, his voice tinged with a hint of anxiety.
Dr. Strange nodded back, acknowledging Bucky. "You're welcome, Mr. Barnes. We'll get to the bottom of this. We'll talk soon once we have the results," he assured them.
Sam stepped forward, extending his hand. "Thank you, Doctor," he said sincerely. "We appreciate your guidance."
Dr. Strange firmly shook Sam's hand. "Take care, both of you," he replied with a small, understanding smile.
With that, Bucky and Sam left the examination room and headed to radiology.