Today, we went to NKTI to meet Dr. Simangan, the vascular surgeon referred by my cousin Imelda. We inquired about the possibility of having a fistula. Another step, another consultation, another layer of this never-ending journey. After that, we made our way to Metropolitan Medical Clinic in Tondo to see Dra. Tan, my nephrologist. Just yesterday, it was Dr. Dy, my urologist. Three different doctors, from three different hospitals in Manila in two days. This life feels like a carousel that never stops—tiring, depressing, and unbearably expensive. I try to keep my head up, but sometimes the weight of it all crushes me. I can’t help but think about that…