He's going through a bad/difficult/rough 'patch' [='spell'] right now.
The chair's original paint is still visible 'in patches'. [=in spots]
The doctor 'patched' him 'up', so he's going to be as good as new.
(..) Of course. I'm curious about your interest in magic. Could you explain it to me? Well, the truth is magic got me through a really rough patch in middle school. Well, adolescence can be difficult, particularly for children of superior intellect. (..)2015 TvShow: Bones Title: The Promise in the Palace Season: 11 Episode 7