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I stifle a chuckle. It’s funny how quickly people’s minds jump to the worst-case scenarios. I’m half-tempted to have fun with it, but it’s not the time. “It’s nothing like that. You’re absolutely fine.”
She heaves a deep sigh of relief.
“Your heart is completely healthy. In fact, I’d like to know your secret.” I smile, and she starts listing off what she does, and I interrupt.
“I was just kidding. I have a background in cardiology.”
She nods, forcing a smile.
“You had severe reflux, which may be related to anxiety. Do you experience it regularly?”
“How did you know?”
The intercom replays the same message as earlier.
“Dr. Greg to Radiology, please. Dr. Greg to Radiology.”
“Like I said, we deal with this a lot. But I’m afraid in your case, there is something we need to take care of.”
“You mean the heartburn wasn’t the bad news?”
I place the clipboard onto the counter, realizing I might be contributing to her nerves with my occasional tapping.
“The heartburn was part of the bad news. But I suspect the reason for the heartburn is a small hernia that we’ll need to take care of. It’s very low-risk. Besides, you’re in Solvaria, not America, so it will cost you nothing. I’ve known patients who get it all done in a day.”
Just because it’s not an emergency doesn’t mean it’s not stressful, of course.
“Would it be okay if I got the surgery another day?”
I laugh a little, and I wave my hands. “No, no, you’d be scheduling the surgery anyway. We can arrange it with reception.”
She nods. “Thank you for your care, Doctor. You really have a bedside manner.”
“Thank you, Alice. I’ll see you soon. Tell the front desk to schedule it within the next two weeks. If it’s not me, it will be a surgeon who’s even better.”
I smile, and I shake her hand. She puts her hand on my arm and thanks me again before she leaves with a look of relief on her face. One of the best parts of medicine is knowing your very presence can give someone comfort.
At home with Ellie, it seems like I do the opposite lately. If she continues to be so miserable, we may have to consider doing something about the arrangement. I can’t continue with this setup knowing it’s making her miserable.
A soldier moving with efficiency walks past the doorway in full regalia, does a double-take, and doubles back to the room I’m in.
“Prince Cedrick, hello.”
“Thomas? What are you doing at the hospital?”
“Sir.” He salutes. “I know Ellie hasn’t been feeling well, and I was alarmed. She hasn’t been in the residence, and some of her things weren’t there. I tried calling her number, but she didn’t answer. I just wanted to alert you.”
“Well, she’s a grown woman, she’s free to come and go as she pleases. This seems out of the ordinary…”
Even as I’m saying this, pretending to keep a cool head, I’m worried. Could she have left for good?
“I know you’ve been concerned about her health, and you asked me to keep a closer eye to make sure she has everything she needs.”
“I have. You’re right. And you checked the palace as well?”
“I called security, and she hasn’t arrived there.”
I walk up to the front reception desk. “Regina, please have the residents on shift cover my patients for the day. I have to leave. Family emergency.”
