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“A second opinion, that’s all I ask. We can’t risk it. Is Dr. Jacks in yet?” I insist.
My supervisor relents and manages to persuade the doctor, who has just started his shift, to diagnose the mother.
“Go home. You look awful,” my supervisor tells me.
“I’ve just got one more thing to do, then I’ll go.”
I return to the bed at the end of the ER. A five-year-old boy has been lying there patiently, breathing through a tube. I promised to check on him one more time this morning. “How are you feeling, tiger?” I sit at the edge of his bed, caressing his arm.
“Better.” He forces a smile.
Whether it’s a smile, a half-smile, or a cry, what would the world be without children? It wouldn’t be a world at all!
I hold his hand. This boy has a lot of recovery ahead, starting with him eating again. “I’m going to go home now. The other nurses will take good care of you, okay?”
The boy nods.
“I’m one of them.” Bright-eyed Pippa joins me. “And I’ve got the book that you were asking for.”
“Awesome!” He peruses the book with enthusiasm despite his lack of energy, no doubt immersing himself in the world of Peter Rabbit.
Pippa nudges me. “You heard about your USMLE?”
My lips flatten, recalling my dismal preparation leading up to the exam. Thanks to Don dragging me to Kenya!
Pippa raises a brow. “What’s that look? Something happened…”
“I passed!”
She clasps her hands joyfully, then gives me a hug. “I’m so proud of you, Gizzy Belle! Six more years to go.”
“Yeah,” I hum. It’s only my second year at med school, and then I’m going to continue my study to be a pediatrician. “Excluding any disruption.”
“What do you mean? Something did happen!”
“Nothing happened. I’ll see you later.”
“What? Tell me!”
“Nothing, Pip. I’ve got to go.”
I decide I’m going to have a shower at home.
Dr. Jacks calls me up as I’m leaving the ER. “Wait up, Martin.”
“Doctor. What can I do for you?”
“Well done, you saved that mother’s life,” he praises. “I hope you’re considering staying here when you get your medical degree.”
“Absolutely. I’ll see you tomorrow, Doc.”
It’s been one of those mornings where I finish my shift with nothing left in my tank. But, as Dr. Jacks said, I saved a life—in fact, two lives. So whatever else happens today, I can take it. First, though, I need some sleep.
But as soon as I arrive at the parking garage, I notice my Toyota is in the company of Clayton’s red baby. I haven’t been outside this morning, but gee, the driver’s smile has got to be brighter than the L.A. sun right now.
“What happened to this weekend?” I challenge him as if his being off schedule is unacceptable—even though my heart is leaping with joy.
“Gee… you look—”
