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"Thank you for being interested in our foundation," I responded, eager to hear more.
"I have a proposition for the foundation," Dr. Al-Sawi continued, a sparkle in his eye. "I have a clinic in Kenya, but I am a native of Somalia. I want to help my people. I want you to join me to help the Somali people."
It seemed like the entire table went quiet and was looking at me. Logan ticked my shoe with his under the table and mouthed, "So-ma-li-a!" with an incredulous look on his face. This sounded too good to be true.
"Tell me more, Dr. Al-Sawi."
"Alright." He motioned with his hand, like he was going to start on an epic tale. "I left Somalia years ago because, you may know, there has been quite a bit of unrest in the past few decades. Nothing there can be trusted at the moment, yet there are still many good people there. There are many people requiring neurology surgeries that currently don't have access. If I could offer you safe passage and set up a dedicated operating room, would you consider coming? I know you may have heard it is dangerous there, but I have connections and we would operate with the highest of discretion."
He paused. I paused, but in my mind, I could already see myself there. He took my pause as uncertainty and continued.
"I recognize that you may consider this to be a trip of considerable personal risk, but…"
"Yes."
He stopped. His eyes wide.
"Sorry?"
"Yes. I will come."
There was a gasp at the table from more than one person.
Dr. Al-Sawi leaned back on his chair, his eyes welling up with emotion. He stood and walked around to me, offering his hand yet again. I took it, and he covered my hand with his other hand.
"Thank you, Dr. Harrington. Thank you."
I stood up and exchanged the handshake with a hug. Although I was quite a bit taller than he was, the hug felt good. The connection to a dream.
"No, thank you, Dr. Al-Sawi. Thank you."
As we sat back down and further discussed how to move this new project forward. Basically, a "my people will talk to your people" discussion with the necessary introductions.
It felt good to get this ball rolling. It's amazing how the universe works. Get a thought in your head and things just keep showing up. Now to play my part and make sure the momentum continues.
But I had a good feeling about this, so I couldn't help but just bask in the gala and the connections it creates. I hope everyone else in the room was finding the same magic.
Dr. Al-Sawi left to enjoy the rest of the gala, leaving our table abuzz with excitement.
"Well, this gala has been productive," I commented.
"Yes," said Seth. "But again, we will have to make sure we do our due diligence. We want to make sure we aren't sending you somewhere where there's too much risk. Or, at least make sure you're aware of the risks you're taking. Dr. Al-Sawi, no matter how well intended he is, can't control everything."
I slapped Seth on the back. "Thank you, Seth. I really appreciate your constant voice of reason. I promise you, I'll be sure before committing."
"That's all I can ask, Dom," Seth responded, lifting his whiskey glass in cheers. I raised my glass, thankful that I have the best friends, colleagues, and support team anyone could ask for.
As the band on stage struck up a sultry tune, I couldn't help but be drawn to the idea of dancing with Calla. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as if she'd read my mind, and she extended her hand toward me.
"Care to dance, Dr. Harrington?" she asked coyly, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
"How can I resist?" I replied with a grin, taking her hand in mine. We made our way to the dance floor, our bodies instinctively moving closer together.
The music swelled around us; the rhythm pulsing through our veins. I placed my hand on the small of her back, guiding her gently as we began to sway in unison. Our chemistry was off the charts, our movements fluid and synchronized, as if we had been dancing together for years.
"Hey, the doc has the moves," Calla murmured, her breath warm against my neck. "I didn't expect that you could dance this well."
"Ah, well, you should never underestimate the hidden talents of a medical professional," I teased, dipping her slightly before pulling her back up into my embrace. She laughed, and the sound sent a shiver down my spine.
