AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I—I just moved here, but working for a small hospital, helping people who don't have access to the kind of healthcare you get in the big cities, have always been my dream. I hear you’re a household name around here, but you’re from California yourself,” he says. “So, you can understand where I’m coming from.”
“Mmm.” I shake my head. “Not really. I vacation here with myfamily,but you’re a fancy doctor.”
He laughs. “Fancy?”
I nod. “Yeah. Fancy. I could tell the second you walked in. So, why does a fancy doctor move from New York, where I’m guessing he was paid enough to live in one of the best apartments, down to a town like Silver Peak with only a room and a fraction of his former salary?”
Michael looks away, but not before I see the shy smile on his face.
“You might not believe me, and I don’t think I’m supposed to tell anyone this, but for some reason, I’m keen on earning your trust. I knew that to help people in a small town, you need money. I had to work hard to get money, and… I’d be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the fruit of it.
I did, but I didn’t lose sight of my goal. Instead, I saved a lot. I saved, and then I searched for a hospital I wanted to work with. I eventually found one—this. So, and this is a secret, I donated money to them.
To other charities, too, but a good chunk came here. When I realized I had enough skill and knowledge to perform the job of a couple of doctors, I decided to leave New York. That’s why I’m here. I don’t know if you believe me, but it's the truth.”
I do.
Halfway through his explanation, I could see the joy on his face when he talked about helping people, and more so, the hospital received some money two years ago and last year, bumping it up to the state it is now.
Even though I donate, I knew that the anonymous donation was generous. And this man—this Michael who I misjudged, sounds like someone who would do such a thing.
I feel somewhat stupid for doubting him.
“I see.” I nod. “I’m sorry I misjudged you. It’s a small town, and people come here for different reasons.”
He shakes his head, and his smile doesn’t waver.
“It’s alright. You’re right to be suspicious. Owen and everyone here has told me something or the other about you, about what you’ve done for Silver Peak.”
It’s my turn to shake my head.
“I didn’t do anything. I just contributed to a town that welcomed me.”
“And that is what I hoped to do. I heard you’re the guardian of… what’s her name—?”
“Lily,” I supply.
He snaps his fingers. “Yes, Lily. She’s having issues with getting her memory back, right?”
“Right,” I say, nodding to a nurse who calls my name before turning again to Michael. “She lives with me.”
“I can’t promise anything, but I will try my best. I’ve worked on a couple of people who needed a little push, a small nudge in the right direction. If that’s what she needs, then I’ll help. I’ll find a way, or I’ll refer her to people who can.”
Michael speaks so sincerely that I tell myself the hospital couldn’t have found a better doctor than him.
“I’ll appreciate that. Thank you.”
“Daddy!”
I see Madison running towards me.
“Slow down,” I say before she gets to me. “Slow down, or you’re going to fall.”
She doesn’t slow down, but I catch her before she falls, grabbing her by the arms.
“What is it?”
“Nothing,” she says, but her eyes are gleaming with mischief.
