To Death Shall Thy Part

Chapter 10 - Medical Mission

Hendrix, who was supposedly walking towards the bathroom after angrily throwing away the blanket, turn around after hearing what she said. Disbelief pasted on his face.

"You-?? Tsk." he then went to the bathroom angrily. Catherine laughs again at her brother's reaction.

She went back to the kitchen to continue cooking while laughing, causing Hendrix, who is in the bathroom, to cuss once more. After doing their own thing, the two sat down at the table and start eating silently. Although the silence was deafening, the atmosphere was not. Catherine finished eating first than Hendrix. Either it was intentional but, she did not clean up her plate and left them on the table. Hendrix' veins pop seeing the mess, so he shouted towards the bedroom in annoyance.

"Catherine, Where the hell are your manners? Clean up this mess."

"Clean it up for me, will you? I'm running late. Just do me a favour." Catherine shouted back from the bathroom.

Hendrix more or less believes her reasons. But since he is temporarily living with her, he decided to do his share of work. After eating, he cleaned up the table, and after seeing Catherine last night washing the dishes, he also started doing the chores in a way he understands her actions. Surprisingly, his work is relatively acceptable for a first-timer. After doing all of it, he went to make himself a cup of coffee and went to the windowsill. Looking outside downstairs, he could see many people gathering outside 221B building, probably looking for the most remarkable detective for a case to solve.

Catherine finished preparing in a blink of an eye. After making sure that everything is ready, she went out to the living room, there she saw her brother standing in the window while holding coffee.

"Brother, I'm going. For your lunch, there is still the beef stew left from dinner last night. I already heated it up earlier and put it in a thermos. Take care." She then walked off without waiting for Hendrix's reply.

Hailing a cab during this time of the day is quite challenging. Added the fact that a famous detective resides in the building across the streets where she lives, so expected, the pathway of either side of the road would be crowded. Left with no choice, she walked towards the corner avenue where there are fewer people.

It was already ten o'clock in the morning when Catherine reached the hospital. It was still rowdy as always. Shouts calling for nurses, medicine to be delivered and such. It was Catherine's dream reality. The scene upfront made her smile. Ecstatic, she went to the locker to change quickly before walking towards the emergency room and started working.

Time flies by, and it has been a week since Hendrix started living with Catherine. The same cycle always happened. Catherine going to work early and coming back late, while Hendrix just staying in the loft reading and living life to the fullest.

It was another ordinary day in the hospital, the everyday scene pans out, and the ever-familiar shouts are heard. After a tiring evening, it was already 6 in the evening; after finishing taking disinfection, she was approached by the junior nurse from Lord Zachary's Department informing her of a Faculty Meeting. She just nodded in acknowledgement and thank the girl. Walking towards the meeting room, Catherine was greeted by the other doctors. 

The atmosphere was definitely more sociable than last time. After all, Catherine proved that she was worthy of the award and arrangement of the hospital. Reaching the room, she went to the chair in the last right row and sat down. Some were confused, while the others only raised a brow and sigh. It was not long that the meeting started.

The meeting point was mainly the projects of the hospitals for the year and the promotions of staff. Catherine was promoted to the Cardiology Department and become their Junior Doctor Resident.

"And lastly, it's about the Medical Mission Program. The hospital would like to focus on viruses and untreated diseases that are widespread in provinces. We are promoting the safety program to ensure that there wouldn't be any breakthrough for the rare viruses, especially in this kind of weather of the year, where it is unpredictable. So, I would like volunteers to join this expedition, willing to travel all around Britain to mainly check up and cure people of the provinces who either don't have access to a hospital or those who simply couldn't afford it. So, any volunteers?"

Everyone was a bit hesitant to join as it was a tiring journey after all. However, they were all shocked and awed by Catherine's determination and guts. When everyone did not raise hands, it was her who did first.

"Lord Zachary, it is an honour for me to join this expedition. Please count me in, Catherine Faucigny from Cardiology Department."

Seeing that a woman was braver than them, several male doctors, ranging from 30 to '50s, raised their hands, stated their names and willingness to join the project. Looking at everyone who becomes enthusiastic about the mission, Lord Zachary complimented them and finalized the details of the plan.

"And that ends our meeting. Do remember that the medical mission will start in two days, so it is better if you pack early."

After the meeting ended, Catherine directly went home after changing clothes. Maybe it was due to the fact that she was going on a medical mission. She felt like the happiest woman on earth. She did not even eat dinner, the dinner her brother painstakingly bought from the store just a few blocks from the loft. Catherine started packing her things without any care about what's happening around her, including her brother's injured feelings.

"What is wrong with you? I can't seem to connect to you today?" Hendrix entered the room, annoyed. He then noticed the bag Catherine pack and asked.

"You're leaving? Where? When? With whom? A Man?"

Catherine, whose mood was ruined as fast as an arrow, grumpily replied. "What's with the questions? It's not like I'm doing inappropriate or the likes. Why should I answer you?"

She paused for a bit before talking once more. "Brother, in all honestly, can you go back home. Okay? Not being rude here, but you're becoming a bother. Please, go back."

It was silence. Hendrix only looked at her for a few minutes before saying it seriously. "Okay, I'll leave."

Although there was a part in Catherine that hurts after hearing him say that, she was nonetheless glad that her brother would go. She doesn't want any attachment from her family. It was one reason that she moved away from back home. She only nodded in acknowledgement when she heard her speak again.

"I'll leave tomorrow afternoon. Thanks, I guess. Since it is my last night, I'll try sleeping on the sofa." he smiled while walking out of the room. Catherine was shocked at first but smiled earnestly before continuing her packing.

After finishing all the necessary preparations, Catherine took a quick bath, prepared what to wear for tomorrow before settling down, and lay in bed. Staring in contemplation on the ceiling, she felt tired all of a sudden, like a traveller in a desert looking for an oasis. Feeling rue, Catherine falls asleep with a tear streaming down her right eye.