Instant Regrets Book II

Chapter 24

On a beautiful morning in Thailand,

Amanda arrived home after a grueling three-day medical mission in a remote village. Her initial plan was to head directly to Mount Thai-Dam Hospital to submit her reports. However, her overwhelming desire to see Lithan, whom she had been without contact for the entire trip due to poor signal reception, led her home first.

Amanda was utterly exhausted, but her weariness evaporated when she entered the room and found Lithan sleeping peacefully. He clutched the teddy bear, a cherished gift from Lisa on his first birthday, named 'Krunk,' and cradled it in his arms.

She couldn't help but smile as she sat beside him, gently brushing his hair. "Mommy is back, baby. I missed you so much." She leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek.

Amanda's heart felt heavy with the weight of her choices as she continued to caress Lithan's hair. "I know you miss your baba, my sweet boy. I'm sorry if we can't be together as a family right now, but we'll be with baba soon. Just a little longer, my love." She whispered these words, hoping her son would understand the complexities of their situation and the love that bound them all.

After a little while spent in her son's room, Amanda made her way to her own room to prepare for a bath. She changed into fresh clothes and was just about to step into the bathroom when her phone lit up with an incoming call. Her face lit up when she saw Lisa's name on the screen.

Amanda eagerly picked up the call, saying, "Hello."

"Amanda."

Lisa's baritone voice greeted her from the other end, sending a wave of warmth through Amanda's heart. It was as though she had been anxiously awaiting this call, and the sound of Lisa's voice overwhelmed her with emotion.

"Have you made changes to my diet?" Mr. Obdam inquired of the maid.

"Yes, sir. Given your recent schedule and difficulties in maintaining regular meals, I've adjusted your diet accordingly," Namfon responded.

"Thank you, Namfon."

"Good morning, Dad. How are you?" Amanda greeted her father with a kiss and sat down at the dining table.

"I'm glad you're home. You didn't even say anything so I could have picked you up," Mr. Obdam mentioned, expressing his happiness at his daughter's return.

"Dad, there's no need. I didn't want to bother you, especially since I left Lithan with you," Amanda replied with gratitude.

"Sweetie, you don't have to worry. Sometimes it's good for him not to be with you all the time so he can become a strong and independent child," her father reassured as he sipped his coffee.

"How's the volunteering going?" Mr. Obdam inquired.

"It's been great, Dad. The villagers are kind, and they even brought me a bunch of fresh vegetables from their farm," Amanda replied.

"I'm glad to hear that, sweetie. You seem to be enjoying it there. By the way, have you spoken to Mr. Swan? He's been trying to reach you, but it seems you were on another call just earlier," Mr. Obdam inquired, curious about Amanda's recent conversations.

Amanda hesitated, unsure of how her father would react if she mentioned that she was talking to Lisa. Fortunately, Namfon arrived to serve the food, providing a welcome distraction.

"Here's roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy for you, ma'am," Namfon said as she placed the meal in front of Amanda.

Mr. Obdam looked surprised. "That's quite a heavy meal. Are you sure you can finish all of that?"

Amanda smiled and replied, "Yes, Dad, I've been craving it. I asked Namfon to prepare this roasted chicken for me."

As Amanda started her meal, her phone flashed with a message. It was from Dr. Swan, asking her to meet him in his office once she arrived at the hospital.

Amanda send an affirmation to Dr. Swan and then rushed to the hospital.

Upon reaching the hospital, she kept her bag in her office and straight away went to meet Dr. Swan.

She knocked at the door,

"May I come in Doctor?"

"Oh yes, Dr. Amanda.. come in."

"Good morning, Dr. Swan."

"Good morning Dr. Amanda, did you get the papers I send through my assistant?"

"Oh, yes, Dr. And I have studied the case file properly, it's quite an intricate and complex case. There are several complications and it would be unsafe to operate. There are chances of patients to suffer memory loss or to get into a coma state."

"But I think there is a way out, that would lead us to a successful surgery. However, I would need support and trust to proceed with that. The procedure I am speaking about has an 80% chance of failure and a mere 20% chance of success. But I would like to take the risk because at least we have a 20% chance to save him."

Seeing the confidence in her eyes, Dr. Swan was convinced that Amanda could handle the surgery.

"Okay, go for it, I trust you with this."

Amanda was rejoiced to have gained the trust of a senior official even though they are the owner of the hospital, she still does her job and does not allow herself to be given special treatment. She considers herself a regular employee and is happy with it.

"Thank you, sir... also, I would be needing Dr. Sean along with a team of some talented nurses for this operation."

"Okay Amanda, I'm sending the case file to Dr. Sean. In the meantime, you get ready for the operation."

"Copy sir."

Amanda asserted and was about to leave the room when Dr. Swan called out to her, "Hey Amanda, just want to inform you you don't have any special cases or patients to see tomorrow."

"Thanks, Dr."

And she opened the door of his office to move out when Dr. Swan interrupted her again. "One moment Amanda, also this is for you." And he handed over a paper bag for her. "This is from the entire neuro department. We were unable to give this to you earlier, but consider it as your gift."

"Thank you so much, Dr. Swan. And thank you once again for supporting me with my previous operation that you didn't tell dad. I couldn't get a chance to convey my thanks to you for granting my request, I appreciate it."

"Okay, I should take your leave now. We're already running late for the operation."

Amanda left the room and prepare herself for a nightshift.