A Melody of You: Book Five

Cristina

The surgery took twelve hours.

I left for a patient consultation midway through and went back. I felt bad for Leanne. I could only imagine how much pain her ankles must feel. But finally, the last of the tumor was removed and everyone in the observation room cheered along with the surgical team.

There was this relief I had never experienced before the moment Dr. Kim said, "Okay. It's all gone now. Let's close him up." Leanne immediately looked up with squinted eyes. I knew she was smiling wide and I gave her a happy thumbs up. Aubrey gave her a pat on the back and Leanne returned it as they began to close him up.

She was not kidding about taking a big fat nap. The moment they stepped out of the cleanup area, I greeted her with a tight hug. I could feel her shoulders fall with exhaustion but she warmly smiled as I said, "I'm so proud of you. I knew you could do it. It's all over now."

I gave the same hug to Aubrey but Ash was waiting for her outside anyway. Aubrey let out a tired sigh and said to them, "I'll be heading out now. Ash invited me to a dinner with her family tonight."

"Of course," Dr. Kim said. "Please rest. Thank you once again for the help. You were an excellent teammate. I hope to work with you again in the future, Dr. Liddi."

"It was my pleasure, Dr. Kim. Thank you for considering me. It was fun." Her blue eyes warmly glistened at Leanne and they gave each other a small wave goodbye before she left the area.

I turned to Leanne who tiredly stood by Dr. Kim and said, "You two were so awesome! What will you do now?"

"I will eat and then sleep," she said. "Did Alina go to the family?"

"Yes. I made sure she gave them the good news."

"Okay," she softly said and then looked at Dr. Kim who was quietly by her side. "Make sure to rest, Yujun. You did well today."

"Can I join you to eat?"

I'm surprised to see Leanne not hesitate as she nodded and said, "Something quick because I want to head to the resting rooms as soon as possible."

"Yes. I'll be heading there, too. Dr. Wong. Make sure to explain the small mishap during the surgery."

I gave him a warm nod and said, "Don't you worry anymore, guys. I've got it from here. Enjoy your rest."

"Thank you," they both tiredly said and I chuckled at how dead they suddenly looked. But at least they are together.

I watch them continue to talk about the surgery as they walk out side by side. Truly, they would be such a power couple. Now it's my turn to take over this intense medical case. He will have a lot of therapy and checkups with me but at least he is breathing. Dr. Brown works along with me and makes sure the tumor does not come back. He avoids my eyes when we are alone. I still feel so bad after weeks of working with him.

But time passes by. One week turns into two and then three. Then four and I get to see the masterpiece of hope when Jacob comes to me with a grin and wobbly legs. His happiness gives him the determination to get better faster. After all, I still have to play soccer with him and I always remind him of it.

Dr. Kim and Leanne met with him three weeks after his surgery. I could tell Leanne forgot her fear and doubt when she watched Jacob slowly begin to move his legs. Her smile was warm and it made her eyes glisten with hope. I was proud of her in that moment and I knew I was not the only person who convinced her.

Dr. Kim has become into her fortress and she has become into his comfort. Lara and I were eating lunch with Leanne one day. It was a very slow day for us. Both Leanne and I had plenty of patient consultations and Lara only had minor surgeries to be at. So we enjoyed the peace of eating slowly and chatting for once.