A Melody of You: Book Five

Cristina

Now I understand what Leanne feels when she goes into a surgery room. It really does feel like you're about to go into battle as I let the circulating nurse put on the surgical gown on me. I was in the operating room before Aubrey and I sat by the little girl's bed. She anxiously looked for peace as her bright eyes looked up at the roof. Her breathing began to turn into gasps until I sat by her side with a warm smile.

She turned to look at me and tears lingered in her eyes. "I can't do this, Dr. Wong. I want to go home."

I leaned forward and took her little hand. "I know, but it'll all be over soon. I promise."

"Don't leave, okay?"

"Of course I won't! You still need to tell me the rest of the story. What else happened with your friend after that boy kissed her?"

She giggled and she barely felt the local anesthesia go in. Aubrey soon went in and her blue eyes became brighter as she smiled behind her mask at the little girl. "We will begin now, hun."

"O-okay." She looked at me and I gave her a warm blink. She then cleared her throat and did not stop talking the whole time. I think it was mostly because she was nervous but she was able to crack a few chuckles at some of the things I commented about her story. Children are growing up too fast. I used to play with marbles and stones at her age and they're already discussing about sex.

But I don't leave her side until her parents can replace my spot. I keep my promise and I warmly watch their reunion on one side. Her parents thank me and give me sweet hugs. These are the moments where I am most proud of myself for getting through those sleepless nights and anxiety sobs. Leanne was right. We were made to learn everyday and the first lesson we must keep is kindness. Kindness makes us worthy of so much more.

A nurse suddenly approaches me and I give her a small smile. "Hi."

"Hello, Dr. Wong. I know you and Dr. Nam are close."

"Right," I say. "Did she send you to look for me?"

"No, but I just came out of her father's surgery."

My eyes grow wide with surprise. "Her father was in surgery?"

She nods. "Yesterday. He had an umbilical hernia but we found a hefty mass on the lower left quadrant of his abdomen. That's what caused him so much pain since it was pushing the bowel out. But you did not hear this from me."

I give her a thumbs up and say, "Thanks for letting me know. Successful surgery?"

"Yes. Of course. Dr. Nam made sure to get him a good general surgeon. It was an impressive mass and he beautifully got it out."

"Yes. Your fiancé is a good surgeon," I say when I catch a glimpse of the diamond ring on her finger. "You must be proud of him." Her cheeks turn bright red and she looks away to hide a little smile. She then puts a finger against her lips and I give her a wink. "Congratulations, Nurse Amy."

"You will be receiving a little something in your email soon." She leaves with her perfect bouncy curls and shining hazel eyes.

With one last warm smile at the parents and a sweet hug at the little girl, I look into the list of completed surgeries and find Mr. Nam. I go onto the recovery floor and find the door to his room. I gently knock and walk in to find Leanne quietly sitting by his bed as he sleeps. Leanne slowly opens her eyes and straightens her back from having her elbows on her knees.

"Hey," I softly say as I close the door behind me and sit by her side.

"Hey."

"I'm sorry if I interrupted your sleep. I just heard about your dad."