Love and Resilience

Unexpected Encounter

Jovana’s POV

A year had already passed since Serena and I went our separate ways. Time had moved forward, but there were moments when it felt like only yesterday that she walked out of my life. I had tried to move on, to fill the void with work and routines, but there were still lingering questions and a persistent ache in my heart.

On my days off, I would often find myself wandering through the familiar places we used to visit. These visits were bittersweet, serving as a reminder of the moments we shared and the life we once dreamed of building together. It was a way of holding on to a piece of her, even though she was no longer there.

Today was no different. I was at the hospital, absorbed in my tasks as an oncologist. My role here was more than just a job; it was a way to honor the memory of my mother, who had lost her battle to cancer. Every life I saved, every patient I helped, was a testament to the lessons I had learned from her suffering. I channeled my grief into my work, determined not to let anyone else experience the pain I had felt.

As I was walking down the corridor, lost in thought, a fellow doctor approached me. Her name was Dr. Bernett, and she had a serious expression on her face.

“Dr. Rommer, I wanted to let you know that we have a new patient coming in,” she said. “The patient is battling leukemia and has been undergoing treatment in the US for almost a year now. Unfortunately, the hospital where she was receiving care faced significant issues, so her mother found this hospital based on a recommendation. They arrived last night.”

I nodded, absorbing the information. “I’ll make sure to review their case as soon as they get here.”

Dr. Bernett continued, “I understand this is a difficult situation for the patient and her family, and I wanted to ensure you were informed right away. I’ll forward the patient’s details to you once they’re settled in.”

As she walked away, I couldn’t shake a sense of empathy for the new patient. Being a cancer patient was challenging enough without the added stress of dealing with a changing hospital and treatment environment.

Hours passed, and I was deep in thought when I saw a familiar face in the hospital lobby. It was Tita Izza, Serena’s mother. I had not seen her in months, and her presence here was unexpected. I wondered why she was here. Was she unwell?

I was about to approach her when Dr. Bernett came and handed me a file.
"Here’s the details of your new patient, Dr. Rommer." As I flipped through the paperwork, my eyes widened when I saw Serena’s name. I felt a rush of emotions shock, disbelief, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility.

I took a deep breath and resolved to approach this situation with the utmost professionalism. Serena was my patient now, and I had a duty to provide the best care possible, regardless of our past.

I made my way to the patient’s room, my heart pounding. When I entered, I found Serena and her mother waiting. Serena looked different paler, perhaps more tired but her presence was unmistakable.

“Hello, Ms. Suvillan,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’m Dr. Rommer, and I’ll be overseeing your treatment here. How are you feeling today?”

Serena looked up, her eyes meeting mine with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty. “Jovana? I didn’t expect...”

I forced a reassuring smile. “Yes, it’s me. I’m here to help. Let’s talk about your treatment plan and see how we can make this transition as smooth as possible.”

As we began discussing her case, I focused on the task at hand, determined to provide the best care for Serena. It was an unexpected turn of events, but it was also an opportunity for both of us to find closure and perhaps even heal old wounds.

--

After discussing Serena’s treatment plan with her and her mother, I made my way out of their room. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on me. I needed a moment to process everything, so I found a secluded spot in the hospital a quiet corner that offered some solace from the bustling corridors.

As soon as I was alone, I sank to the floor, my back resting against the wall. I allowed myself to break down, tears streaming down my face. The pain was overwhelming. I had just met Serena again after a year, but this time, she was not the vibrant, hopeful person I remembered. Instead, she was frail and worn from her long battle with leukemia.

I thought back to the days when Serena and I were together. We shared so many moments laughter, dreams, and a deep connection that once filled my life with joy. Now, seeing her in such a vulnerable state was like reopening old wounds. It brought back memories of my own mother’s battle with cancer, memories that I had tried so hard to push aside.

I cried for the girl I once loved and for the pain she was enduring. I cried for the part of me that still held on to the past and for the fear that I might not be able to help her. Losing my mother had left a void in my life, a void that I had tried to fill with my work. But now, facing Serena, that old trauma resurfaced. The sense of helplessness, the fear of not being able to save someone, was all too familiar.

In between sobs, I whispered to myself, “I have to be strong. I have to help her.”

The weight of the promise I made to myself was both a burden and a beacon of hope. Serena had fought so hard to get to this point, and I couldn’t let her down. I had the skills and the knowledge to make a difference, and I vowed to use them to their fullest extent.

As I sat there, the tears slowly subsided, replaced by a fierce determination. I needed to focus on the present on Serena’s treatment, her recovery, and how I could be the best doctor for her. The past couldn’t be changed, but the future was still unwritten.

I stood up, wiping my face and taking a deep breath. It was time to put my personal feelings aside and channel my energy into helping Serena. She needed me to be strong, to be a beacon of hope and support.

I walked back to the main part of the hospital with renewed resolve. The road ahead would be challenging, but I was ready to face it. Serena’s battle with leukemia was now intertwined with my own journey of healing and redemption. I knew that if I could help her overcome this fight, it would not only be a victory for her but also a step toward healing the wounds of my own heart.

In the days to come, I would dedicate myself fully to her care. Every decision, every treatment plan, every moment spent with her would be guided by my promise to help her win this battle. It was a promise to myself, to her, and to the memory of my mother, whose strength and courage continued to inspire me every day.

I returned to Serena’s room with a determined smile, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. It was time to fight, and I was prepared to do everything in my power to ensure that Serena emerged victorious.