ISAAC MORANO

**9**

Chapter Nine- Scars on The Heart

After finishing her performance and bidding her farewells, Catherine made her way back to her jeep parked outside the restaurant. The evening had been filled with warmth and music, but now, the reality of her demanding schedule was setting in. She climbed into the driver's seat, letting out a small sigh as she shut the door behind her.

Quickly, she reached into her bag and pulled out her change of clothes—her work uniform. With practiced efficiency, she swapped her elegant golden gown for her scrubs, the glamorous image she'd presented at the party now replaced by the dedicated doctor preparing for another long shift. The red bottom heels were carefully tucked away, and she slipped into more practical footwear.

She glanced at herself in the rearview mirror and, with a few swift motions, gathered her long hair into a tight ponytail. The polished and sophisticated look of earlier now replaced by the functional and no-nonsense style she adopted for her shifts.

As she finished, Catherine took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the night ahead. It had been a beautiful evening celebrating Katie, but now, it was time to return to the hospital, where chaos and the unknown awaited her.

With one last look at the party from afar, she turned the key in the ignition, the hum of the engine filling the jeep. She was ready to go, focused and determined as always, heading off into the night to fulfill her duties once more.

As Catherine's jeep disappeared into the distance, Katie and Emma stood at the entrance of the restaurant, slightly out of breath from their attempt to catch her. Katie pouted, disappointed, holding a small box of carefully packed food and cake.

"We were too late," Katie sighed, looking at the box. Emma placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, sweetie. She had to get to her shift."

Just then, Joseph and a few of the men from the party approached them, noticing their flustered expressions. "What's wrong?" Joseph asked, concern lacing his voice.

Katie held up the box of food, her eyes softening with disappointment. "We wanted to give Aunt Cathy some food and cake before she left, but she's already on her way to the hospital. She's working a 24-hour shift."

Emma nodded in agreement. "Catherine never stops working. It's tough to catch her sometimes, especially when she's in work mode."

Joseph smiled gently at them. "Don't worry, Katie. She'll appreciate it whenever she gets it."

Katie perked up after a moment, her eyes brightening with an idea. "You know what? Never mind! I can bring it to her tomorrow during her lunch break at the hospital."

Emma smiled at her daughter's determination. "That sounds like a good plan. She'd love that, especially after a long shift."

The group agreed, knowing that Catherine would be thrilled by the thoughtful gesture, even if it came a little late.

Catherine arrived at the hospital just in time to start her grueling 24-hour shift. As she stepped through the automatic doors, the hum of fluorescent lights and the familiar sterile scent of the hospital instantly pulled her back into work mode. She had barely changed out of her golden gown into her scrubs and tied her hair into a ponytail before the chaos hit.

"Dr. Wynter, you're needed in the ER immediately!" one of the nurses called out as she rushed down the hallway, clutching a clipboard.

Catherine followed her quickly, her mind already shifting from the party to the patients she needed to care for. The ER was packed, bustling with activity. The sound of monitors beeping, patients groaning, and doctors and nurses moving swiftly filled the air.