Just a Matter of Time

Elisha

Looking down at my buzzing phone, I flipped it over, ignoring the caller. Placing it on the table, I headed out of my office and walked down the hospital hallways to my first client of the day.

Since being away for a year, it was hard getting back into the loop of things at the hospital. I had missed it, but I could feel how different it was. Working in Germany, everything operated more smoothly; there weren't the nagging issues that seemed to arise daily here.

"Hi, Pauline, hope you're feeling better today," I spoke kindly to my elder patient as I entered the room.

"I am now that you're here," she smiled, her eyes lighting up with a warmth that always made my day a little brighter.

Pauline was a 60-year-old patient who had been battling cancer for five years. She first came to me when she was diagnosed, and together we managed to hold the disease at bay for a while. But as she grew older, it returned, and I could see the toll it was taking on her.

"Don't flatter me," I replied, chuckling softly, trying to keep the atmosphere light despite the seriousness of her condition.

"Flattery gets you everywhere," she teased back, her voice a mix of strength and vulnerability. "But seriously, how's your life been? Did you confess yet?"

I felt my stomach twist at the question. "No," I shook my head, my voice dropping slightly.

"Still keeping it a secret, huh?" she said, her smile fading just a bit, replaced by a knowing look.

I glanced down, a wave of guilt washing over me. "It's just... complicated. You know how it is."

"Complicated is just another word for fear," she replied gently.

She always had a way of scolding me. Our conversations usually reflected around my life and her many stories of wisdom. "I know, Pauline. I appreciate your honesty."

"Good. I hope for a better update soon," she said, her demeanor shifting back. "What do you have for me today? Any new strategies?"

I took a deep breath. "Not yet, but we're still working on finding something. More blo—"

"Blood work," she finished for me, a hint of humor in her tone. I nodded, grateful for her understanding.

"Exactly. We're waiting on those results to see how your levels are looking this time," I said, trying to keep the mood light despite the gravity of her situation.

Just as I was starting to connect with her, my pager buzzed violently in my pocket, shattering the moment. I glanced down at the alert: I was needed in the OR.

"Looks like I'm being called away," I said reluctantly, rising from my chair. "I'm sorry, Pauline. We'll continue this later."

"Go on, save some lives," she urged, her smile returning. "I'll be right here, waiting for the good news."

I couldn't help but smile back at her resilience. "You know I'll always come back to you. You're one of my favorites," I added, teasing lightly.

"Just one of them?" she shot back, a playful glint in her eyes.

"Okay, maybe my favorite," I conceded, feeling the weight of the day settle back in. "But seriously, I'll check in as soon as I can."

I hurried out of the room. Rushing in the opposite direction, I navigated the bustling corridors. I pushed through the doors to the third ward, and there stood Leo, flanked by a few nurses.

"What's happening?" I asked, my eyes locking onto his as I tried to assess the situation.

"Well—" he began, but his words trailed off as I noticed Taylor stepping out of the OR, a smile lighting up her face.

"Elisha, perfect timing!" she exclaimed, rushing up to me and placing her hand on my arm.

"Did you page me?" I asked, my tone sharper than I intended, causing her smile to falter.

"Uh, yeah, we need you in there. It's urgent," she replied, her expression shifting to concern.

I took a deep breath, shaking off the frustration. "What's going on?"

I nodded, walking inside the OR, the sterile smell of antiseptic hitting me as I took in the scene. One of Taylor's patients lay on the table, surrounded by a mix of familiar faces and tense expressions. "What happened?" I asked quickly, peeking at the monitors as I suited up, my hands moving on instinct.

"Dr. Matthews miscalculated the incision," Taylor explained, her voice steady but laced with urgency. "We need you to help finish the procedure. He's struggling to control the bleeding."

I felt a surge of adrenaline. "Let's get to work, then." I stepped closer, assessing the situation. The patient's vital signs flickered on the screen, and I quickly joined the team, my focus sharpening as I took over the task at hand.

As we worked in tandem, I could feel Taylor's eyes on me, and it brought back memories—good and bad. The surgery required all my concentration, and I pushed aside the thoughts of our past. The rhythm of our teamwork fell into place, and we communicated efficiently, relying on years of practice.

Minutes passed like seconds, and finally, we stabilized the patient. "Suction!" I called, directing the nurse as I sutured the incision with precision.

As we wrapped up, I caught a glimpse of Taylor watching me, her brow furrowed in concern. Once the patient was stable and wheeled out, the tension in the room began to ease.

"Good job," I said to the team, trying to shake off the adrenaline.

"Thanks," Taylor replied, stepping closer, her expression shifting to something more serious. "But can we talk?"

I nodded, stepping out of the OR with her. Once we were in the quieter hallway, she crossed her arms, searching my face. "Why have you been avoiding my calls?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I've just been... busy. You know how it is."

"Busy or avoiding?" she pressed, her gaze unwavering.

I felt the weight of her question. "It's complicated, Taylor."

"Is it? Listen, I know I broke up with you in a harsh way, but I miss us," she shot back, her voice a mix of frustration and concern.

I hesitated, grappling with my emotions. "It's not that simple. Things didn't end well, and I'm still processing everything."

Her gaze softened for a moment, but I could see the urgency behind her eyes. "Elisha, avoiding this isn't helping either of us. We could at least talk about it."

I shook my head, dismissing the conversation. "I can't right now. I have patients to see and things to do."

She opened her mouth to respond, but I turned and walked away, my heart racing. The hallways felt claustrophobic as I headed back to my office, the weight of our exchange lingering in the air. I didn't want to confront the past; it felt easier to ignore it.

Once I reached my office, I shut the door behind me and leaned against it, trying to catch my breath. I needed a moment to gather my thoughts. As I sat down at my desk, I noticed my phone lighting up with a new message. It was from Kim, my best friend.

"Hey, are you free tonight? Amara and I are going out to the bar. You should come! We need a night out!"

I stared at the screen, a small smile creeping onto my face. A night out sounded like just what I needed to clear my head and escape the tension of the day. I quickly typed back, "Count me in! What time?"

I hit send and leaned back in my chair, letting out a deep breath. Maybe a night of laughter and distraction was exactly the remedy I needed.