Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 58.

"Her vitals are stable. She just needs more rest, it's psychological," Emily heard, though all she saw was pitch black. Slowly, she opened her eyes and found a woman checking on her, with Dr. Garcia standing beside her. From the white coat, Emily could tell the woman was also a doctor.

Where was she? What had happened to her?

"We could call in Dr. Peters, it's her field," Dr. Garcia suggested, folding her arms and crossing her legs. "I'll go grab some breakfast. Please take care of her."

After Dr. Garcia left, the other doctor looked at Emily and noticed she was awake.

"Oh, Emily, you're awake. I'm Dr. Viola. You're doing fine, you just need some rest, and I'll be taking care of you." She introduced herself quickly, smiling warmly. "I'll place you under the care of a few caregivers while I handle my other duties at the hospital. So far, you're..."

But Emily didn't hear anything else after the introduction. She just stared at the beautiful woman standing over her.

Her mind immediately flashed.

"I want to be a doctor, Mum."
"I'm going to be a doctor."
"I love healthcare. I'd like to work there someday."
"Emily, your grades are terrible. What is wrong with you?" Mrs. Waterfield demanded, staring down at Emily's report card.
"I'm sorry, Mum. I'll do better next time. I just wish I had more time to study..."
"You must be chasing boys at school. Go inside and let me check you."
"Emily, you'll have to drop out. The church can't afford to train all four of you. You're the only girl, you can find a husband to take care of you," Mrs. Waterfield said coldly.
"But... I want to be a doctor..." Emily whispered, still in disbelief.
"Your first child will become a doctor, not you. After this term, no more school. And you'd better start improving your homemaking skills."
"I just met this surgeon, Mum. She's a mother of three, and she's living my dream. It's so cool," Emily said excitedly.
"The garden is full of weeds. Go clear them since you've got time on your hands," Mrs. Waterfield replied without looking up from her book.
"Oh yes, my daughter is still very single, but I'm keeping her for someone special," Emily once overheard her mother say over the phone. "And she'll thank me for it one day."
"That doctor was amazing," Emily said to Mark as they walked out of the hospital. "I told you I always wanted to work in medicine, but Mrs. Waterfield always said no to that. She kept saying women cannot work in medicine."
"Your mother was right. Women don't belong in corporate life. The only reason that doctor is there is because she's trying to survive," Mark said, pulling his car keys from his pocket. "If she had your opportunity, she would leave that job in a heartbeat."

Emily slowly lifted her right hand toward Dr. Viola's face.

"What are you doing? Careful, the IV line is still in your hand."

But Emily didn't listen. She gently placed her palm on Dr. Viola's cheek, making the doctor freeze. Their eyes met. Emily wasn't crying, she wasn't smiling. Her gaze was blank, her eyes lifeless, yet her touch was soft despite the roughness of her palm. For a moment, silence filled the room. One woman worried, the other unreadable. Emily slowly withdrew her hand, and the faintest smile appeared on her lips.

"My son... where is he?"

Dr. Viola straightened, caught off guard and unsure how to respond.

"I'll step out now. I'll send someone in with food and water, and I'll also ask about your son," she finally said, gathering her things. She glanced at Emily one last time through the glass panels as she walked away.

*****
Donna opened the door to the room Emily had been assigned. Emily looked up at her, a half-finished piece of knitting resting in her hands.

"Sorry about the other day," Donna said. "And sorry you'll have to stay in the shelter a little longer. You need to get yourself together before we proceed with the court hearing." She set a bag down. "I got some things for you. Here's some healthy milk."