Perseverance (The Resident FF) by Frances51163

CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE: Harms' Way

Packing in his room at the hotel two days later Jude had fielded calls from Devon, Nic and Mike.   He had related to them all that their mutual friend was insisting the break had done him good and it was time to return to work.   Although he had tried to sound positive when speaking to each caller it was obvious he was still concerned.   He had informed them of the drama at the swimming hole, for which he had received a baleful glare from Conrad when he mentioned the calls to him.  The Surgeon had pointed out that even if he hadn't said anything it was obvious Conrad had some pain and discomfort and by him notifying their friends of the events it would save him answering questions. In the end the fair haired man had simply shaken his head in defeat and gone off to pack, quickly rebuffing an offer of help in the task.   They had returned that morning to the swimming hole with the Hernandez brothers and then said their farewells to a tearful Alicia and Pedro.  Alicia and the family had dined with the two men the night before, Miguel revelling in retelling the tale of the rescue, much to the Registrars' chagrin.  Pedro had pointed out that his youngest had spoken of little else since the incident to which Conrad had simply stated that any one of the others would have gone into the river if they had been the first to see the stricken man.   Unwilling to let the young man deflect the admiration sent his way for his courageous and selfless deed Pedro had commented that he had a feeling Conrad would decline having any trace of heroism even though he obviously did.  Young Conrad had stepped in at that point, seeing his namesake floundering, and asked him if they could visit him the following month in Atlanta. Grateful for the subject change Conrad had eagerly agreed for the trip had been mentioned earlier.  After the meal Alicia had taken her former charge for a stroll along the promenade close to the restaurant and brought up the visit to the cemetery.  Conrad had apologized for leaving it so long but the kind woman had looked at him with wise eyes and observed that Tom would always be with him in his memories and in his heart. She informed the young man she was so fond of that Toms' grave was merely a marker and she knew right now he was up in heaven smiling at their reunion.  Without being bidden she had commented that her late husband knew Conrad loved him even if he had never used words as a child to convey his feelings.  She said anyone with eyes could see he cared about him and Tom knew it so he had nothing to be regretful about.  Conrad had looked at the astute woman and silently acknowledged her wisdom.   It had struck him that he had lost the chance to tell Tom how much he mattered to him yet he stood before the only other adult in his life, with the exception of his mother, whom had mattered to him greatly as a young boy.   Staying their steps with a gentle hand on her arm Conrad had looked at the ground as he tried to say the words he wanted to but in the end he had simply given a heartfelt hug to convey his never-ending gratitude and Alicia, understanding what was left unsaid, had returned the embrace lovingly.   Wiping a tear away as they separated she informed her companion that parents understood their children without the need for words and as he was her child she knew exactly how much she meant to him.

                                                                         **************

After two days back at Chastain the visit to Savannah seemed like a distant memory.  As was a common occurrence it seemed, no matter what the occupation, several hours back at work served to erase the free time leaving one longing for the next break.  Conrad had thrown himself back into work and dealt with numerous questions about his break and his health in his usual evasive manner.  Devon and Nic had commented to Jude that it seemed that the break had not resolved whatever issues the third year Resident was dealing with.  The Surgeon said that he had dealt with some issues but it was clear there was still something troubling their friend.   Yet again he found himself advising patience where the Resident was concerned.   He just wished he had an inkling of what was wrong. It would give him some clue of how to help.  He had noticed the trip to Toms' grave did not seem to give his friend as much peace as his visit to the Texan graves did.  Upon thinking that he paused.  The man was still dealing with his grief after losing three close friends in the recent past and It had become obvious in Savannah that he had never really grieved for Tom.  Maybe what he was dealing with was simply grief.  Of course there was nothing really simple about grief in any of its' stages.  Grief could take on many guises but Jude had an inkling the loss of his friends wasn't the cause of Conrads' present concerns.  Deciding to let the man settle back into a routine he figured he would take his own advice and watch from afar, no matter how frustrating it was.

Conrad was in the nearly empty canteen having a quick break during his double shift when Devon approached looking excited over something.   The first year Resident didn't waste time on a greeting as he sat down opposite the tired man.

"Did you hear the news?"
"What news?" Conrad asked dutifully although he had no real interest in hospital gossip, there was always some story or rumour doing the rounds.
"Steve Hills is coming to Chastain!" Devon imparted his news happily then sat back waiting for the reaction.
"Who is Steve Hills?"
"You don't know?" Devon was incredulous.
"Course I know.   That's why I asked," Conrad replied with sarcasm as he took a sip from the lukewarm cup he had been twirling in his hands.
"Okay, okay," the black haired man raised his hands placatingly, "sorry.   Steve Hills is an Actor in one of the most popular medical dramas on television, Bakers Practice based in Colorado.   He plays Paul Baker, the main character."
"You watch medical series?"
"You don't?"
"No.  Why?"
"Actually Priya got me into the show but I even watch it sometimes if she's out.  It's interesting to see how they do medical procedures and stuff."
"So why is he coming to Chastain?  What's wrong with him?" Conrad asked curiously as he finished his drink and stood up gesturing for his friend to follow.
"Nothing's wrong with him.  He's visiting the Paediatric Unit," Devon explained as they headed for the elevators.
"Ah!  A  photo opportunity.   You want to bet HODAD doesn't decide to visit Paediatrics while he's there?"
"No thanks.  I like my money where it is.   Not in your pocket."
"When is he coming?   Hopefully I'll be off."
"Day after tomorrow.   Place will probably be crawling with Paparazzi and fans," Devon noted as the elevators chimed.
"Damn.  I'm on."
"So am I," Devon beamed as they stepped into the elevator.
"Yeah well I'll cover for you if you want to get an autograph," Conrad said jokingly.
"Was going to ask," Devon said in relief but then noted the amusement playing on his friends' features, "hey it's for Priya!"
"Sure.  I believe you," Conrad stated ruefully shaking his head, not understanding the fascination people had with those who were famous and determining to stay as far away from the commotion as possible.

Unfortunately for the weary man fate had other plans.

tbc