Short Stories

Title:The other side of positive

"Mom I want to become a doctor someday".

That was me when I was a kid while telling my Mother about my dream in life.

"That's good to hear baby. If that's what you want I'll support you."

Back then, I still remember everytime my Mom will buy some toy for me, I always choose the one with an emergency kit.

Teddy bears and barbies were used to be my patients. Diligently doing an operation on them like scenarios happen in a hospital.

Checking their temperature using thermometer, and putting the stethoscope on my ear while imagining the sound of their heartbeat.

"How do you feel right now?", asking my doll hoping she will respond.

"Get ready the tool, and in few minutes we will start the operation", the way I commanded my seven years old cousin who took the role as my assistant doctor.

"Good morning everyone. This is my future self", while showing in front of the class the piece that I made when I was in 6th grade. I receive an A+ which means very good. As it was expected it is a girl wearing a white coat with the stethoscope on her neck.

Time flew fast, like it was yesterday I'm just a high schooler, then suddenly I'm already in the phase of being a college student.

This will be the commencement of my real battle. The sleepless nights, non- stop reading, and never ending sacrifices has begun.

The special occasions I missed, was the part I considered as the saddest happenings. Like when our family clan had their reunion, birthdays of my friends, and even my 18th birthday party was being ruined because I failed to come and chose to finish the project that will be pass on the next day.

After ten years of being drown with books, the time to reap the crop of my sacrifices has come.

"I would like to give thanks to all the people who became part of my journey. First, thank you God for guiding me, and for giving this chance to say my gratitude for achieving my success infront of my co-graduates. Second, to my family especially my parents who always on my side supporting me. And lastly, to all the people out there who helped me to grow as a person and boosted my courage to pursue the profession I chose. Thank you to all of you".

I can't believe I'm here now, receiving my diploma with flying colors.

One year later......

031303 SALAZAR, Avery M.

One of the happiest day of my life. I suceeded to add(+) three letters on the first part of my name.

I AM NOW DRA. AVERY M. SALAZAR

..........

Months later, Makati Medical Center was the name of the hospital. No more jokes. No more play. Cause I'm now in the actual place.

"I'll help you on the laboring process", the promised I've made to my sister after her pregnancy test showed positive(+).

Present year

"Doc, you look pale, maybe it is better if you will go and rest for a while?"

"I'm okay. I'm just tired for a 3 days straight of sleepless nights. I'll just check my patients then I'll go and rest after", I answered.

Feeling unwell, might throw up, and I think I will catch some colds. That's what I felt, before I lost my conciousness.

"Her test shows positive(+)", news I've heard as I woke up.

The table was turned. I used to be a hero before but now a victim. The disease that cause this pandemic is now continously invading the inside of me, and I need to survive.

This world needs me. I need to continue lighting the lamp of hopes of every person whose one of their feet is in grave.

I will be back. Like how the sun shines bright again after the darkness.