Hook, Line & Sinker

Chapter 51

Chapter 51: "Love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you."

"Dr. Illustre, I'm really sorry." 

Napahinto ako at bahagyang nagtago ng makita ko sa hallway si Shin at ang isang lalaking intern. The latter looked so nervous. Can't blame him. Kahit siguro ako ay mai-intimidate kay Shin lalo na kapag ganitong seryoso siya.

Shin looked at him coldly. "Sorry? I feel sorry to the patient for assigning an irresponsible intern like you to her. If that patient died, that would be on you. And no, your sorry wouldn't cut it. Honestly, what did you learn in med school? To become a know-it-all?"

Napangiwi ako sa narinig. Shin could be ruthless when pushed. He's not the type who yells but his words could break you. Halatang naiiyak na ang intern.

"I can accept the fact that you don't know everything yet since you're still an intern, but I find it unacceptable that you're too arrogant to ask for help. Arrogance has no room in this field; we deal with lives. Learn to ask for help. The next time you let your stupidity and arrogance take over again, I'll make sure you'll never see an OR for the rest of your internship."

Napapitlag ako ng bumaling sa direksiyon ko si Shin. It was too late to hide; he had already seen me. Ngumiti ako ng tipid sa kanya, tinatantiya ko kung mainit pa ang ulo niya. Namulsa siya at hinintay akong makalapit. Sinulyapan ko ang intern na nagmamadaling nagpaalam. 

"Don't you think you were a little bit too harsh kanina, hon-hon?" maingat na sabi ko.

"He put the patient's life at risk."

I reached for his hand and gave it a soft squeeze. "People make mistakes."

"Mistakes are fine. It helps you grow as a person. But it's not okay if it's committed because of arrogance. I can't be soft all the time, Tamara. It won't help them to become a good doctor."

I just breathed out. "You're right." Naglalambing na yumakap ako sa beywang niya. "Bibisitahin ko pala si Bea. Sama ka?" pag-iiba ko ng usapan para mawala ang init ng ulo niya.

He looked at his wristwatch then shook his head. "I need to check my patient. Maybe later."

"Okay! Ako na lang," I said with a smile.

"Huwag ka mangungulit masyado doon." 

Napalabi ako sa narinig. "Ano ako, bata?"

"Isip bata."

Dumila ako at tinalikuran na siya. Pagdating ko sa room ni Bea ay nadatnan ko siyang nagkukulay sa libro niya. I smiled and greeted her cheerfully. Isang malaking ngiti ang ibinigay niya sa akin.

"Nurse Tam!"

Kumaway ako sa kanya. "Good morning po," bati ko sa mommy niya. She smiled and greeted me back. Lumapit ako kay Bea at umupo sa gilid ng kama niya. "How are you feeling, baby?"

"I feel good. But will my hair grow back?"

"Oh. Of course, baby. Hahaba pa ulit yan. But you know, even without hair, you look so beautiful!"

"Did you hear that, sweetheart?" said her mom. "Sabi ko sa'yo maganda ka kahit wala kang hair." She glanced at me, smiled, and mouthed 'thank you'.

Ngumiti ako at tumango. Mayamaya ay nakatanggap ng tawag ang mommy ni Bea kaya lumabas muna siya.

"Gusto mo ng orange, be?"

"Yes po."

Umabot ako ng isang orange at ipinagbalat siya. Pagkatapos ng ilang minuto ay nagpaalam na ako sa kanya.