What is he searching for?
“Here,” he brings out a file and drops it in front of me. “I would like you to go over it once you can. It contains pieces of information that you will need.”
“Oh!” I pick the file, wondering what I’d need the information for.
“One of our small branches in Crystal Mill needs a volunteer general surgeon. It’s not a free work, as you will continue to receive your salary, but Doctor Newman, you are the only one I can trust with this,” he paused to observe the look on my face. “Consider this a great opportunity to gather more experience.”
“Crystal Mill?” I repeat the name as I pull out the sheets in the file slowly.
“Yes.”
I nod simultaneously, “Thank you for the opportunity,” is the only thing I said before standing up.
“You will return after three months once we can find a permanent general surgeon for the branch. This hospital still needs you, Doctor Newman,” he concludes.
“Thank you, Doctor Garrett,” I throw a slight smile at him before walking out of his office.
Crystal Mill! The name sounds so familiar, but I can’t place where I’ve heard it.
A small sigh drops from my lips as I walk back to the emergency room. I’ll go over the documents later.
So, I read the document and Crystal Mill is a large landform that’s a few miles away from here. According to what I’ve read about the place, some inhabitants live in the mountain. Making the decision to move there is a tough one for me, but what has to be done has to be done.
“Sis, are you sure you want to go there? I could talk to Doctor Garrett if you want,” Lucas tells me, a worried look drawn across his face.
“It is fine, baby. I’ll be back soon. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” I smile at him.
“I’m still not comfortable with you going there.” He frowns.
“Well, I am a doctor, and this is my job – to save lives. The location does not matter.” I fold my last shirt and zip the leather box.
“I will miss you,” Lucas pulls me into a big hug.
“I will miss you too,” I hug him back, resisting the urge to cry.
The truth is I am going to miss everything that I’m leaving behind, but this is one of the sacrifices that come with my profession. I have to do it for the love of humanity.
It was late and it was raining heavily when I arrived in Crystal Mill.
This place is freezing cold. And the hospital looks so small that I can’t believe they carry out operations and treat patients here.
“You are welcome,” the medical secretary tells me with an ugly smile when I explained to her that I am the volunteer general surgeon there to help from the main hospital.
“Thank you,” I say, collecting my ID card from her.
“Please follow me.”
I’m still looking around, trying to comprehend how the government registered this place.
“Here, please come in. This is the room where you’ll be staying.”
I walk inside the room, slowly, and oh God! No, I should have declined the offer of coming here.
The room is so tiny, I can’t believe I have to stay here.
“Erm, excuse me,” I stop the nurse as she moves to walk away.
“Yes,” she turns around to face me.
