My first attempt at finding a vein is rough, but by the third patient, I’m doing pretty well.
Things seem to slow down then, and Christian comes out of the operating room, wheeling a patient into a different room.I watch as Claire wheels the next patient into the operating room.Christian waves at me before he disappears inside the room again.
All the patients are stable now, at least until they can be brought into the operating room, so I focus on cleaning up.I find a mop and some disinfectant spray and get to work on the walls and floors.By the time I’m done, Christian has finished surgery on another two patients, with only one more remaining.
I head for the front desk, exhausted after the trauma and chaos of the day.But as I sit there, I realize I’m not just tired.I’m… proud.Of myself.
I accomplished something important today.Made a real difference by stepping out of my comfort zone and helping people.Maybe even helped to save someone’s life.
I never gave nursing or any other medical field any thought.It was always business.Now, I wonder if I made the wrong choice.I like being useful and making a difference.I’ve never felt this way after working on a spreadsheet or updating a website.
“Hey.”
I look up to see a familiar guy.He’s the one who brought us clean clothes the other day.
“Hey, uh…”
“Abe,” he answers.“How’s Christian?”
“Still in surgery.”
“Yeah, it was a bad one.”
“What happened?”
“They were all volunteers for Midnight Haven.They were on patrol when someone opened fire.”
“Did you catch the person who did this?”
“Not yet.”His expression is dark with fury.“But we will.”He clears his throat.“I brought Christian’s car.I figure he’ll be too tired to walk home.”
“Thanks.”I take the keys from him.
“Of course.Do you need anything?”
Just Christian.
I smile.“No, I’m good.Thanks.”
He nods and knocks twice on the desk, then heads out.
Melanie and Claire appear a few moments later, both looking dead on their feet.
“Hey,” I greet them.
“Thanks for your help today,” Melanie says warmly.“We wouldn’t have made it through all that without you.”
My cheeks heat at the compliment.“I’m happy to help.”
“Christian is finishing up with the last surgery.Then he’ll do rounds to check on everyone.Shouldn’t be too much longer.”
I stand as they head into the break room, making my way to the operating room.It’s empty, so I grab my cleaning supplies and get started.I’m almost done when Christian comes into the room.
“You didn’t have to do that,” he says, taking the mop from me.
“I don’t mind.I’m glad to help.”
He gives me a tired smile, and I wrap my arms around him.
