“Doctor Smyth?” A male voice booms down the receiver. “It's Tommy Jackson, Maya Houghton's boyfriend. She’s in trouble, and we need you. You're the only one I can trust.”
“Tommy? Where are you? What's happening with Maya?” I ask professionally, my tone not wavering.
Maya is one of my patients whom I have been seeing for a while. She was almost killed by a speeding car that happened to have her ex-boyfriend behind the wheel, and then said ex has been stalking and harassing her ever since. Maya and Tommy have been through a lot over the past year, and she always requests that it's me who sees her. I can't say I blame her after all she's been through. She needs something stable in her life, even if it’s just her doctor.
“She’s in an ambulance and on her way to the hospital. He… he's hurt her. Please, could you meet us there?” He pants down the phone, his voice sounding defeated.
“Of course, I’ll call ahead to let them know I’m coming and will set off straight away,” I say, leaving my gaping parents at the table as I throw on my coat. “What's her condition?”
“I honestly don’t know. They rushed her off whilst I tried to find him. I’m only a few minutes behind her.” He groans. I can hardlyimagine how he must be feeling. “And Smyth? Thank you for this.”
“You’re welcome, I’ll be there as soon as I can,” I say, ending the call.
Turning back to my parents, I give them a sheepish look.
“It looks like I’m not having a day off after all,” I say, wincing. “I’m sorry to leave so suddenly.”
“I’m disappointed to not spend more time with you, but I think I can say from both of us, we’re also incredibly proud. I hope whoever it is is okay.” My dad says, squeezing my shoulder.
“Thanks, Dad, Mum,” I turn to hug her. “I promise I’ll be back up as soon as I can.”
