We sat together in the waiting room, Serge saying nothing while my brain teemed with questions I wanted to ask, but knew would have to wait. Honestly I had no idea what to say or do. I felt helpless. I was used to being in Spencer’s position, working triage and helping anonymous patients. Instead I was sitting in the waiting room trying to keep it together for Serge, who looked as if he was going to pass out from exhaustion.
Everyone reacts to crises in unique ways. Serge was obviously not a crier, and despite his fiery reputation he wasn’t a screamer either. His body was slumped in the chair next to mine, face in his hands. Audible sighs came forth every few minutes, and when I reached over and rubbed his back, he stiffened for a second then relaxed again. Finally a young female doctor I
