My Sweet Escape

Caramel

10:00 PM

“Candy, you have a call from the hospital director.” Sarah woke me up and handed me my phone.

I didn’t realize that I fell asleep while crying. I’m glad that Sarah stayed with me. I can smell the scent of her specialty, seafood pasta. I groggily reached for my phone to speak to the hospital director.

“Good evening, Doc!” I said in a weak voice.

“Are you alright?” He asked. His voice is filled with concern and worry.

“I am coping but I am not feeling good. I’m scared.”

“Honestly, the hospital is in a difficult situation. The man works in a t.v. and newsroom. The incident already came out on social media and a lot of reporters have been calling us. I know that it is not your fault but if the hospital takes the blame, more people will suffer. Do you understand what I am saying?” He said in a nervous voice.

I don’t think I need to hear the rest of his words because everything is getting clearer. It’s obvious that they want me to take all the blame and that they will not help me. What will happen to me now? My dreams, my hopes and my life-long ambition will all turn to waste. What will become of me? All my hard works will just be useless.

“Are you hearing me, Candy?” The director asked.

“Yes, doc! But can we talk about this tomorrow? I’m really exhausted and I want to think about what I will do.” I told him with all my might.

I fell on my bed after the conversation. I checked my phone and saw a number of text messages from many people. My friends from the university, from the hospital, my relatives…they must have seen the news. I don’t want to look at their messages. It will just add up to my sufferings.

“Candy, you have to eat. I need to go home.” Sarah said in a very concerned voice.

I stood up and went to the kitchen. I sat on the stool at the bar where I often eat. I like this position because I can see the view of the city and the lights. It relieves my stress. I got this apartment after two years of being a doctor. But what will happen now?  Can I still keep it?

“Hey, stop worrying. I know something good will come out of this.” Sarah said while hugging me.

“Oh, by the way, I forgot to tell you about your “key-taker”. She said excitedly.

“What?” I asked dumb founded.

“Remember the guy whom you left your car key this morning?”

“Oh, right. What happened to you by the way?”

“The guy was really good-looking and…”

I cut Sarah out not wanting her to finish her statement. I know what she’s trying to do. She’s setting me up again.

“Okay…okay…everyone you see is good-looking to you. Well, I’m just glad that my car was safe in his hands.” I said.

“Kidding aside, didn’t you see him? Coz he recognizes you. He knows who you are?” Sarah insisted.

“How could that be? He didn’t even speak to me. His car window was almost closed so, how could I possibly see him and how could he remember me?” I asked feeling a bit curious.

“Well, I saw him at the hospital and he is the one who told me where you were that’s why I found you at the garden with Ryan.” She said.

“Really?” I asked worriedly. Then the guy must have heard about all the commotion about me. What a way to make a good impression. I thought to myself. Wait? What? Am I wanting to make a good impression? Am I crazy? Really, at this point in my life? Do I have the time to worry about making a good impression?