DOCTOR STRANGE

19

THE POWER I HAVE IS?

Present day,

"Ren, are you coming home this weekend? You haven't been home since your residence started at the hospital. It's been three months. I am inviting my boyfriend over at dinner to introduce him to mom and dad. You should come over too. You'll like him. He is just like you, protective and smart.

Mom is gonna cook your favorite lasagna. We all miss you. Call me back when you receive this." I came back from the operation theatre. I have been busy from the last few months ever since I started my residency at this hospital as an ER specialist. Although I love my job there are times when I miss my old life, living with my family, having fun with my friends.

The surgery today went well. The patient was a middle-aged man. He works at a construction site where he had an accident today. A steel rod of an inch pierced through his leg. His condition was very critical when he reached the hospital. The rod touched an artery which caused severe blood loss. His vitals were very weak. He is recovering now. He should be all fine soon.

I don't usually perform surgeries but my senior trauma specialist doctor was on leave today and the patient was very critical.

I was thinking of going back home this weekend to meet Eli's boyfriend but we have an annual party at our hospital this Saturday. And since I am new here I have to attend the party. I'll talk to her if she can push the dinner on Sunday. I will go if it happens.

I cannot miss the party. The special guest of the is gonna be my idol, the person I've always looked up to Mr. Ramakrishna Reddy. He is the best neurosurgeon. He was an inspiration for me. I cannot miss the chance to meet him.

I decided to text Eli that I won't make it on Saturday.

"Hii Eli, sorry I didn't receive your call. I was in surgery. I'm sorry I won't be able to make it on Saturday. We have a party here. I can't attend it. But I can come for a meal on Sunday. Let me know if you change the plan. I would love to meet your boyfriend."

She soon replied.

"Yeah sure, we can have a meal on Sunday. I'll text you the time. Take care of yourself. Bye, I'm going back to work."

"Take care, hope to see you soon", I text her back.

I put my phone back on the table and went inside the bathroom to take a shower. It was a long day for me. There were many trauma patients today in the hospital. And many surgeons were on leave today. So the day very pretty hectic. The hospital was packed with patients. I hope tomorrow will be better than today.

I felt hungry, and it's already time for dinner so quickly freshen up and got ready to have my dinner. I usually eat out because I don't have enough time to cook for me. Hospital's food sucks so there's no other option than to eat out. I took out a black t-shirt, blue denim, and a jacket to wear. I was wearing my jacket when my locket got strangled on my t-shirt. I tried to pull it away but the chain of the locket got pulled and it's hooked broken. I saw the locket fell on the floor. I soon as it lost contact with my body, I again started feeling the same sensation I felt years ago. Which makes me realize that I am not everyone else. The reality I was running for.

I quickly picked it back from the ground and put it in my pocket. And rushed out of my room. I don't want to think about it anymore. It stresses me every time it happens.