Chapter 94 Chapter 94
“Doc. Jadeee! I mean, Jadeeee! Long time no see!”
She hugged me quickly, so I didn’t have time to react. “I-It’s you, Hannah. What are you doing here?”
“Visiting you! What else? Of course I miss you! It’s been so long since we last saw each other! I’ve come by this house so many times, hoping to catch you here. Although, I thought you might be at your husband’s mansion…” I gave her an awkward smile. “…but it’s a good thing I caught you here, because you know…”
“Wait, wait. Let’s go inside first. Come on,” I said, inviting her in. She followed me.
“Wow, Jade! Your house is beautiful! This is my first time inside!” she exclaimed, her eyes roaming around.
“Oh, it’s not finished yet. I’m renovating it. I’m planning to adopt a cat.”
“You’re a cat lover now?” she asked.
“Not really… anything, I guess. Sometimes I even think about getting a pig, but I don’t want something too noisy. I’m still thinking about it. I just want some company here, at least.”
“Huh? Why? Aren’t you living with your husband?”
I shook my head. “No. He’s very busy with his company, so I’m staying here for now,” I lied. It was a good thing I wasn’t much of a storyteller, so my lies didn’t get tangled.
“Well, that makes sense. You’re both goal-oriented, so I get it. But speaking of being goal-oriented, I actually have some news; that’s why I came here, Jade.”
“What is it?” I asked as I set down the tray of sliced oranges and watermelon. I also brought out probiotic drinks.
“Honestly, I’ve been protesting to Doc. Martino to bring you back to the Medical Mission Team. Since your mom isn’t on duty with us anymore, I told him your suspension should be lifted. Hello? It’s almost been a month! So many medical missions have passed without you! You know, we really need a good doctor like you!”
“Oh, I’m not that great. I’m just a small instrument to help…” I replied, biting into the watermelon while sipping the probiotic drink. I leaned back on the sofa and rested my feet on the table.
She stared at me for so long that I ended up asking her if there was dirt on my face. “Is something wrong?”
“Nothing, but I just realized something about you.” She straightened her posture and spoke again. “I think you have impostor syndrome.”
I frowned. “Impostor syndrome?”
“Yes, the way you see yourself is as inferior. Even though you’re extremely good, you feel like anyone can do what you do. You don’t believe in your skills because you think it’s just luck or a fluke.”
“I mean, I know what impostor syndrome is. What I want to know is, how did you conclude that I have impostor syndrome, Hannah?”
“Haven’t you noticed it yourself? You really are good, Doc. Jade, and a lot of people know that, but you don’t believe in yourself. And you have a hard time accepting compliments and praise because you always think you don’t deserve them.”
“Well, I’m really not deserving of that kind of praise. I’m just human,” I denied.
“See that? There’s a difference between being humble, Doc. Jade, and putting yourself down too much. Do you know how much I admire you? I’ve already mentioned this before, right? That’s why I wanted to be your friend because you inspire me. You need to learn to accept that you’re good, because if you always think you’re not worthy, you’ll just blame yourself for the way other people mistreat you, and you’ll accept it because you think you’re the one at fault.”
I didn’t tell her anything, yet it felt like she knew exactly what I was going through in life.
“If only you knew how much I look up to you, Doc. Jade. You’re incredibly skilled. Not everyone is as talented as you. That’s why I’m here—I want you back on the medical mission. Do you know how dull the team has been since you left? I really felt the pressure, and Doc. Martino is so serious, like you’re not even allowed to joke around. It’s scary! Especially when he argues with Doctor Solieza! So I really hope Doc. Martino brings you back, because if not, I won’t go on duty either!”
I laughed at her remark. “You’re something else! Why does your duty depend on me?”
“Of course—because you’re my best friend!”
I was surprised by what she said. “B-best friend?”
“Yes, you’re my best friend even if you don’t see me as yours. But for me, you’re the best… my best friend.”
I scratched my head. I never expected that at my age, someone would still want to be my best friend. If only she knew what I was going through in life, she would probably choose to stay away rather than be friends with someone like me.
“You know, Jade, I just thought of something. Since I’m rebelling against Doc. Martino, anyway, why don’t we go out? Let’s enjoy ourselves! Go sightseeing! Don’t worry, since I invited you, it’s my treat!”