Chapter 11 chapter 11
Chapter 11
Although Natalie did not have to report to the hospital the next day because she had already resigned, she still went ahead just to check up on her patients and see how they were doing.
She was not someone who left her work unfinished, and she had to make sure that the man whom she had operated on yesterday was doing fine.
When Natalie arrived at the hospital, the director of City Hospital went to her office.
His face carried a kind smile as he spoke, “Dr. Hart, I really don’t know how to thank you. I've heard of what you did yesterday, and I'm truly grateful. Although you had already handed in your resignation letter, you still went ahead and saved the patient's life. And for that, I'll forever be grateful.”
Natalie smiled awkwardly. She was not used to the hospital director acting so politely with her.
She waved her hand and spoke, “Director Grant, what are you saying? I am a doctor, saving a life is my number one priority. I wouldn’t have just stood by and watched someone lose his life just because I am no longer an employee of this hospital.”
“You are truly one of a kind, Dr. Hart. I don't know what will become of this hospital without you.” Director Grant said. He even felt like shedding a few tears.
Natalie was starting to become emotional, too. It was not easy to leave a place she had called home for the past few years, but for the sake of her mother, she had to.
“Director Grant, please, you will make me cry if you continue to talk like that. And besides, this hospital has so many great doctors and many great surgeons, so I am sure that all the patients will be in good hands.”
“I know, Dr. Hart. I just feel sorry for having to lose a great surgeon like you, and I wish I could convince you to stay, but I know you already have your mind made up, and there's nothing I can do about it.”
“But just know that the gates of City Hospital will always be open to you. You can come in anytime to check up on us, and to help us when things get complicated over here.”
“Of course, Dr. Grant. You guys will always be in my heart. I really feel bad that I have to leave, after all, this is the place that shaped me into who I am today. But you know, some things cannot be delayed any longer.”
Director Grant nodded, “It's okay, and I totally understand. I wish you all the best in your endeavors, and may you be an even greater surgeon.”
Natalie was overwhelmed by emotions as she spoke, “Thank you, Dr. Grant, for your wishes. And don't hesitate to call me anytime you have a case that requires my expertise. I'm just a phone call away.”
“Okay. Dr. Hart.” Director Grant nodded before he continued, “The new surgeon will be reporting in today, so I'd like you to take him through everything. Just do a smooth handover and make sure that he understands everything.”
“Dr. Grant, I was just about to come to your office and inquire about the same. My plane ticket is tomorrow, and I don't want to cancel it, so if the new surgeon is joining us, I'll be glad to hand over everything to him.”
…
After the hospital Director left, Natalie went to make her routine rounds. She had to check up on her patients and see how they were doing.
When she reached the ICU, she was surprised that Frank was already up and he could even talk to his family. Seeing the smile on his face elevated Natalie’s mood.
Her face beamed into a happy smile as she entered the ward.
“Hello there, buddy. I can see that you are up and about already. So strong, huh?” Natalie asked as she smiled.
Frank looked at her, and his face bloomed into a happy smile. “You must be Dr. Hart, right? I heard that you saved me from the brink of death.”
Natalie laughed as she waved her hand, “Don't mention it. It's my duty and responsibility to make sure that lives are saved.”
“Just take care of yourself. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy, and you'll get better in no time.” Natalie advised in a kind voice.
“Thank you so much, Dr. Hart. I wish I could just get down from this bed and give you a big hug.” Frank said. He really thought that he wouldn’t make it this time round.
“That's not necessary. I'm just glad that you're fine. That is the doctor’s joy.”
After reviewing his file and confirming that his vitals were stable and he was recovering well, Natalie left to check on other patients.
After she was done with her morning rounds, she went to Sean's office. She had a habit of visiting him every time she was through with her morning rounds. And today was no different. But when she went to Sean's office, she was shocked that the man had yet to report in.
She looked at the nurse assistant who usually helped Sean around the office and asked, “Uhm, Beryl, where is Dr. Sean?”
“Oh, Dr. Hart, it is you? Dr. Sean is yet to report today. Maybe he is stuck in traffic.”
Natalie nodded in understanding, “Oh, that is fine. I will just give him a call then.”
“Okay.”
Nurse Beryl looked at Natalie and spoke, “Dr. Hart, we are all going to miss you so much.”
“I will miss you, too.”
…
After handing all her pending work and everything to the new surgeon, Natalie left the hospital. She had a few things to pack before their flight tomorrow, so she could not delay any further.
Natalie hadn’t had anything except for the piece of sandwich she had in the morning, and she was starving.
She looked at the watch and realized that it was almost time for Jojo to be back from school, so she decided to head to the kitchen and make something simple for them.
But just as she was about to put on the stove, her phone rang. It was Sean calling.
Natalie had been trying to reach him the whole day to no avail. She was even wondering where the man had vanished to.
“Natalie, can you come to City Hospital now? Don’t worry, I have already picked Jojo from school, and she is here with me.”
“What…”
Before Natalie could say anything, Sean hung up the call.