Chapter 15 — The Patient I Saved Twice

At that time, he did not think he was a victim. Now sitting in the police station. Becoming a victim again. I placed the phone face down on the table. Don't want to read anymore. When preparing to leave work. The Director's secretary came to the clinic.

“Doctor To.”

“The director wants to see you tomorrow morning.”

I was a bit surprised.

“Is there something wrong?”

The secretary shook his head.

“The director said he would discuss directly.”

Nine o'clock the next morning. I sat in the Principal's office. The director of the Lu family. More than fifty years old. My hair has turned quite a bit gray. Before, I hardly had the chance to interact with him. He personally poured me a glass of water.

“During this time, she suffered many disadvantages.”

I hold a glass of water. But don't drink. Director Lu slowly said:

“You probably already know about Tien Quoc Dong's story.”

“The Disciplinary Inspection Committee is investigating.”

“The police are also involved.”

"The hospital is currently reviewing all the compensation files he has handled."

I nodded. He continued:

“The 50,000 yuan you had to pay for compensation yourself.”

“The hospital will fully refund.”

I calmly replied:

“Thank you, Director.”

“One more thing.”

The director looked at me. The corners of his eyes clearly showed guilt.

“Her surgery schedule will be restored from next week.”

“Back to the Department of Surgery.”

“Continue as chief surgeon.”

I stopped. That saying. I waited for half a year. Waiting every day. But strangely enough. When you actually hear it. I didn't feel as relieved as I imagined. Not so happy that I burst into tears. No choking emotions. Simply nod.

“Thank you, Director Lu.”

He looked at me for a long time. As if wanting to say something. Finally spoke up:

“I said something I shouldn't have said.”

I looked at him.

“In this matter…”

“The hospital is at fault with you.”

The room became quiet. The principal sighed softly.

“If I had discovered Qianguodong's problems sooner.”

“Maybe she wouldn't have suffered so much injustice.”

I was silent for a few seconds. Then smiled softly.

“Director Lu.”

“It's over.”

He nodded. Say no more.

“Go back and prepare.”

“Officially return to the Department of Surgery next Monday.”

I stood up. Go to the door. Just in time to get ready to step out. The director called again: I turned around. He smiled.

“That young doctor in the Department of Orthopedics…”

“Tran Vi, right?”

“His surgery schedule will also be restored at the same time.”

The smile on my lips became a little more sincere.

“Thank you, Director.”

Morning sunlight penetrates through the window at the end of the hallway. Strangely warm. I stood there for a moment. Let the sunlight cover you. It's really warm. When you return to the clinic, pack your things. Ms. Trieu was already waiting. Just saw me. She immediately asked:

“I heard you're going back to the Department of Surgery?”

“From Monday.”

Just finished speaking. Ms. Trieu hugged me.

“I finally waited for this day.”

I laughed. Gently pat her back.

"You act like I've gone missing."

Ms. Trieu let me go. Len secretly wiped the corner of his eyes.

“If you don't cry, let me cry instead.”

“You are truly the most tolerant person I have ever met.”

I just laughed. No explanation. From the Department of Examination, return to the Department of Surgery. Must go through two corridors. Climb three more floors. I used to walk that road every day. Haven't passed by for half a year. I carry it personal box. Step by step walk towards the Department of Surgery. When passing the operating room area. I unconsciously stopped. The operating room door is closed. The lights are still on inside. I stood still for a few seconds. Behind the thick door. There was the sound of surgical tools touching each other. The metallic sound is very quiet. But extremely familiar. That's the sound I used to hear every day. The sound of where I belong. I looked at that door one more time. Then turn around and continue walking. Monday next week. I will push that door open again. And this time. No one will be able to take my place anymore. My first surgery after returning to the Surgery Department was scheduled for Monday morning. Just a normal case of appendicitis. Not too complicated. But when I stood in the changing room, wearing my familiar surgical clothes, I still felt my fingers stiffen a bit. It's been half a year. Half a year without standing on the operating table. I bowed my head and looked at my hands. Gently curl into a fist. Then let go. Tighten again. Repeat several times. Until the familiar feeling gradually returns. I took a deep breath. Push the operating room door. The surgical light turns on. The person in charge of anesthesia today is Mr. Ngo. Just saw me.