Miguel knocked on Alex’s door.
“Alex! Are you awake? We can’t be late today.”
“I’m up,” came the reply from inside.
Miguel blinked. “He’s already up? That’s rare. Must be the apocalypse.”
──────────
That morning, Alex and Miguel were summoned to the office of Samuel Ellis, chairman of the hospital board.
Alex’s mind was still foggy from the dream—fragments of Queen Séraphine lingered like afterimages.
They made their way through the corridors and knocked.
A warm, familiar voice called out, “Come in.”
Samuel Ellis, a genial man in his fifties, greeted them with a kind smile.
“Have a seat, Dr. O’Neill. Dr. López.”
Neither Alex nor Miguel knew why they’d been called.
Alex tried to focus, pushing away the lingering notes of piano and castles.
──────────
“There’s something I’d like to discuss,” Samuel began. “An intern who’ll be joining your team next month.”
He handed a file to Alex. Miguel leaned closer to peek.
“Dr. Miya…shi…ta,” Samuel read carefully, then smiled. “We usually just call her Dr. Nao. Her full name can be a bit of a mouthful.”
Miguel flipped through the résumé. “Wait—she’s young.”
“Yes,” Samuel said with a quiet chuckle. “Her background’s unusual, but everything checks out. She studied abroad at top institutions and skipped several grades.”
Miguel’s eyebrows rose. “Russia? France? Why is she here now?”
Alex kept reading, curiosity growing despite himself—her credentials were remarkable for someone her age.
──────────
Samuel waved a hand. “Let’s put her education aside for now. What I really wanted to ask is this—Dr. Nao has requested time in the pediatric ward every Monday and Wednesday morning. Are you both comfortable with that?”
Alex asked, “Why make that exception?”
Samuel’s expression grew serious. “She’s earned it. She came from the Wexley Biomedical Research Center—one of the most prestigious labs in the state.”
Miguel frowned. “Wait, that Wexley? Why would anyone leave there?”
Samuel’s smile faded. “She didn’t leave. She was pushed out. There was a conflict with her supervisor—Dr. Drake Merrick. You might remember him from those TV science programs.”
Alex knew the name—brilliant mind, terrible reputation.
──────────
“She filed a harassment complaint,” Samuel continued. “She had evidence and legal backing, but…” He tightened his jaw. “She was up against a very powerful man. In the end, she was let go.”
The room fell silent. Alex felt a flicker of sympathy.
“An old friend reached out to me,” Samuel said quietly. “He asked me not to let one dishonest man destroy her future. So I reviewed her work. I was impressed. Then I met her—and she had already given up. She truly believed she’d never be a doctor again.”
──────────
“But I saw something in her. I suggested she start by volunteering. She’s been helping here for months—long before the intern program began.”
Samuel leaned forward, his voice warm with conviction.
“There’s a girl in pediatrics—Maggie. Severe leukemia. We didn’t expect her to live three more months, but she’s still here. Her condition stabilized after Dr. Nao started spending time with her—not through medicine, but just by being there. She read to her, played music, talked with her.”
Music. Something stirred in Alex’s mind—distant, like an echo.
“Maggie hasn’t opened up to a single doctor—except Nao.”
──────────
“You remember the intern presentation?” Samuel said softly. “She believes compassion makes a difference. And I believe she’s right. This work matters—for the children, and for her. She wants to be a doctor again.”
Alex nodded. “I’m fine with that.”
Miguel hesitated, then shrugged. “Same here. Still surprised, though.”
Samuel smiled. “Thank you both. I appreciate it.”
──────────
As they left the office, Miguel glanced sideways at Alex.
“What’s with you today? You’re acting strange.”
“Nothing’s wrong,” Alex replied.
Miguel narrowed his eyes. “You should look after her. She’ll be on a different schedule than the others. Jill and I aren’t great with flexible setups. Sally? Don’t even ask.”
Alex shrugged. “Alright.”
But the truth was—he hadn’t really been present during the meeting.
His thoughts kept drifting back to the dreams.
Why did they unfold like chapters in a story?
Why did they feel so real?
Did they get a happy ending?
He wanted to forget—but couldn’t.
──────────
“Hey! Are you even listening?” Miguel snapped, pulling him back to the moment.
Alex blinked.
Miguel sighed, watching his friend walk ahead, lost in thought.
“Something’s off today,” he muttered, hurrying after him down the hall.
──────────
© 2024 reminise. All rights reserved.