After The Storm

"Patient's family! Who's the family of Kathryn Wells?

The patient was in critical condition. Multiple organs were ruptured, and she had a clotting disorder. The surgery was extremely complex. The family needed to prepare themselves."

The doctor's words hit me like a bolt of lightning. I nearly collapsed.

"Doctor, please, you have to save Kathryn!"

"There were only three surgeons in the city capable of performing her operation. Dr. Winchester and Dr. James were abroad for a conference. That left only Hank Thorpe. If he could take the case, there might still be hope."

Hank's name sparked a flicker of hope in me.

He was my husband.

"But Dr. Thorpe was on vacation..."

The doctor's words echoed in my ears. My only thought was to reach Hank immediately.

"Beep... beep..."

"Beep..."

After two hang-ups, the call finally connected.

"Hank, get to Central Hospital now. Your mom's in trouble!"

A slow, casual female voice answered. "Hey, it's you, right? Hank just stepped out to grab some medicine for me. He's not here."

Her intimate tone made it sound like she and Hank were the real couple.

2

I recognized that voice. It was Roselyn Fletcher.

She was Hank's unattainable first love. Hadn't she moved abroad? Why was she with him?

I pushed those questions aside. There was no time to dwell on their relationship.

Urgently, I said, "I'm Hank's wife. His mother is in critical condition. When he gets back, make sure he calls me!"

Five minutes passed. Then ten. Then fifteen...

I checked my phone repeatedly. No messages came.

Unable to wait longer, I called again.

Roselyn answered once more.

"Is Hank still not back?"

"Oh, he's back. He's in the kitchen washing fruit for me."

My anger flared beyond control.

"Didn't I tell you his mother was in trouble? I said to have him call me! Why is he washing fruit?"

Roselyn sounded startled by my outburst. Her voice took on a wounded tone.

"I told Hank you wanted him to call. He said to ignore your calls."

That sounded like something Hank would say.

I took a deep breath to steady myself.

"Please get him now..."

Before I could finish, Hank's irritated voice cut through.

"Nelly, what's your problem now? I'm finally on a break, and you have to ruin it?"

3

I refused to argue. Coldly, I said, "Kathryn's been in an accident. The surgery is high-risk. The other two surgeons who could do it are abroad. Get to Central Hospital now!"

Instead of concern, he grew angrier.

"Nelly, that's enough! I don't know how I was ever foolish enough to marry you! Cursing my mother just to get my attention? That's low! My mother is perfectly fine! She'll outlive you!"

Before I could respond, he hung up.

I called back. He hung up again. Eventually, he turned off his phone.

"How's my mom?"

Olivia Wells, Kathryn's daughter, rushed over, her face streaked with tears.

Before I could explain, the operating room doors swung open.

"Kathryn Wells' family! Have you reached Dr. Thorpe?"

My expression said it all.

"The patient was hemorrhaging heavily. This was a critical condition notice. Please sign it."

Olivia grabbed the nurse's arm in disbelief.

"A critical condition notice? How could this happen? She was fine this morning! Please, you have to save her!"

As the operating room doors closed, Olivia curled into a helpless ball.