Chapter Three - Bryce

We all file out of Tanya’s room, and I stop the other doctors in the hallway. I pull Dr. Ward by the shoulders. “What were you doing in there?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Why didn’t we tell her what we knew about her family?”

“You know, as a neurologist, that until we know why she doesn’t remember who she is, we could do more damage by telling her things.”

“I understand, but do you think it’s wise to make her feel bad about having no family? Do you think you, of all people, should make that decision?"

“If she remembers, then that’s great, but until then we shouldn’t tell her anything. We don’t want to plant false memories. If you stop and think about it, you know I'm right."

“I hate to say it, but I agree with Chance, Bryce. I know you see things differently, but think like a doctor. You know it’s best for her to remember things on her own. Especially with the tragedy attached to what happened to her.” Dr. Richmond states.

“Fine, but I will do everything I can to help her," I state, even though everything in my bones tells me that it's wrong to hide anything from her.

“We know you will,” Richmond states.

I walk away from them and go to my office. I shut the door behind me before taking my seat behind my desk. I sit down at my desk and slam my hands down on it. I know many would say that I need to step away from this case because I’m too close, but I know this woman needs my help. The other doctors just think of her as a case, but I see the woman. I place my head in my hands when my office door opens and Karen, my secretary, walks in.

Karen walks in with her black suit pants set on and her blonde hair flowing down her back. When I look up, I find her sitting in front of my desk, staring at me. “What?”

“Nothing.”

“Then why are you sitting there, just staring at me?”

“Waiting.”

“Waiting for what, Karen?”

“Waiting for you to talk to me.”

I sit back in my chair and let out a sigh as I wring my hands together. “Talk to you about what?”

“You know what. The whole hospital is talking about her waking up after a year. You were the only one who fought for her, to keep her alive. You were the only one who thought she would wake up. You wanted to keep her alive when everyone wanted to let her die.”

“Some would say that means I’m too close to her and her case.”

“Maybe, but maybe we need more doctors like you. Does she remember?”

“No. She doesn’t remember a thing.”

“How will you deal with that?”

“The best way I can. Whatever that means and whatever that takes.”

“Be careful.”

I nod my head.