17!The park!

Sylvia 

The sun was shining warmly above, and a gentle breeze brushed past my face as I walked through the park. Birds were chirping in the trees, and laughter from children playing nearby filled the air. After everything that had happened at the hospital, and with Logan, I really needed this break. Just some peace. A walk. A moment to breathe. I needed to take this alone time before heading back to the hospital, then back home. 

As I strolled along the path, I saw a group of children playing tag. One little boy, probably around eight years old, ran excitedly, trying to outrun the others. But then, out of nowhere, he stumbled and collapsed on the grass.

At first, I thought he had just tripped, but he wasn’t moving.

His mother screamed and rushed over. “Jason! Jason!” she called, shaking him gently. “Wake up, please!”

My heart jumped as I ran toward them.

“I’m a doctor,” I told her calmly. “Let me take a look.”

She nodded quickly, tears in her eyes. “He was just playing. He didn’t hit his head or anything, he just… fell.”

I knelt down beside him. The boy’s skin felt warm and clammy, his face pale. I gently checked his pulse and breathing, he was still alive, thank God, but something wasn’t right.

“He’s overheated,” I said. “He needs water and shade. He might be dehydrated.”

With the help of the boy’s father, we carefully lifted him and carried him over to a shaded bench under a tree. I asked someone nearby to bring cold water and called for park medics just in case.

“Jason, sweetheart, wake up,” his mom whispered, holding his hand.

I opened his shirt a bit to help him cool down and gently patted his cheeks. “Come on, buddy. You’re okay. Just open your eyes for me.”

A few tense minutes passed. Then slowly, the boy’s eyes fluttered open. His lips parted and he whispered, “Mom?”

She let out a deep breath and pulled him into a hug, crying. “Oh thank God.”

“Let’s get him to sip some water slowly,” I said, holding the cup while Jason took a few small sips.

A small crowd had gathered by then, but everyone slowly backed off as they saw he was safe. The boy leaned into his mother’s arms, tired but okay.

“You saved him,” she told me, her voice shaking. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

“I’m just glad he’s alright,” I said, giving Jason a soft smile. “Try not to play too long in the sun, okay, champ?”

Jason nodded weakly, and I stood, dusting off my pants. As I walked away from them, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out but didn’t check the screen yet.

Instead, I looked around at the peaceful scene, the trees, the kids, the families. That moment reminded me why I became a doctor: not for awards, not for power, but to be there when people need help. Even outside the hospital.

Feeling a little more centered, I unlocked my phone, and before I could overthink it, I tapped on Violet’s name and pressed “call.”

I hit the call button and waited.

One ring. Two rings.

“Sylvia?” came Violet’s voice, bright and surprised.

“Hey you!” I said, already feeling better just hearing her voice. “I thought you’d forgotten about me.”

“Please! You’re unforgettable. I’ve just been buried in this crazy training program. Wait—are you okay? You sound… exhausted.”

“I’m alright. Just helped a little boy who fainted in the park. He’s okay now. But yeah… it’s been a lot lately.”

“Oh no! A child fainted?”

“Yeah. Dehydration, I think. His mom was so scared. But he came around. He’ll be fine.”

“Wow. Even when you’re off duty, you’re still saving lives. That’s our Dr. Sylvia.”

I chuckled. “Guess I can’t help it.

“How are you? How's work? Tell me everything!” she said, getting excited.

I laughed. “Oh, Violet. If I told you everything, we’d be on the phone until next week.”

“Then start from somewhere! What’s going on with you?”

I leaned back on the bench, crossed my legs, and sighed. “Well, I’m back in the state. Moved back into the house… and guess what? Maryanne and Emily are still as annoying as ever. Told me they wouldn’t be home, then showed up just to make things difficult.”

“Ugh, them again? I should’ve guessed. They never change.”

“I know, right? You should’ve seen the drama. And then there’s the hospital.”

“Oh no. What happened now?”

“Well, I organized a free healthcare day, free checkups, treatment for the public, the whole works. Of course, Emily and Maryanne were against it, saying I was reckless, that it wasn’t a charity.”

“Typical.”

“Yeah. But guess what? It turned out to be a huge success! Even when a patient collapsed, we saved her. And I got a mysterious text saying I’m a hero, and to watch my back.”

“Wait, what?! A mysterious text? Sylvia, that’s not normal! Who sent it?”

“I have no idea. That’s the thing. It was anonymous. And then Maryanne showed up acting all weird, like she knew something I didn’t.”

“That woman gives me the creeps. Be careful, Sylvia. You don’t need more enemies.”

“Tell me about it.” I looked up at the sky. “Anyway, after that, we had a banquet at the hospital. I thought it’d be a good night… and then Logan showed up drunk.”

“Oh. Him.” Violet’s tone changed immediately. “What did he want?”

“He said some things. Said he messed up. Said Kate left him after she left. Then he kissed me.”

“What?!”

“Yeah… but don’t get excited. I pushed him away, and he landed on his couch mumbling about regrets. I stayed the night because he was in a mess. But the next morning? He acted like it was all my fault. Called me names and told me to leave.”

“Wow. Just wow. That man is a walking storm cloud in a designer shoe.”

“I should’ve known better. I knew he’d twist everything… but still, it hurts.”

There was a small pause on the line.

“I’m really sorry, Sylvia. You’ve had so much on your plate. I wish I was there with you.”

“I wish you were too. You always had a way of calming things down.”

“Well… you’ll be happy to know I’m wrapping up my training. I’ll be back in the States in about three weeks.”

“Wait, really? That’s amazing!”

“Yup. And when I get back, the first thing we’re doing is a long spa day. No phones, no patients, no drama. Just you, me, facials, and maybe some ice cream.”

I laughed so hard, a couple walking past turned to look at me.

“That sounds like heaven. I seriously can’t wait.”

“Me either. And Sylvia? I’m really proud of you. You’ve been through so much and still stood strong. You’re everything your dad wanted you to be.”

Her words hit deep, and I felt my eyes sting a little. “Thanks, Vi. That means more than you know.”

We chatted a while longer, about her program, funny patient stories, and how we used to sneak coffee into the library during med school. Eventually, we said our goodbyes, promising to talk again soon.

As I ended the call, I felt lighter.

There were still battles to fight, Maryanne, Logan, hospital politics, but at least I wasn’t alone. I had Violet. I had people who believed in me.

And most importantly… I had me.

With a small smile, I stood from the bench, stretched my arms toward the sky, and began walking back home. The sun was still shining, and I felt ready, whatever came next.