Chapter 13! It felt like mine!

Sylvia 

The next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed and full of energy. The sun was already peeking through the large windows, casting a golden glow across the room. For a moment, I just lay there, taking it all in. The bed was comfortable, the sheets soft, but the house still felt cold, not because of the weather, but because of the people I shared it with.

Maryann and Emily.

I could hear faint movements outside my door. The maids were already up, preparing breakfast and cleaning the house. I got up, showered, dressed in a soft cream blouse and navy pants, and went down to the dining room. As expected, a delicious breakfast had been laid out: scrambled eggs, toast, fresh juice, and fruit. One of the maids smiled and poured me a cup of coffee.

"Good morning, Dr. Sylvia," she said politely.

"Good morning, Grace," I replied with a small smile.

I didn’t see Maryann or Emily. Maybe they were still asleep, or maybe they were up to something. Either way, I didn’t care. I had other plans today.

The weather outside was perfectly clear skies, not too hot or cold. Just the right kind of day to set something powerful in motion

I got into my car and drove to the hospital. Today, I had called an impromptu board meeting. I had a plan, one that could change everything.

When I stepped into the conference hall, the board members were already seated. There were polite murmurs and curious glances in my direction. I walked confidently to my seat. At the far end of the long table, I saw Emily, sitting straight with a smug expression, and right beside her was Maryanne, both wearing matching smug smiles. Truth be told, I was surprised to see them so early at work.

The meeting began quickly.

I stood up and cleared my throat. "Good morning, everyone. Thank you for coming on such short notice. I called this meeting because I have an idea I believe will greatly benefit the hospital and strengthen our reputation in the community."

The room quieted, and all eyes were on me. Their curious faces watched my every moment, trying to dictate what I was going to say.

"I’d like us to host a Free Treatment Day, open to all patients and even the general public. We’ll provide free medical check-ups, minor treatments, and consultations. Then, at the end of the day, we’ll host a banquet to appreciate our hardworking doctors and nurses."

A few people nodded, interested. But not Emily.

Emily raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. “This isn’t a charity organization,” she said coldly.

One of the older board members chimed in clearly loyal to Emily. “True. We can’t just give out drugs and supplies for free. We’re not made of money.”

Another doctor, a kind-faced woman named Dr. Linda, added, “Dr. Sylvia, I support your idea, but how do we host a banquet right after a full day of work? Won’t everyone be too tired?”

A doctor named Dr. Thomas added, “I'm in support of you Dr Sylvia, but if we are going to host a free treatment day, then we have to get sponsors. We need support as the hospital will have a financial lapse if we do the free treatment day without any support.”

I smiled calmly. “The free treatment will only run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. After that, all our regular staff will be free to go home and rest. The banquet will be at 7 p.m., giving everyone enough time to recover and dress up. I think that's the best we can do for everyone.”

There were murmurs again. Some seemed impressed and happy. Others unsure.

“What about funding?” someone asked.

I nodded. “That’s already covered,” I responded with a smile.

“How is that covered, can you please share in details,” Dr Thomas, asked while sitting upright.

“Three of my close friends, reputable, trusted individuals, have agreed to sponsor the entire event. One of them owns a medical charity and will send a full team of highly trained doctors and nurses to help run the program. Not just for the Free Treatment Day, but for a full 48 hours. That means the day after the banquet will also be covered, giving our staff a well-deserved break.”

That caught their attention. A few of them who weren't in support and were on a full face frown, started to smile little by little.

Smiles began to spread across the table. Even the skeptical ones were nodding now.

Except for Maryann and Emily.

Maryanne leaned forward. “And how do we know these doctors are trustworthy? We’re one of the best hospitals in the country. We don’t just let strangers walk in and treat our patients.”

Before I could answer, Dr. Linda snapped.

“Oh, please, Dr. Maryann. When was the last time you actually saw a patient without an appointment? Most of us are overworked and never even get time off, all we do is work. If you don't trust the volunteers who are coming, you can as well look into the charity organization.”

Another board member chuckled. “She’s got a point. I fully support Dr. Sylvia’s idea. Finally, someone’s thinking of us for a change. I understand we are doctors but we are also human beings.”

Maryann’s face began to harden.

Emily, now red-faced, slammed her hand on the table. “You’re all just excited because of what you’re getting at the end of it! What about responsibility? Our patients deserve it.”

Before she could finish, another doctor stood up. “Emily, thank God someone is finally appreciating us! You complain about responsibility, but I’ve worked three weekends in a row. You weren’t there for any of them.”

The room fell silent.

Maryann stood up, furious. “This is ridiculous! You all want to follow this child just because she brings in free food and gifts?”

“No,” said the head board member quietly. “Because she brings vision. Something we haven’t had in a while. The proposal stands. Dr. Sylvia, prepare your team. We’ll host the Free Treatment Day and Banquet this Thursday.”

I smiled as I sat down. Maryann’s lips were pressed so tight, they looked white. Emily avoided eye contact, fuming.

As the meeting ended, several board members came over to shake my hand, offering kind words and support. Even Dr. Hakeem, one of Maryann’s old allies, whispered, “You’ve got something special, Sylvia. Don’t stop.”

Outside the hall, I walked down the corridor. The sunlight hit the windows just right, casting a warm glow over everything. I felt alive. Strong.

But just as I turned the corner, I heard a voice behind me.

“You think this little show means you’ve won?”

It was Maryann.

I turned around slowly. “I don’t think I’ve won anything yet. But I’ve started playing. That’s more than you’ve done in years.”

She stepped forward, her voice low and sharp. “You don’t know what you’re dealing with. You may have the board now, but this hospital... It's mine. It’ll always be mine.”

I smiled, just a little. “That’s funny. Because today, it felt like mine.”

Then I turned and walked away, heels clicking, heart pounding, ready for the next round. “What next round,” I asked myself while laughing