The Day the Hospital Made a Killer

I knew something was going to happen today, so I hurried to the pharmacy counter.

Just as I arrived, I saw Lindsey handing a packet of potassium supplements to my mom. I stopped her sharply. "Lindsey, if I remember correctly, compounding medication isn't part of your responsibilities."

When Lindsey saw me, a flicker of guilt crossed her eyes. "Dr. Monroe, I just saw how busy things were and came over to help. I didn't think I'd mess anything up."

I took the packet, checked it carefully, then tossed it back in front of her. "Why didn't you follow the prescription? Can you take responsibility if the wrong medication is given?"

Lindsey blinked innocently, giving the same excuse as before. "I was just trying to help. Potassium is healthy, isn't it?"

I scoffed and ignored her, then turned to Leah Collins behind the counter. "My mother just had surgery. If she took these potassium supplements today and something went wrong, would you be the one taking responsibility? Do you understand that?"

Leah clearly realized the seriousness of it. Her face went pale as she apologized repeatedly. "Dr. Monroe, I understand. I won't let anyone unrelated interfere with my work again."

As soon as Lindsey heard that, tears welled up in her eyes. "Leah, I was only trying to help you. How could you take Dr. Monroe's side and gang up on me like this? Interns already do the hardest work for the least pay. Do we really have to deal with this too?"

As people began to gather, Lindsey cried even harder.

At that moment, Michael Jones came downstairs. He frowned as he looked around, then turned to me. "Why make an intern look bad like this in front of everyone?"

When Mom saw him, she quickly spoke up. "Mike, she's the one who gave the wrong medication first. You know my condition. I can't just take random medication."

"It was just a small mistake. There's no need to make such a big deal out of it," Michael said stiffly, showing no respect toward an elder.

Lindsey sobbed and apologized, "It's my fault, Dr. Monroe. Please don't be angry. I'll do whatever you say."

Lindsey's pitiful display drew murmurs of sympathy from the crowd around her.

"I always see posts online about interns being bullied. I didn't think it was real."

"She's crying so pitifully. It's better to let it go."

"Exactly. If there really was a problem, would Dr. Jones even stand up for her?"

Listening to these accusations, I smiled instead of getting angry. "Michael, then you can supervise her from now on. If anything goes wrong, you'll be responsible."

"Fine, but after how you treated her today, you owe her an apology," Michael replied.

I rolled my eyes and ignored both of them.