Chapter 1

Melanie p.o.v

It’s a sunny day and also a good day today for me, I turned twenty-one today. So you can imagine the excitement, I woke up with so much positivity and I intend to stay that way all through today.

“Hi, Luke.” I greet, standing beside my little patient. Luke is an eight-year-old, who just got a heart transplant done.

He hasn’t noticed me yet, too busy with his tablet. That’s why I had to call him.

“Hi, Mels.” He greeted me back, but not taking his eyes off the tablet. I smiled widely, Luke is so a sweet boy.

But when he was first brought in, he was rude and throw tantrums, kicking the nurses who were assigned to him out. Apparently, he was only a lovely child until his condition, and was bedridden. He hated being treated like a patient, and more than anything other things, he hated staying on a hospital bed.

I was the only one to volunteer to be his attending nurse, since others were reluctant to. And he has grown comfortable with my presence.

“How are you doing today?” I ask.

“Fine.” He replied simply.

I began Luke's daily check-up, he chatted excitedly about his favorite video game. I smiled and nodded, making notes on his chart as I worked.

“Okay, Luke, let's take a look at your incision site,” I said, gently lifting his gown to inspect the area.

“Hey, Mels? May I ask you something?” Luke asked, wincing slightly as I cleaned the site.

“Of course, Luke!” I replied, applying a fresh dressing to the area.

“What are you doing for your birthday today?” he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

I smiled, palpating his abdomen to check for any tenderness. “Well, I'm working, of course! But my friends are taking me out for dinner tonight.”

As I checked his vitals, Luke continued to chat about his favorite foods and activities. I listened attentively, asking questions and making supportive noises.

“Okay, Luke, let's get you sitting up and take a look at your lungs,” I said, helping him sit up and using my stethoscope to listen to his chest.

“Can I have ice cream for dessert tonight?” Luke asked, his eyes pleading.

I smiled, making a note on his chart. “We'll see, Luke. But first, let's get through physical therapy, okay?”

A knock came from the door, “come in.” I called out.

Hailey, my colleague, poked her head in. “Hey, Melanie, Dr. Thompson wants to see you urgently, he’s waiting for you outside the ICU room.”

My heart skipped a beat, I wanted to limp for joy. There’s a major operation that’s about to take place and Dr. Thompson is the surgeon in charge of the surgery. I wanted to be on the operating team, to witness the first major surgery in my life, but unfortunately, they can’t have an intern nurse onboard yet. To avoid mistakes and delays.

So when she said Dr. Thompson wants to see me out of the operation room, I almost that it was to bring onboard.

“Okay, thanks Hailey. I’ll head there now.” I replied, turning to Luke. “I’ll be back soon, Hailey’s going to take care of you in the main time.”

“Okay.” Luke nodded, looking a bit concerned.

Hailey smiled and took over, checking Luke’s IV lines and monitors. “Don’t worry, Luke, you’re in safe hands.”

I nodded in appreciation and headed out the door, wondering what Dr. Thompson wants to tell me.

•••

Just as Hailey said, Dr. Thompson is waiting impatiently outside the ICU room.

“Sir, you sent for me?” I called when got close to him.

“Yes, Melanie. We’ve received a request from one of our important client for an emergency procedure at their residence. And we are short of staff, you’re the only available nurse.”

“But, sir, I’m just an intern…” I started, but he swiftly interrupted me.

“I’m aware of that, Melanie. However, this client is extremely important, you’ll be part of the medical team, assisting with the procedure. It’s an unusual request, but I know I can count on you.”

I hesitated, unsure if I was ready for such a high-stakes assignment. But I have to take a step in my career.

“Yes, sir. When do we leave?”

“The team is assembling in the lobby in 20 minutes. Be prepared for a unique situation, Melanie. This client’s needs are…unconventional.”

My curiosity turned to trepidation. What did “unconventional” mean? I didn’t dwell on it, pushing whatever questions I have in my mind aside and focusing on my task.