The Final Diagnosis

“Mr. Dawson, I request for a suspension. If they’re claiming I’ve violated medical ethics, then so be it! I refuse to enable such toxic behavior.”

Albert Dawson, my department head, was patiently trying to persuade me not to stoop to the level of the patient’s family.

Nevertheless, I resolutely chose to proceed with the suspension.

“I don’t agree. If you get suspended now, you’ll forfeit your promotion eligibility.”

My wife, Skylar Finch, stormed in angrily.

“Chester, what’s wrong with you?”

She was my colleague, though we worked in different departments.

“I shoved a patient’s family member. Shouldn’t I be suspended? If I’m that unethical, why even bother with a promotion?”

I spoke harshly, which only made Skylar stomp her foot impatiently.

“Chester, I know you acted impulsively because the family member was rude to you. Just apologize to Mr. Dawson, and let’s consider this matter closed.”

I deliberately gritted my teeth and further escalated the conflict. “Mr. Dawson, I committed assault. Why should I be tolerated?”

Albert’s face darkened. “What would you have me do?”

“I’ve already said it. I’ll suspend myself and go home to reflect!”

Skylar asked me furiously, “Have you lost your mind?”

Just as she pointed a finger at me and was about to berate me, someone called for her from outside.

“Dr. Finch, a patient named Peter White is here to see you.”

She shot me a glare and hurried away.

I turned to Albert and said, “Well, since I’m suspended, I’ll head home.”

Peter was Skylar’s childhood friend. He had been admitted that day for an examination due to abdominal discomfort.

In the past, Peter had been diagnosed with appendicitis on that very day.

It was not a major surgery, but Skylar said Peter did not trust anyone else. He had insisted I perform the operation myself.

After the surgery, Peter ended up paralyzed. He accused me of malpractice and causing a major medical incident.

I had asked Skylar to back me up. But instead, she said to me, “I know you’ve always been jealous that Peter is better than you. But did you have to cripple him? How’s he supposed to live now?”

I instantly faced backlash online.

Even the hospital operating room footage showed that I had disobeyed proper protocol.

I had no way to defend myself. Janet White, Peter's wife, suddenly rushed out from the crowd and stabbed me to death.

But until my dying moment, I never understood why Peter suddenly became paralyzed or why the security footage showed that I was not following medical protocol.

I only remembered watching the internet cheer over the medical dispute.

When I opened my eyes again, I had returned to the day Peter was admitted for his examination.

To avoid performing his surgery, I requested to be suspended.

On the second day of my suspension, Skylar called me.

“Chester, why aren’t you at work? Peter’s appendectomy is scheduled for this afternoon, and he won’t trust anyone but you.”

“I can’t. I’ve been suspended.”

“What’s your problem? I told you to just apologize to Mr. Dawson. Did you have to go this far? If someone else operates on Peter and something happens, are you going to take responsibility?”

“Why would I be responsible if I’m not the one doing the surgery?”

“I can’t believe how heartless you are. And Peter actually trusted you. Fine! Don’t you ever set foot in this hospital again!”

After speaking, she hung up angrily.

After my one-week suspension ended, I returned to the hospital. And sure enough, Peter was lying paralyzed on the floor of the hallway, wailing loudly.

I was surprised. I had not even performed the surgery. Why was Peter still paralyzed?

While I was still in shock, a woman beside him started filming me with her phone.

Then, Peter shouted, “That’s him! He’s the malpracticing fraud! He’s the reason a simple appendectomy has left me paralyzed!”