She laughed, clearly amused by my modesty. “Yes, but I heard it was you who kept me alive long enough for them to do their part. That was what I mean, Doctor....” She paused, waiting for my name.
“I am Dr. Lily Hale. You can call me Lily.”
Since then, Mrs. Fuentez and I have exchanged many words. The more we talked, the more I realized she was not the intimidating woman I had assumed.
In fact, she was incredibly warm and kind, with a sharp wit that often caught me off guard.
One afternoon, as we spoke about everything from hospital gossip to her plans after recovery, I suddenly noticed the time on the wall clock ticking away.
“Oh my God, it is already time for my ER shift,” I said, slightly panicked as I rose from my seat.
She laughed softly. “Don’t let me keep you, dear. I am sorry for taking up your time.”
“No, no, Mrs. Fuentez. I am happy to talk with you. Truly.”
I meant it. Despite the pressure of her family’s reputation, she made me feel at ease. It was strange, given who she was.
I smiled, gathering my things. “I will come back when it is time to check on your condition.”