The doctor

As the door clicks shut behind Grace, I can't help but feel a sense of comfort and reassurance wash over me. I let out a deep, contented sigh, appreciating the solace that only a sibling can provide.

My reverie is interrupted by the faint sound of footsteps in the hallway, signaling the impending arrival of the nurse. I brace myself for their visit, preparing for the myriad of questions and concerns that may arise. I can't help but feel a twinge of anxiety, unsure of what news they might bring regarding my condition and recovery.

As the door swings open, the room is momentarily flooded with light from the hallway, casting long shadows across the sterile walls. The nurse enters the room with a warm smile, followed closely by the physician, whose somber expression hints at the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. "Good morning," the nurse greets me cheerfully, introducing herself as Nurse Mary. "How are you feeling today?"

The physician introduces himself as Dr. Brown before he begins his examination.

I manage a weak smile, appreciating their genuine concern. "Better, now that my sister has been here," I reply, attempting to sound optimistic.

Dr. Brown carefully examines my injuries, gently probing the area around my wounds and asking me questions about my pain levels and mobility. As he moves around me, I feel a mix of apprehension and hope, my heart pounding in my chest. I remind myself to trust in the expertise of these medical professionals and focus on my determination to recover fully.

Nurse Mary stands by, taking notes and offering assistance when needed. Her presence is calming and reassuring, and I feel grateful to have such a compassionate team of medical professionals attending to my care.

As Dr. Brown finishes outlining my treatment plan, I can't help but feel a gnawing concern about how my injuries will impact my new job. I had just been offered a promising position, and I was supposed to start in a matter of days. Swallowing my anxiety, I decide to voice my concerns.

"Doctor," I say, hesitating slightly, "I'm really worried about my new job. I was supposed to start this week, and I don't know how my injuries will affect my ability to work. I haven't even reported for my first day yet, and now I'm stuck in the hospital."

Dr. Brown frowns, clearly understanding the gravity of the situation. "That is a difficult predicament. I can understand why you're concerned. However, your health and well-being must come first. I recommend reaching out to your new employer as soon as possible to explain your situation. Most companies are understanding and accommodating in circumstances like these, especially if you communicate openly and honestly with them."

My heart races as I consider his advice. There's one more pressing matter that I need to address. "What about my insurance? Has the hospital contacted my new job's insurance company? And has anyone been in touch with my job's HR department?"

Dr. Brown exchanges a glance with Nurse Mary before turning back to me. "I'm afraid we weren't aware of your new job or insurance status. Consequently, we haven't contacted either your insurance company or your job's HR department. It would be best if you or a family member could reach out to them as soon as possible to inform them of your situation and to ensure that any necessary paperwork or approvals are taken care of."

I nod, taking in the information. "Thank you, doctor. I appreciate your help." Dr. Brown pats my shoulder reassuringly. "You're healing well, and if you continue to stay alert and responsive like this, we should be able to release you in the next few days."

As the doctor turns to leave the room, I turn to Nurse Mary with a sense of urgency. "Can you help me look up a contact number for my company? I'd like to call them and explain my situation as quickly as possible."

"Of course," she replies with a warm smile, pulling out a tablet to help me find the information.

Before the nurse gets too far, I remember something else. "I also wanted to ask about the condition of the old man I was brought in with. Do you know how he's doing?"

Nurse Mary looks puzzled for a moment, then says, "I wasn't aware you two were brought in together. I'll have to check with the night shift nurse to see which patient you're referring to. I'll be back in a moment."

As she steps out of the room, I find myself alone with my thoughts once more. My mind drifts back to the ring, and I wrestle with whether I should mention it to Nurse Mary or keep it to myself. Part of me wants to share the strange events that led to my current situation, but another part of me is hesitant, worried about how she might react or whether it could somehow make things worse.

As I contemplate my decision, the door opens, and Nurse Mary returns, tablet in hand. "I found the contact number for your company, and I've also spoken to the night shift nurse about the patient you were asking about. She told me that he's stable but still in critical condition. They're monitoring him closely."

I thank her for the update and for helping me find the contact number. With a deep breath, I brace myself for the difficult phone call ahead, still unsure about whether I should reveal the truth about the ring.