Page 16 of Doctor Second Chance

Charlie continues, "The laceration was deep, affecting multiple tendons and nerves. We repaired what we could, but she's looking at extensive rehabilitation. The nerve damage is significant—it'll take time to know the full extent of recovery."

My stomach knots as I listen. I've seen cases like this before and know the long road ahead. "What's your take on her prognosis?"

"Best case scenario, with intensive hand therapy and time in a rehab facility, she might regain most function. But it's going to be a long haul, Shep. We're talking months of work, as you’re aware."

I lean against the wall, closing my eyes. “Poor thing. I was hoping it was less involved. You going to put her in rehab in Birmingham or let her go back to Florida for that?”

"At least a week here before I'd consider releasing her. I want to see how she does these first couple of days post-op.”

My heart sinks. She is not going to be happy with this news. I’m not sure I’m the best person to deliver it. I don’t need to give her any more reason to resent me. "Thanks for letting me know, Charlie. I appreciate it."

After hanging up, I stand there for a moment, processing. The weight of what Elle's about to face settles heavily on my shoulders. I want to help, but I'm unsure how or if she'd even want me to.

2:29 pm

I finish up the last of my rounds, my mind still churning over Elle's situation. As I head towards Elizabeth's room for my last visit of the day, I can't shake the urge to check on Elle, too. It's not just a professional concern at this point. It is bordering on obsession.

Elizabeth's dad greets me with a tired smile as I enter. "Dr. Duncan, thank you for coming back.”

"Of course. How's our star patient doing?"

Elizabeth, propped up in bed, gives me a weak thumbs-up. "Therapy sucked, but I sat on the edge of my bed and stood and walked about a hundred feet."

I chuckle, checking her chart. "That's the spirit. Pain levels?"

"Manageable," she says, wincing slightly as she shifts.

I nod, making a few notes. "Good. We'll keep an eye on that. Any questions for me?"

After addressing their concerns, I excuse myself, my feet carrying me towards Elle's room before I can talk myself out of it. I pause outside her door, heart racing. Through the window, I see her lying there, her bandaged hand resting on a pillow. She looks pale and vulnerable after surgery.

Taking a deep breath, I knock softly and enter. Elle's eyes flutter open, surprise registering as she sees me. I feel bad to have woken her. It’s too late now.

"Shep?" Her voice is hoarse, the familiar post-anesthesia growl.

"Hey," I say, awkwardly hovering near the foot of her bed. "I talked to Dr. Hampton after your surgery. We ran into each other on the floor," I lie. “I wanted to come by and make sure you are doing okay.”

She attempts a smirk, and I’m confident she wants to tell me to fuck off. "How bad is it, really?"

I hesitate, weighing my words carefully. "It's going to be a tough road, Elle. But you're strong. You've got this. You have a great team handling your case. I know Dr. Reeves personally, and he is an excellent surgeon. I'm certain he did a great job for you."

She looks away, blinking rapidly. "They said I might not regain full function."

My chest tightens. I want to reassure her, but I can't lie. "It's too early to know for sure. But you've got as good of a chance as you could ask for. Now it is the long game."

Elle nods, still not meeting my eyes. The silence stretches between us, heavy with unspoken words and shared history.

Finally, I clear my throat. "Listen, if you need anything…”

"Thanks," she cuts me off, her tone polite but distant. "I appreciate you stopping by, but I think I have it covered.”

I nod, recognizing the dismissal. As I turn to leave, I can't help but wonder if I've made a mistake coming here, reopening old wounds that neither of us seems excited to face. Maybe I should leave well enough alone.

They say I’m an asshole, a player. But I beg to differ. I’d say I just keep to myself. I’m not really the type to go out of my way to help someone.

So why now? Why do I feel the need to make sure Elle is taken care of, especially considering that she seems to want nothing to do with me?

I think I want to show her that I’m not the same self-centered jerk I was back then. To prove to myself that I can be a better man.

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