Page 21 of Doctor Second Chance

12:51 pm

I push open the door to the rooftop garden, holding it for Elle as she steps out into the warm Birmingham afternoon, her left arm in a sling. The city skyline stretches before us, a jumble of old brick and gleaming glass. Elle's eyes widen, taking it all in.

A blend of modern and historic architecture dot the city below. Skyscrapers pierce the sky, their glass facades reflecting the late afternoon sun.

The green canopy of Railroad Park contrasts with the urban sprawl, offering a splash of nature amidst the concrete jungle.

In the distance, the silhouette of Red Mountain forms a natural barrier. The iconic Vulcan statue stands tall, a silent guardian of the city. The blend of urban energy and natural beauty reminds me why I love this city despite the chaos within these hospital walls.

"Wow, quite a view up here."

I nod, guiding her to a small table near the railing. "One of the perks of being stuck in this place. How about I grab us some coffee? What do you like?”

“It feels great up here. Something cold. How about an iced decaf latte?”

“I always wondered if people really ordered decaf coffee. Interesting choice.”

“I’ve already had my coffee today. Don’t want to get too jacked up.”

“I hear you. Never too much caffeine, as far as I’m concerned.”

When I return with two cups, Elle's gaze is fixed on the horizon. I can't help but notice how the sunlight catches her hair, bringing out golden highlights I'd never taken the time to notice before.

"So," I begin, sliding her coffee across the table. "Tell me about Florida. What've you been up to these past ten years?"

Elle takes a sip and then launches into a description of her work in marine conservation. Her eyes light up as she discusses coral restoration projects and sea turtle rescues. I find myself leaning in, captivated by her passion.

I realize that before, when we were in college, I never took the time to learn about her passion. What a shame because she really beams when she talks about it. And, quite frankly, it is super interesting.

“That's incredible," I say when she pauses for breath. "You're making a difference out there.”

Elle’s eyes meet mine, and she gives me a small smile, the kind that transforms her whole face.

She shrugs, but I can see a hint of pride in her smile. "What about you, hotshot surgeon?” Just like the Elle I remember, diverting attention when someone tries to pay her a compliment.

“I’m happy for you that you were able to follow through with your aspirations. You talked about being a neurosurgeon since the day I met you. I’m not surprised you did it, but I’m impressed. You always were laser-focused," she says softly, a note of genuine admiration in her voice.

Her words should fill me with pride, but a pang of guilt twists in my chest. Her compliment is a spotlight on my choices and the sacrifices that cost us our relationship.

It’s glaringly obvious that things between us were so unbalanced. She knows and seems to care about my passions. She seems to have taken a genuine interest in my life, as one does when one cares about another person.

God, I’m such a dick.

I can sense she might be thinking the same thing, the unspoken realization hanging between us. I know she isn’t trying to make me feel bad, but it’s impossible not to reflect on the past now, with her right in front of me in the flesh.

For me, it was about the best med school to give me the best shot at the best fellowship. That was all there was.

But now, with a few more years and a lot more life behind me, I see it differently. I realize I could have made different decisions. I could have tried harder to balance the two. Maybe I still would have ended up here, a successful neurosurgeon, but I might have given us a real chance to see if what we had could last.

I’m not sure I would have settled down back then. I was young, ambitious, and restless. Our relationship probably had the best chance of becoming something lasting of any other I’ve had. I wonder what could have been... If I hadn’t been so rigid... If I had let myself be open to the possibility of a future with her...

For instance, who knows where things might have gone if I had chosen to attend UF College of Medicine.

As I look at her now, I can’t help but feel a sense of melancholy. The life I’ve built is everything I dreamed of professionally—but the personal cost was steep. Seeing Elle again, I’m reminded of the paths not taken, the love that might have been.

“Yes, that damn dogged pursuit.”

“It’s a good quality,” she offers, letting me off the hook more than she should.

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