Page 48 of Doctor Second Chance

I close my eyes, willing the tears not to fall. I won't cry over Shep Duncan. Not again. I've done enough of that to last a lifetime.

Wednesday, July 17

2:08 pm

Mom settles into the chair beside me, and a comfortable silence falls between us. After a moment, she says, "I almost forgot to ask—how was that conference in LA last week? The one about... marine conservation, right?"

My heart sinks a little. “I talked to a few colleagues, and they tried to downplay it, but it went well. I hate that I missed it because of all this,” I gesture vaguely at my surroundings. "But there will be another one next year. Dr. Sylvia Earle was giving the keynote speech."

"Honey. I'm so sorry. I know how much you were looking forward to it."

I lean back, closing my eyes for a moment. "Yeah, it is always a great conference. I look forward to it every year. They were unveiling new research on coral reef restoration techniques. You know how passionate I am about that."

My mom nods. “You’ve done so much great work with that.”

"It's just... these reefs, Mom. They're not just beautiful. They're entire ecosystems, teeming with life. And they're dying at an alarming rate." I can feel the familiar fire igniting in my chest as I speak. "But there's hope. We're developing new methods to regrow coral and create artificial reefs supporting diverse marine life."

I pause, realizing I'm getting carried away. But my mom is smiling, her eyes shining with pride.

"Tell me more," she says softly.

So I do. I tell her about the projects I'm involved in and the small victories we've had in restoring damaged reefs off the coast of Florida. I describe the feeling of diving among these underwater cities, watching fish dart in and out of the coral structures we've helped rebuild.

"It's like being part of something bigger than yourself," I explain, my voice filled with wonder. "Every time I see a new species return to a restored area, I feel like we're making a real difference."

As I talk, I can feel some of the tension and worry of the past few days melting away. This is what I love, what drives me. Even stuck in this hospital bed, talking about my work reignites my passion and determination.

My mom reaches out and squeezes my hand. "I'm so proud of you, Eloise. The work you're doing... it's important. You're changing the world, one reef at a time.”

I laugh, but her words mean so much to me. No one loves you like your mom.

As we continue chatting about my work, my gaze drifts towards the hallway window. Suddenly, my heart skips a beat. Shep is standing just outside.

For a moment, hope flutters in my chest. Is he coming to see me? But as I watch, he leans against the nurses' station counter, a charming smile playing on his lips as he talks to the nurse behind it. My stomach twists as I see the easy way they interact and the familiarity in their body language.

Then, to my horror, the nurse stands up and throws her arms around Shep's neck, planting a kiss on his cheek. The air leaves my lungs in a rush, and I feel the color drain from my face.

Mom must sense my distress because she turns to look at what has my face contorted, concern etched on her features. Following my gaze, she quickly walks over to the window and draws the curtains closed, blocking out the scene in the hallway.

"Elle, honey? Are you okay?" she asks, coming back to my bedside.

I try to nod but can't seem to make my body respond. Now I know why he hasn’t been by to see me in two days.

The image of Shep and that nurse is seared into my mind, replaying on an endless loop. There’s that charming playboy surgeon I heard about. I have to give it to him. He is charming. He can spin a web that pulls you in and makes you feel like you’re the only one.

How could I have been so foolish?

SIXTEEN

Shep

2:47 pm

I’m on cloud nine about the call I just received. Although giddy isn't an emotion I often experience, I almost say I'm giddy. I don't know what to do with myself.

Ari is awake—well, sort of. She's still intubated and mostly sedated, but she is responding to simple neurological commands, which is a huge step forward.

I can't wipe the grin off my face. It's strange to feel this happy about a woman I’m not in love with. But it’s my love for my son that summons this reaction to the news. Fatherhood has transformed my heart and opened me up in so many ways.

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