Page 88 of Doctor Neighbor

Buster's tongue traces my lower lip, seeking entry. I part my lips, deepening the kiss. A soft moan escapes me as our tongues meet, dancing together in a heated rhythm.

Time stands still. The world fades away until there's nothing but us—our bodies intertwined, our lips locked in this passionate embrace. I lose myself in the sensation, in the taste of him, in the feeling of his body against mine.

TWENTY-NINE

Buster

Monday, October 7

UAB Hospital

9:46 am

I’m sitting in my clinic, reviewing the latest lab results, when the door opens, and James Harrison walks in. He looks remarkably better than the last time I saw him. His second surgery was a success, and seeing him like this brings a sense of satisfaction that’s hard to describe.

“James, come on in,” I say, standing up to greet him. “How are you feeling?”

James grins a broad smile that lights up his face. “Better than ever, Dr. Hankel. I haven’t felt this good in a decade.”

We sit down, and I pull up his latest blood work and test results on the computer. “Well, your blood work confirms it. Everything looks excellent. Your recovery is going better than we could have hoped.”

James nods, looking relieved. “That’s great to hear. I was worried after the first surgery didn’t quite do the trick, but I’m glad we went through with the second one.”

“You’ve been a trooper through it all,” I reply, feeling a genuine warmth. “It’s good to see you doing so well.”

James leans forward, his expression turning more serious. “Patty told me about what you did for Maddie. That you saved her with the bone marrow transfusion.”

I feel a lump form in my throat. The memory of those intense weeks comes rushing back. “It was a team effort, James. Maddie is a fighter.”

James shakes his head, his eyes filled with gratitude. “No, Dr. Hankel. I’ve been around many doctors and surgeons in my time, but I’ve never met anyone like you. You didn’t just save me; you saved that little girl’s life, too. You go above and beyond.”

I’m humbled by his words, unsure how to respond. “I just do what I can to help my patients. Maddie is special to me, and I’m glad I could be there for her.”

James reaches out and shakes my hand firmly. His eyes are wet, and there are unshed tears in the bottom rim. His genuine appreciation touches me. I never did what I did for any accolades, but I am grateful to hear him say this.

The sincerity in his voice is like a warm hug. “Thank you, James. That means a lot.”

As he leaves, I sit back in my chair, reflecting on the journey of the past few months. There have been challenges and tough moments, but I do it to see patients like James and Maddie recover.

James is my father. I saved him. I righted a wrong I perceived as a young man. Nothing I could do then or now could bring my father back. But, somehow, helping James, saving him, makes the pain surrounding his loss a little less.

Unfortunately, I can’t save everyone, but the big ones stay with me. James Harrison is a big one. His successful surgery goes much further than one man and one case.

11:17 am

I sneak out of the clinic during a brief lull between patients. The hospital corridors are bustling with activity, but I manage to slip away unnoticed. The short walk to Brewed Awakening is refreshing, a welcome breath of outside air.

It's a beautiful fall day. The crisp air nips at my cheeks, carrying the scent of fallen leaves and pumpkin spice from nearby cafes.

As I walk, I appreciate the vibrant reds and golds of the trees lining the street, a stark contrast to the white walls and blue scrubs I'm used to seeing all day. Days like this remind me why I love living in Birmingham, even with its hectic hospital schedule.

The familiar bell chimes as I push open the cafe door. Nelson looks up from behind the counter, his face grinning.

"Dr. Hankel! Good to see you. The usual?"

I nod, smiling back. "Double espresso for me. I should probably know what it is, but please make whatever Cole loves and something for Maddie."

"I got you." As Nelson prepares the drinks, we chat about the cafe. Being here without Cole is strange, but I'm glad to see her hard work paying off even in her absence.

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