Page 67 of Shadows of Recovery

“Not just another patient. Jake Daniels could have been seriously harmed by your oversight. His hydration levels were in the toilet. His potassium was low. And his liver and kidneys are in trouble. And it’s not the first time with a patient,” Tristan replied, struggling to keep his frustration in check.

Kay rolled her eyes, leaning back in her chair. “Aren’t you the medical doctor? I’m just the psychiatrist.”

“Damn it, Kay, you’re a doctor. When Sophie was hurt, I asked everyone on staff for their help.” Tristan shook his head.

Kay crossed her arms tightly over her chest, her green eyes narrowing as she took a step closer. “You’ve become so self-righteous since Sophie showed up. Is it because she reminds you of Mimi? Is that it?” The accusation was sharp, her voice tinged with bitterness and jealousy, each word cutting through the tension between them.

Tristan rubbed his chest, feeling a sharp pang at the mention of Mimi. “This isn’t about Sophie or Mimi. This is about patient safety. You’re putting patients’ lives at risk, Kay.”

She scoffed, crossing her arms. “I was there for you when no one else was. I helped you get back on your feet.”

“And I’m grateful for that, more than you know,” Tristan’s voice softened, “but your behavior is unacceptable. It’s jeopardizing the care we provide. Care rendered under my name. You’re better than this.”

Kay’s expression faltered for a moment, a flicker of something vulnerable crossing her face before she masked it with anger. “So what? You’re going to fire me?”

Tristan shook his head. “I don’t want to, but I will if I have to. You need to understand that your actions have consequences. If you can’t see that, then you shouldn’t be here.”

Silence hung between them, heavy and tense. Finally, Kay looked away, her defiance crumbling. “I just… I don’t want to lose you to her,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Tristan sighed, “You’re not going to lose me as your friend and colleague, Kay. But we are not in a relationship anymore. We’ve been over for five years. Sophie and Iarein a relationship, and she needs me right now. So do our patients. You have to find a way to work through this.”

Kay nodded reluctantly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I’ll try, Tristan. For you.”

“Thank you,” he said softly. “That’s all I’m asking.” He left her alone in her office.

Tristan felt a mix of relief and sorrow. Confronting Kay was necessary, but it also reopened old wounds. He would fight for Sophie’s recovery with everything he had.

Mimi’s memory was a constant reminder of the past, but Sophie represented hope for the future. Tristan knew that, to honor both women, he had to be strong, vigilant, and compassionate. He couldn’t change the past, but he could shape the future.

Sophie reminded him of his dead wife. He’d failed her. He wasn’t going to fail Sophie.

Twenty-Five

The home he shared with Sophie stood proudly against the backdrop of the star-filled sky, a testament to the enduring charm of its western-style architecture. Built in 1910, the two-story house boasted a rustic yet elegant façade with weathered wooden siding.

As Tristan crossed the driveway and approached the front door, he admired the home's timeless beauty. The wide front porch beckoned with its inviting rocking chairs and flowerpots ready for spring plantings, offering a tranquil spot to watch the world go by.

Stepping inside, Tristan took in the cozy embrace of his living room, illuminated by the soft glow of the flickering fire in the stone fireplace. His staff had started it as a welcome home. They all knew he slept in the doctor’s lounge or beside her at the hospital since Sophie was admitted.

To the left, a spacious kitchen beckoned with its gleaming stainless-steel appliances and rustic wooden cabinetry. The scent of home-cooked pasta sauce lingered in the air, again another welcome home, and a testament to Tristan's love for cooking. James sat eating a bowl of pasta and a salad—his night-before-surgery meal.

“Hey, how's the prep going for your surgery tomorrow morning?” Tristan went to join him.

James looked up from his notes. “It’s going okay. Just double-checking everything to make sure it's all set. How did it go with Sophie today?”

Tristan sighed. “It was so hard. She held on to me tightly, plus she’s got a tachy arrhythmia, I think bolstered by her fright. She was petrified when I took her in the ambulance. I hate seeing her like that, but I know it’s what she needs.”

James got up and made Tristan a plate. “I can’t imagine how hard that must have been for you, but you did the right thing. She’ll get the help she needs here.”

“I hope so. It’s just... it feels like everything is falling apart. And Kay’s behavior isn’t helping at all.”

“What did Kay do this time?” He placed the pasta in front of him.

“She’s been so erratic lately. Today, she brought up Mimi. Threw her in my face, like a dagger. I’m trying to keep everything together, but she’s making it so much harder.” He dug into the pasta. “Mmm.” He closed his eyes.

“That’s really harsh, Tristan. I’m sorry she did that. You don’t deserve that kind of treatment, especially now,” he growled.

“It’s like she doesn’t care about how much it hurts. I miss Mimi every day, and dealing with Kay's behavior on top of Sophie’s situation... it’s overwhelming.”

---