Page 3 of Rage

Meadow

Present Day

I can’t stop yawning as I stare at my almost empty plate.The last six years have been a blur as I accelerated through high school, completed college in two years, and finished medical school in just three.Now, as a resident doctor, I’m back in my hometown after being away for so long.It’s a much smaller city than the one I was living in before, but it still feels bigger than the one I grew up in.I can’t help but feel exhausted from all the changes and new experiences.

The hospital buzzes around me, a stark contrast to my sluggish movements.I gulp down lukewarm coffee, grimacing at the taste.A nurse rushes by, chart in hand.

“Dr.Beckham, you’re needed in delivery room three.”

I nod, forcing myself to stand.The world tilts for a moment.I steady myself against the table, blinking hard.

The elevator ride feels endless.I lean against the wall, eyes closed.The doors ping open.

Screams echo down the hallway.I quicken my pace, adrenaline kicking in.This is what I trained for.

I hurry into the delivery room.The mother’s face is contorted in pain.Her husband looks terrified.

“I’m Dr.Beckham,” I say, voice steady despite my fatigue.“Let’s bring this baby into the world.”

Hours blur by.Finally, a cry pierces the air.I hold up the squirming newborn, a smile breaking across my face.

“It’s a girl,” I announce.

The parents sob with joy.I place the baby on her mother’s chest, stepping back to watch the moment unfold.

This.This is why I pushed myself so hard.Why I sacrificed my youth, my social life.For moments like these.

As I leave the room, my pager beeps.I take a breath and head toward my next patient, feeling more awake than I have in days.

After being awake for twenty-four hours straight, I collapse into my apartment that I’m renting on the outskirts of town that one of the Grim Sinners own with the MC located right down the road.

My dad wanted to make sure I was safe and there is nothing safer than being in the MC’s backyard.

I muster up the last of my energy and step into the shower, feeling the hot water relax my muscles.I plug my phone in to charge and collapse onto the pillow, instantly falling asleep.

I sleep a solid twelve hours before my phone goes off.

I groan, forcing my eyes open.The room spins.I fumble for my phone, squinting at the bright screen.I read the text from one of my nurses to let me know a woman has come in with complications.

On my way, I text back.

My body protests as I drag myself out of bed.I throw on scrubs then grab my keys.The drive to the hospital is a blur.

I rush through the emergency room doors.Chaos greets me.Nurses shout orders.Machines beep urgently.

“What do we have?”I ask, snapping on gloves.

“Thirty-two weeks pregnant.Severe preeclampsia.BP is through the roof.”

I nod, approaching the patient.Her face is pale, sweat beading on her forehead.

“I’m Dr.Beckham.We’re going to take care of you.”

Her eyes lock on to mine, filled with fear.I squeeze her hand.

“Baby’s heart rate is dropping,” a nurse calls out.

“Prep for emergency C-section,” I order.