Page 26 of Grumpy Bossy Doctor

Me orEthan.I needed to be the first to explain everything.

"There’s something I have to tell you," we both said at the same time, startling the other.

“I’ll go first," I said and she nodded.

"Natasha, I…”

The door opened and Isaac rushed in. “Sir, an incoming emergency”"

The panic on his face told me it was something serious.

"What is it" I asked as I got up.

"Microsurgical. The patient lost his hand in a horrific work accident," he replied. “He’s a minute away, and the accident occurred around ten minutes ago. There's still a chance to reattach it."

"I haven't done microsurgery in so long" I admitted then turned to Natasha. "Any experience, Natasha?"

"A little, but I’m a fast learner. I'll be able to help," she said as she dropped her clothes on my table. "Where are we operating?"

"Downstairs," Isaac replied.

"Let’s go," I commanded.

Walking into the sterile operating room, I was filled with a mix of anticipation and a slight case of nerves.

“We’ve mentioned this before, but I hardly get nervous. The only reason I was nervous was because Natasha was with me and watching keenly. Our patient, Mr. Anderson, lay unconscious on the operating table, his right hand barely hanging on after a harrowing accident at a construction site. Taking a deep breath, I reminded myself of my extensive training in microsurgery. Natasha, stood by my side, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"Natasha," I began, trying to maintain a composed demeanor. “Today, you’ll witness one of the most intricate surgical procedures – microsurgical replantation of a hand. It's a challenging but immensely rewarding task, and I’ll guide you through every step."

As I prepared for the surgery, I mentally reviewed the intricate process. Our first task was to assess the extent of Mr. Anderson's injury. His severed hand rested in an icebox nearby, awaiting our delicate touch. With precision, we began reconnecting the major arteries and veins, using sutures finer than a human hair. I carefully explained each move to Natasha as we progressed.

Time seemed to both drag and sprint by as we meticulously repaired the damaged blood vessels. The operating room was silent except for the gentle hum of the equipment. The pressure was immense; one misstep, and this intricate procedure could falter.

Gradually, I noticed Natash’s hands growing steadier, her movements becoming more precise. She wasn't joking when she said she was a quick learner, and her focus was unwavering. It was evident that she possessed the potential to become an exceptional microsurgeon if she hadn't already decided to be a dermatologist.

After what felt like hours, we moved on to reconnecting the nerves, arguably the most intricate part of the procedure. Nerves, like fragile threads of communication, needed precise alignment to restore sensation and function to the hand.

Under the microscope, I guided Natash’s hands as she carefully sutured the minuscule nerve endings together. As we placed the final stitches, a sense of relief washed over me. The hand, once severed, was now reattached, a testament to the power of microsurgery. The room filled with a subdued cheer from the surgical team as we successfully completed the challenging task.

Natasha was relieved as well and she gave me a look that expressed how proud of herself she was.

"You did good," I said. "Maybe you shouldn’t have studied dermatology and just focused on microsurgery. In fact, you were exceptional."

"My parents made sure that I was a jack of all trades when it came to medicine," she revealed. "Every month involved me learning a crash course in any medical field that I would need to get stronger in”"

“You have very good parents," I said softly.

"I know right," she chuckled. I'll go get changed in your office."

"No problem," I replied.

As she left, I gave her fifteen minutes before going to change too. My phone buzzed. It was a text from her.

Sorry, Ethan, I got involved with an emergency case, can we reschedule?she asked.

It was almost one am, kinda late to tell him now. But considering how much of a rush we were in, it was understandable.

No problem, I replied.

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