Karina anxiously watched the stairwell, her heart pounding. Finally, she saw the firefighters carrying people down on their backs.
But the situation looked grim.
“Get them to emergency care immediately!” one firefighter shouted. “The two middle-aged adults are unconscious from severe smoke inhalation and are in critical condition! The son appears to be relatively unharmed.”
Thankfully, an ambulance was already on standby. Hearing the firefighter’s report, the nurses rushed out with stretchers, loading the family into the vehicle.
When the ambulance was about to depart, Karina and Wilfred identified themselves as doctors and climbed aboard to assist.
*
Once they arrived at the hospital, Karina’s hands trembled as she changed into her white coat. She had performed countless surgeries before, but this was the first time she would face operating on someone she had a personal connection with. The thought sent a chill through her body.
A colleague passing by noticed her and asked, “Dr. Norman, are you scrubbing in? I heard Dr. Wilfred has already taken over the surgery.”
Karina paused for a moment before responding, “I still need to be there.”
*
By the time Karina reached the operating room, Wilfred glanced at her, a faint frown on his face. He clearly wasn’t thrilled with her decision but said nothing when he saw the determination in her eyes.
“You’ll assist,” he said simply.
Karina nodded, putting on sterilized gloves and joining the team.
*
Kieran had been lucky. It seemed his parents had tried to shield him, leaving him with only minor smoke inhalation. He was out of danger shortly after arriving at the hospital.
However, Mr. and Mrs. Stone were not as fortunate. Their age and the prolonged exposure to smoke and flames left them with severe injuries. Both had significant burns, and Mrs. Stone’s face was badly disfigured—her right cheek and neck were almost completely scarred.
Despite the overwhelming pressure, Karina remained calm. Her hands were steady throughout the procedure, and the surgery was a success.
Seeing her frustration, Wilfred placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Don’t overthink it. Only Kieran knows the truth. Let’s wait until he wakes up to ask him.”
*
The next day, Kieran regained consciousness. Karina visited his room, determined to get answers.
When she walked in, he showed no sign of surprise. “I heard you saved me. Why?” he asked, his tone flat.
Karina, caught off guard, hesitated for a moment before replying, “Why wouldn’t I?”
Kieran fell silent, his gaze turning away from her. After a long pause, he let out a dry laugh. “You really are naive to a fault.”
There was something bitter yet oddly freeing in his words.
Finally, Kieran turned to her, his voice calm as he began to explain everything.
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