Chapter 5 The Sign

• DONALD
• I ensured everything is in place in my room, knotted my tie and then grabbed my white coat and headed out to join Tricia and Avala in the living room.
• “Daddy, are you going to school with us for the arts and crafts day?. Marcus said he's daddy is coming.’'
• How am i going to tell her now?.
• I squat to Avala's level and began, '‘baby, I'm dropping you both off at school today. Your mommy will join you for arts and craft because i have a major surgery to perform today."
• I looked at Tricia with pleading eyes, winking at her to say sorry for referring to her as Avala's mother. Tricia on the other hand is just watching us with a smile on her face.
• Surprisenly, Avala's face remained the same way without changing, she did not protest or insist that i must go with her. Instead, she took Tricia's hand as we walked out of the house, I led them to one of my cars, a black honda. Avala chattered excitedly about how her day at school will be, we buckled up and hit the road. Tricia sat at the back while Avala sat in front, fixing her eyes on the road ahead.
• “Sir, if I didn't see you in your doctor's attire, I'd never believe you're a medical doctor.'’ Tricia said from the back.
• “Why's that?" I asked, glancing at her briefly before focusing on the road again. “And please, stop with the sir, just call me Donald.'’
• '‘Ok, Noted. But you look more like an athlete or a soccer player.”
• "Does that mean I'm cute?.'’
• Tricia begins to laugh, '‘Not all soccer players are cute, Donald.'’ Her words were accompanied by a sly smile as she teased. I also joined to laugh along with her.
• Before I knew it, we arrived at Avala's school. I pulled up to the entrance, and Tricia helped Avala gather her belongings. As we said our goodbyes, Avala hugged me tightly, her small arms wrapped around my neck before she pulled away. “Daddy, i love you.'’
• “I love you too, sweetheart. Make sure you have a great day at school, okay?." I kissed her forehead.
• I watched them disappear into the building before driving off to the hospital. i arrived at the hospital, stepped into the elevator and took a deep breath, i prepared myself mentally for the critical surgery.
• I arrived my floor and the elevator doors slid open on his floor, i walked to my office and inserted my card into the door. I pushed open the door to my office and walked over to my desk, where the patient's folder is waiting for me. Picking it up, my finger traced the edges of the file before i settled into my chair, opening the folder i began to review the patient's history.
• Her name is Jenny, a young lady who had been battling a serious condition for years. I noted the two major surgeries she had undergone in the past. This upcoming surgery is critical, and any mistake can cause her family counting a loss.
• My eyes stayed on the lines detailing her previous surgeries, i know that every surgery carries risks, but Jenny's history made this one particularly delicate. I can't afford to let things go bad.
• I closed the folder and made up my mind to give this surgery everything i have. i'll put in my entire skill and knowledge into making sure Jenny comes out, safe and sound.
• I stood outside the operating theater, this surgery is going to be one of the toughest i've faced in my career as a medical doctor. The patient's condition is complex, with multiple complications that required precise attention. I don't want anything to go wrong so i did the sign of the cross before going inside.
• The sign of the cross is something my brother does each time he's faced with any difficult situation or assignment. Damian will always tell me it's for divine help and protection, back in the days i used to tease him about it, but look at me now, i'm doing same and i pray it works for me.
• This is exactly six hours since i went on and made the first incision, and the surgery had been a long run. But despite the complexity of the case, finally, i managed to complete it without any major complications. The lady's life is finally safe. I did everything i could to save her and i'm grateful to God that she's safe.
• I displayed a sweet smile as i walked out of the theater, as i made my way to my office, a man rushed towards me looking concerned. The worry on his face was showing, i recognized him, he's the patient's husband. The lady i operated on, a while ago.
• '‘How is she? Did the surgery go well?."
• '‘The surgery was a success. Your wife is going to be okay, she's fine now.” I said happily.
• The man's face that was displaying worry and fear, transformed immediately. He shook my hand before saying, '‘Thank you, doctor.'’
• I finally headed home, but first, I walked into the caregivers' ward, I asked about Avala, expecting to see her smile. But the caregiver's expression told me something was off.
• "I'm sorry, Doctor," she said, "Avala wasn't brought here today."
• I remembered leaving her in the care of the waitress. I hurried to my car and drove to the house, as i drove into the compound, my ears were greeted by the sound of music and laughter. I stepped inside, and i saw Avala and Tricia, dancing together in the living room.
• Avala was giggling and spinning around, her little hands clasped in Tricia's as they twirled to the music. Tricia is laughing as well, i enjoyed their dancing steps so i stood by the door watching them without anouncing my presence.
• My eyes was drawn to Tricia, and how her butt bounced whenever she made a move. My dick began to twitch and I adviced myself to look away.
• I managed to take my eyes off, i cleared my throat to announce my presence, they couldn't hear it because of the loud music
• “Daddy is home!" I called out, my voice loud and clear.
• “Daddy!'’ Avala ran towards me, streching out her arms while Tricia stopped the music from playing.
• I scooped her up, “Sweetie, How was your day?.'’
• “It was fantastic!.'’
• "I'm glad you enjoyed your day,” Then i turned to Tricia. “Sorry I'm late."
• ”It's okay. Though you came later than we agreed but I'm glad you're home."
• “I'm so sorry, it's been a crazy day. The surgery that was supposed to be straightforward, turned out to be a lot more complicated than we thought."
• “I hope your patient made it?.”
• “Of course.”
• “Thank goodness. Anyways, Avala was a handful today, but I managed to keep her occupied.'’
• "Thanks, I appreciate your efforts”
• “It's time to go home.'’ Tricia announced her departure.
• I excused myself, heading to my home office to grab an envelope. When I returned, I handed the envelope to Tricia. "Here, take this. Once again thank you, for helping me out with Avala today, you don't know how grateful i am.'’
• Tricia took the envelope, she scanned the content before looking up at me. "Thank you, I'll call a cab now.'’
• Is she serious right now?, there's no way i'm letting her pay for a ride after all she did for me. '‘Don't bother calling a cab, I'll give you a ride.'’
• “You don't have to bother, I can call a cab. I know you need to rest after a long day so it's fine.'’
• Though what she said is nothing but the truth, still, i want to be the gentle man that i am. “Save your $60,000 for something important, i don't want the money reducing because of a ride." I said, smiling at her.
• Tricia's eyes became wide, i could see the surprise visibly showing on her face. "It's $50,000, not $60,000," she reminded me.
• I grinned, “The extra $10,000 is for the time wasted," I said, trying to justify the extra amount.