A Face to Love

ely in his hands. The clean perfume of disinfectant coupled with the slight aroma of coffee from the adjoining break room permeated the air, cre

oices a mix of humor and desperation, while patients and relatives awaited word in the waiting room. Howeve

e a mix of resolve and unease. She was speaking animatedly to the administrative personne

of her talk. "I'd want to arrange the surgery as soon as feasible. Eleano

zan a few days before, and they had spoken about how important it was to take her recuperation slowly. The trust they had

further surgeries until your daughter is fully ready," the receptionist s

ck, but my daughter has to explore all available possibilities. You're not aware of

Eleanor arranging another operation for Suzan without her knowledge was a betrayal

va. "Dr. Turner, we need to talk," he said forcefully,

immediately changed to defensiveness. "What are you doing here

anxiety. "I just overheard you discuss arranging another op

to fight. "You do not grasp the problem. She has unreasonable expectation

lieve is best for yourself, not for Suzan. She has the right to make he

detecting the growing tension. Dave's pulse raced, spurred by a hitherto unknown combination of fury and protectiveness. He cared strongly abo

, but I am her mother." I understand what she needs. She's gone through so

uperate, not additional procedures that may do more harm than good. She's finally regaining

er?" You are merely a surgeon! You don't understand the emotional pain of seeing your kid

grown beyond the scope of a professional relationship. He had seen her fragility, bravery, and determination to restore her id

ered tones. "But it isn't the point. This is about Suzan's autonomy. Suza

considered his revelation. The tension between them crackled like

ice quivering slightly. "Do you get emotionally attached t

t's important that Suzan feels supported and empowered in her rehabilitation. I w

emotion. Dave could see the struggle in Eleanor's eyes-the dread that m

for her," Eleanor said

," Dave said softly, hoping to reach her. "She's g

disagreement fell on her. "I felt I was assisting, but maybe I

o I. But we must respect her requests. This is her journe

of recognition on her face. "I understand. I've been very contro

rt breaking at her vulnerability. "Be there for her without push

ease. "You're correct, Dave. I was so concentrated on my anxieties t

ized the honesty in her words. This was a positive step

softening. "That's all she needs

rning to her face. "I will do better. I

eir previous argument lift somewhat. It had been a painful ta

voice firm as she stepped away. "And th

ting with a feeling of dedication that wen

defender, confidant, and supporter throughout her journey. But as he turned to go down the hallway, he couldn't escape the linge