Fragments of Memory 10

I glanced at the clock on the wall. It was 2:15 AM. It had been six months since I started working as a night shift doctor in the emergency room.

"Doctor, here's some tea," Nurse Yamada offered me a warm cup of green tea. She was a dependable senior nurse who always looked out for me, the rookie.

"Thank you very much."

As I watched the steam rising from the teacup, I savored the unusual quietness of the emergency room tonight. It had been a rare night with few patients.

Just as I thought that, the emergency room intercom rang out.

"Emergency transport. 28-year-old male, multiple trauma from a traffic accident. Accident occurred near a studio, arrival in approximately 5 minutes."

I stood up immediately. While organizing the necessary preparations in my mind, I gave instructions to the staff.

"Nurse Yamada, please prepare the emergency treatment room. Sato-san, contact the X-ray room."

At that moment, my mobile phone vibrated. The screen showed "Grandfather." It was a call from Seiichiro Hojo, who was also the hospital's director.

"Yes?"

"Sora..." Grandfather's voice was unusually heavy. "The incoming patient is Ren."

"Eh..."

"The accident situation doesn't look good. The media will probably make a fuss, but that's not important right now. Sora, I'm counting on you. Give it your all."

My hands trembled. Ren—my high school classmate. Now a popular model gracing magazine covers. And Ume's...

"I... I understand."

I struggled to keep my voice steady. I had to remain calm as a doctor. But knowing Ren's success as a popular model made the gravity of the accident pierce my heart even more deeply.

"Nurse Yamada," I turned around, aware that my voice was slightly shaking. "Please request backup from the emergency center staff as well."

The ambulance arrived. Ren lay helplessly on the stretcher, a stark contrast to his confident self in magazines.

"Consciousness level, JCS 2. Suspected right arm fracture, possible rib fractures. Reportedly thrown about 3 meters after collision with a vehicle."

While listening to the paramedic's report, I quickly assessed his condition. I was more concerned about potential internal injuries than the visible wounds.

"Rush the CT room preparations."

The treatment room was enveloped in a busy atmosphere. Amidst this, Ren slightly opened his eyes.

"...Sora?"

"Don't worry about unnecessary things. Leave it to me."

His voice was weak, unimaginable from his usually proud demeanor. But all I could do now was focus on treating the patient before me with everything I had.

As examinations and treatments continued, the hospital lobby gradually grew noisy. The media was beginning to gather. And then...

"Sora! How's Ren!?"

Ume burst in. Her makeup and hair were disheveled, looking as if she had rushed out just as she was. She must have come running immediately after receiving the call.

"He's being examined now. Stay calm."

"He wasn't answering when I called... I told him to take a taxi instead of driving..."

Tears welled up in Ume's eyes. Their high school romance had blossomed, and now they were dating with marriage in mind. Before her, I had to maintain my composure as a doctor.

By dawn, all the procedures were finally complete. Fortunately, he had avoided life-threatening injuries.

"Sora... thank you."

Ren, now fully conscious, expressed his gratitude to me. Beside him, Ume showed an expression of relief.

At that moment, my phone received a message. It was from Yuta.

"Sounds like it was tough. How about breakfast when you're done?"

I couldn't help but smile. I wondered how he knew about this commotion. But his thoughtfulness really touched me right now.

"Senior, you have a wonderful boyfriend, don't you?"

At Nurse Yamada's voice, I hastily closed my phone. We weren't dating yet. But...

"N-No, it's not like that... he's just..."

"Oh? Still keeping up that attitude?"

I turned around to find Ume standing there with a can of coffee in hand. Despite her tired expression, she wore a teasing smile.

"Ume..."

"Why don't you be more honest? Yuta has always..."

"Nurse, could you check Ren's IV drip?"

I hurriedly tried to change the subject.

"Well, you haven't changed," Ume shrugged. "But that part of you has been the same since high school."

"Don't say unnecessary things. Patient visitors should stay quiet."

"Yes, yes, Ice Queen," Ume laughed softly. "But I know. That ice started melting long ago."

Left speechless by her words, I quietly looked down at Ren's chart.

Outside the window, dawn was breaking. Having overcome my first major crisis as a doctor, I felt I had grown a little. And at the same time, I could feel my relationship with Yuta gradually becoming something more certain.

By the window, a familiar gray cat seemed to be quietly watching over us.