Date: August, 7th, 2015
Location: Landstuhl Regional Medical Hospital
Time: 0800

I sat in my office pen scribbling on the paper signing and writing out details of each patient and important notes to recall and remember. I sighed typing up the reports of the surgeries that had been completed. It was tedious work and not entirely my favorite part of the job. But there is a bigger picture and reason as to why I work here.

I looked up hearing a nock on my door. "Come in", I called.

A stouter older woman walked in. She had a bob cut and her blonde hair was starting to get grey strands in it. With round large thick glasses and antique green eyes she came in her hand not leaving the door knob.

"Monica, how are you? Is there something I can help you with?", I asked politely looking up from my work.

Now wasn't exactly the best time but I could spare a few minuets for the one who had helped me transition to this hospital six years ago after I had finished my internship and residency.

Monica smiled, "I'm fine thank you Dr. King, well, I'm not exactly sure if you can help me but instead...someone else", replied Monica.

I laughed, "Monica, please there isn't any need for Dr. King, we've known each other for six years now I wish you would-",

Monica wagged her finger at means she always did shaking her head, "No, no, no you earned your PH.D. I will call you what everyone else here calls you", said Monica looking at me with the motherly look as if I should have more pride and respect for myself.

"Well who is this someone? What exactly is it you need me to do?", I asked setting down my pen and folded my hands.

"The patient Bryan Bernardi, he bitterly refuses to eat till he meets....you", said Monica.

"I didn't know he was awake. He had fallen back into unconsciousness after the anesthesia wore off", I said.

Monica shrugged, "He woke up this morning, and he can't exactly feed himself, but he bitterly refuses to consume anything the nutritionist has given him. It's a gods honest waste if he doesn't eat it. I'll have to give him his nutrients by IV if he doesn't", sighed Monica.

She really didn't want to have to do that. Getting the correct food and vitamins was hard enough and expensive today. Patients required it in order to maintain a full recovery. Not to mention the diagnostic team and neurologist had both confirmed to me that he would require Lumbar surgery in the future. But he wasn't in any condition to complete that yet.

I checked my watch, the reports would have to wait until later. I had a scheduled phone call at 1115 hundred with a patient's family relative to discuss the condition of their daughter's hand. She had developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome due to a training injury to the wrist. Fluid retention, or edema, was collecting in the tissue of the wrist and compressing the median nerve. She had frequently been using medication but extensive use has now made it un-beneficial.

I stood, "I'll come, I have time", I said tucking my pen in my pocket and walked out of the office following Monica.

"I swear he's a sweet heart but he's so stubborn", sighed Monica.

"I do not doubt it", I replied walking beside her.

"I'm always impressed by the will of these men and women. I couldn't join the military. Not me", said Monica.

I smiled, "I'm sure they are impressed just as equally by what you do Monica", I said.

"You're such a dear Dr. King", said Monica smiling turning a bit red from the compliment.

Monica and I traversed the halls going around a corner and she opened the door to a patient room.

"Come on Bryan you have to eat, Dr. King is a busy woman she'll come and visit just not-",

"It's alright, I had a bit of free time", I said smiling.

Monica glanced at me knowing that was not true. But I had made time so essentially it was. The paperwork could wait and it would have to. Bryan looked around the second nurse who was trying to feed him. His hair was buzzed from the drill surgery and his cheek bruised with a cut on his brow.

"Good morning Sergeant", I said respectfully.

Bryan shifted straightening himself, or tried to. I laughed, "Please Sergeant there isn't any need for formality. I should be the one introducing myself. I'm Dr. King. One neurosurgeons here at Landstuhl I worked with Dr. Reinhard to release the pressure in your head", I said.

Bryan lifted his wrapped hand stiffly being his right one which surprised me. He seemed to be straining and tensely focusing.

"Bryan, Byran Bernardi", he said introducing himself.

I walked forward reaching my hand out and took his thick cast gently giving it a careful almost nonexistent shake and then removed my hand so he could drop it. He wasn't officially supposed to be moving it.

"Pleasure to meet you Sergeant", I said.

Bryan stared smiling, "Bryan is fine, I'm not in the field. Please call me Bryan", he said.

"Ah, of course, Bryan", I corrected after a pause and smiled acknowledging his request.

I looked at his meal which was still untouched. "I hear that you refused to eat", I said.

"Is that why you came?", asked Bryan.
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I chuckled, "You requested that I come, I was unaware that you were awake. I'm normally informed around ten since my morning are normally reserved for meetings", I said.

"You work this early?", he asked. Bryan was a bit surprised by this that a neurosurgeon would work from this early in the day and he didn't exactly know how long throughout the day.

"I'm sure you've worked longer hours than me Bryan", I said laughing warmly at his puzzled look.

"Maybe, but I don't do anything like you do", said Bryan.

"No, you do much more, and for that I thank you", I said.

"You saved my life", said Bryan.

"You protected mine, I am only repaying the debt I owe to you-",

My pager went off. I took it out of my white lab coat pocket and read it eyebrows furrowing. "What in the world is this nonsense?", I muttered staring at the random letters that were popping up on my pager.

"What is it?", asked Monica.

I sighed annoyed, "The intern at the front desk, I don't have time for these jokes", I huffed blowing out my cheeks.

"I'm sorry I have to go, I have business to take care of", I said to Monica.

I smiled, "It was a pleasure meeting you Bryan, you'll meet Dr. Reinhard later this afternoon. I would ask that you do eat your breakfast", I said.

"If you'll excuse me", I added opening the door.

Bryan tilted his head speaking around Monica, "Will I see you again?", asked Bryan.

"Yes, I'm not entirely sure when but likely within the next three days. Dr. Reinhard the head trauma physician and Dr. Allen our neurologist will likely come periodically on a daily basis to assess your recovery", I replied.

Bryan spoke as I turned to go, "Can you come? Later today?", he asked.

I looked back at Bryan. "I'm not entirely sure, I have a rather busy.....", my voice trailed off as I looked at Bryan and his eyes softened a bit. I smiled, "I'll try my best, good day", I said waving and exited the room shutting the door softly behind me.