Chapter 3

Okay, so I’m currently standing in OR Two, observing Dr. Burke performing open-heart surgery on this guy. It’s my very first time scrubbing in on surgery; I can’t tell you how excited I am to be in here right now. I’m finally getting some real hands on training in here. Cristina is by his side assisting him and out of all her interns I’m the one she picked to scrub in for this. I guess she’s gotten over me running behind this morning.

“Dr. Carlin.” I look up at the sound of my name.

“Yes, Dr. Burke?”

“I need you to put your finger right here (he indicates the designated spot) and hold it there, be as still as you possibly can until I’m finished. Got that?”

I nod and do as I’m told, thrilled to be taking a part in the surgery. Though, I didn’t really expect it to take this long. I’ve been keeping my hand still for what seems like forever now, I think I’m starting to get a cramp. Oh God, I’m starting to feel a sneeze coming on. What do doctors do when they have to hold perfectly still and yet they have to sneeze? Luckily I manage to conquer the urge, which is also good because I’m wearing one of those face masks and I would have just ended up sneezing all over my own face. Gross. Then again I guess that’s better than sneezing all over this guy’s open chest. I take the moment to glance up and see Ashley sitting in the observation deck, looking down and watching the surgery intently. I smile at her before I realize I’m still wearing the mask and she can’t tell. She’s probably jealous that she didn’t get to scrub in on this.

An hour later I’m out of surgery and in the locker room, finally changing out of my scrubs for the day and back into my regular clothes. I’ve been here since four this morning and it’s now well into the evening, so even though it’s been an exhilarating day, I’m ready to get out of here. The locker room door swings open and Ashley walks in.