HEALING BONDS

EIGHT

Amidst the charged atmosphere of Pendo and James' argument, Dr. Femi couldn't help but be drawn by an invisible thread toward Mara's room as he had passed it on his way to other hospital wards. His heart felt an inexplicable pull, as if a deep intuition urged him to bear witness to this pivotal moment. He watched from a distance, a silent observer, his physician's empathy intertwining with his own personal reflections.

As he witnessed the heated exchange unfold, his gaze shifted between Pendo and James. The sincerity of their emotions was palpable, the intensity of their feelings reverberating within the confines of the hospital room. Dr. Femi's mind began to wander, pondering the complexities of human relationships and the intricate dynamics that lay beneath the surface.

In particular, he found himself fixating on James' initial indifference and subsequent realization. A furrow formed between his brows as he contemplated the question that had surfaced within him – how could any man prioritize a meeting over the well-being of his own child? It was a thought that gnawed at him, defying his understanding of what it meant to be a parent, a caregiver, a partner.  With his heart aching for Pendo and Mara, Dr. Femi felt a surge of compassion and understanding. He empathized with Pendo's longing for support and James' journey toward recognizing the depth of his commitment.

With a mix of professional concern and genuine compassion, Dr. Femi approached the scene. He stood at the threshold of the room, his presence unobtrusive yet commanding attention. Clearing his throat gently, he spoke, his voice a gentle interruption that seemed to ripple through the charged atmosphere. "I apologize for the interruption, but I need to check on Mara's vitals. The noise might be affecting her rest."

His words had the desired effect – both Pendo and James turned their attention toward him, the argument momentarily paused. Dr. Femi's concern for Mara acted as a bridge, diverting their focus away from the heated exchange that had consumed them moments before. He offered a small, reassuring smile, his eyes reflecting both his empathy and his commitment to his patients' well-being.

Pendo's gaze shifted to Mara, a flicker of concern replacing the remnants of frustration. James, too, seemed to have his attention redirected toward the patient at the heart of the matter. Dr. Femi seized this moment to step further into the room, his presence a buffer against the emotional currents that had been running high.

As he gently examined the monitors and adjusted a few settings, his movements deliberate and soothing, Dr. Femi subtly acknowledged the tension that had pervaded the room. He exchanged a few soft words with Pendo, offering both medical updates and a gentle assurance that their daughter was resting peacefully. He spared a glance at James, whose features seemed softened by the concern for Mara's well-being.

As he left the room, Dr. Femi carried with him a sense of quiet satisfaction, a realization that his role extended beyond surgical procedures and medical assessments. On his way out he couldn't help but think if he interrupted as his duty as a doctor or for his personal reason. The man he had seen in Mara s room had made him uncomfortable.