Rebirth Into My Second Chance

"Dr. Floyd, we've got a surgery that needs your expertise right now!"

Even as the nurse called out for me, Max didn't pause or glance my way.

But somehow, I found his focus endearing, no matter who he was.

In the week following the flood, our days were all about surgeries and medical check-ups for the villagers until life gradually returned to calm.

Using the scalpel for extended periods left blisters on my hands, dried and likely to turn into calluses over time. Yet, this temporary relief effort seemed to elevate my spirit to a new level. "Here." Out of nowhere, Max appeared, handing me a tube of burn ointment.

I didn't move.

He looked down at me. "Need help applying it?"

I smirked, stepping closer. Max hesitated, then stepped back, but as I moved forward again, he stopped retreating and offered a half-smile. "Alright, I'll help you."

casually, "Is it Maximilian

hands, like mine, were blistered from days immersed in water and

does. I wouldn't seduce Max,

a bit harder as he treated my wound, and

tend to Maximilian's wounds." I took his hand in mine. He

like we were healing each other's

Irksome to my ears, a voice came from beside us. I held Max's hand without letting go,

the cleared path

ready to challenge

Max, I came from Crestview to pick you up. Isn't there

head back to Crestview." He didn't board Tracey's plane but joined the medical staff on a commercial flight instead. Max boarded the plan ahead of me and turned at the last

in hand and couldn't help but applaud, with some even cheering, "Dr. Hilton and

serene, and even how we dealt with

suddenly spoke, "Is there anything you want to