“Then they’ll have to fire me too,” another replied, his jaw set. “I’ll tell everyone what happened. How they refused to fix the equipment even after we reported the problem.”
I placed a hand on his uninjured shoulder. “Focus on Miguel’s recovery first. Then we can discuss how to address the company’s negligence.”
Nobody here wanted to bite the hand that fed them, but that hand also abused them on a regular basis, so there were never any good options. But we weren’t here to fight the mining company or the cartel. We were here to do what we could for people who otherwise wouldn’t have any medical help at all.
After the guys left to sit with their friend, I retreated to the small office I shared with Sophia. My hands trembled slightly as the adrenaline ebbed. I’d performed emergency surgeries before, but never one quite so complex with such limited resources.
Sophia entered a few minutes later, carrying two cups of coffee. “That was either the most brilliant or most reckless thing I’ve seen you do,” she said, handing me a cup. “Possibly both.”
I accepted the coffee gratefully. “What choice did we have?”
“None. That’s what made it brilliant.” She settled into the chair across from me, looking as drained as I felt. “Though, I have to admit, there were a few moments when I thought we might lose him.”
“Me too. But you were incredible in there. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
She waved off the compliment, but I caught the pleased flush in her cheeks. “Your parents called again yesterday. They want you to come home.”
I set down my cup harder than intended. “Chicago isn’t home anymore. This is where I’m needed.”
“I know. But they’re worried about you.” Her voice was gentle, understanding. “The political situation is getting worse. The cartel is expanding its territory. Even the hospital director in Ciudad del Este is talking about closing their satellite clinics.”
“All the more reason we need to stay. Who will help people like Miguel if we leave?”
Sophia was quiet for a moment, and I could see her wrestling with something. “Lauren, I need to tell you something. I’ve been offered a position. Emergency medicine residency program in Seattle. Full ride, excellent hospital.”
My stomach dropped. “When?”
“They want an answer by next month.”
“Are you going to take it?”
She stared into her coffee. “Maybe. I’ve got to think about it.”
I studied my colleague—friend, really—across the desk. Sophia had been here longer than any of us, had seen more, endured more. If anyone had earned the right to pursue her dreams, it was she.
“You should take it,” I said finally.
“What?”
“Seattle. You should take it. You’re too good a doctor to waste away in a place where you’re not sure you want to be.”
“And you?”
I shrugged. “I’m not leaving, Sophia. I can’t. Not as long as I have any choice. Not when we’re the only medical care within fifty miles. We keep going until there’s no other option.”
She studied me with those perceptive eyes that had seen through too many of my defenses over the months. “Just…be careful. Your determination to help everyone might be your greatest strength, but it’s also what scares me most.”
Sophia had been here twice as long as me. She was ready for the next chapter of her life, and I couldn’t blame her for that. I’d found purpose for the six months I’d been here. Just like I’d found purpose when I’d worked in remote areas of Uganda for eight months before that.
Purpose. Not running. I could almost convince myself of that.
A knock at the door interrupted us. Mariela leaned in, her expression serious.
“Dr. Valentino, we need you in here. Miguel’s fever is rising.”
I was on my feet immediately, doctor mode reengaged. “Coming.”
As I followed Mariela to the recovery area, Sophia fell into step beside me. Whatever decisions lay ahead for either of us, right now, we had work to do.
