We need to treat her immediately," the stranger urged, his voice firm but polite. "She's bleeding."
The doctors exchanged a glance, their expressions unyielding. "We can't start treatment without a partial payment," one of them said, his tone detached. "It's hospital policy."
The stranger's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched. "Can't you see she's bleeding? Every minute counts."
But the doctors refused to budge, their faces set in stone. The stranger's frustration was palpable, but he remained calm, his eyes locked on the doctors staring coldly at their inhumane expressions.
Finally, he turned and walked to the front desk, his movements purposeful. Elizabeth watched him, her vision blurry, as he spoke to the receptionist. After a brief conversation, he pulled out his wallet and handed over his credit card.
A few minutes later, the stranger returned, his face set in determination. "They're going to start treatment now," he told Elizabeth, his voice soft.
The doctors, now suddenly attentive, began to prep Elizabeth for treatment. The stranger watched over her, his eyes never leaving hers, as the medical team worked to save her life.
After doing scans the doctor noticed that she had internal bleeding which led to hematoma expansion and an operation would have to be done to remove the accumulated fluids but due to the complexity of the operation, a senior doctor who was a neurosurgeon was asked to help.
*********
The hospital room was dimly lit, the only sound the steady beep of the machines surrounding Elizabeth. Dr. Thompson's voice was low and serious as he explained the situation to the stranger who had brought her in.
"Her scans show internal bleeding, which has led to hematoma expansion," he said, his eyes somber. "We need to operate to relieve the pressure and remove the accumulated fluids in her brain."
The stranger's face was set in a determined expression, his eyes locked on the doctor. "Do whatever it takes," he said.
Hours ticked by at a glacial pace. The stranger paced the hospital room, his eyes fixed on the door to the operating theatre.
Finally, the door swung open and Dr. Thompson entered, a hint of exhaustion etched on his face.
"It's done," he said, his voice soft. "The operation was a success".
The stranger's face relaxed, a faint smile on his lips. "Thank you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Dr. Thompson nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "She's not out of the woods yet, but she's on the road to recovery".
"Okay, Thank you."
" Can I go check on her?" The stranger inquired.
Dr Thompson agreed requesting that he should be prepped by the nurses first before entering the ward.