**The Autumn of Forgiveness**
“Why on earth would you do this, Natalie? Let Dr. Harrison handle her!” Nurse Alice’s voice trembled with worry as she struggled to keep up with the head of surgery, one of the finest in the hospital.
“Alice, prep the operating theatre. We need blood for transfusion. And get hold of Eugene—I need him in there,” Natalie replied without slowing her pace.
In the emergency room lay a woman in her thirties, dressed in black, one boot missing. Unconscious.
“Hit on a zebra crossing. The driver was drunk,” the paramedic reported briskly. “BP’s dropping—suspected internal bleeding.”
“Get her to theatre. Now!” Natalie ordered, and two orderlies lifted the stretcher without hesitation.
“Nat! Natalie!” A voice called out behind her. She knew it instantly. Simon. Her ex-husband. The one who’d left her for *this* woman.
“Is it true?” He seized her shoulders. “Was it Emily who got hit?”
“Simon, we’re doing everything we can. Now, excuse me—I have work to do.”
“You? *You’re* operating on her? No! I won’t allow it! You’ll kill her!” His voice was more fear than fury. Natalie signaled a nurse and instructed her to sedate him.
When she entered the operating room, the chatter died at once. She felt their stares. Their judgment. But she didn’t flinch.
“Yes, it’s *that* woman. And yes, I’m operating on her. Because I’m a surgeon. One of the best in this city. If anyone doubts I can do this, speak up now. Otherwise—we save her life. Understood?”
The surgery lasted three hours. Twice, the patient’s stats plummeted dangerously low. But Natalie fought, and she won. Emily would live.
*”A few days in ICU, and she’ll be right as rain,”* she texted Simon, who was slumped outside the door.
“Natalie… I’m sorry. I’m a fool. I’ll *never* forget what you’ve done—never!” He clutched her hands, sobbing, sinking to his knees.
“Simon… Enough. It’s all in the past. Go home. You can’t see her yet. I’ll call if anything changes.”
Natalie brewed herself cheap instant coffee and sat on the worn-out staffroom sofa with a bun, suddenly aware of her hunger. Just as she closed her eyes, Alice walked in.
“You’re an absolute hero! I’m in awe! But *why*? Why save that snake? She ruined your life!”
“Alice, I’m a doctor. The patient was bleeding. As for the rest… Simon and I destroyed things ourselves. I’m not even sure I ever truly loved him.”
“You’re a better woman than most,” Alice whispered, embracing her tightly.
A few days later, Emily was discharged. Simon arrived with two bouquets—deep red roses and a humble bunch of wildflowers.
“These are for you, Nat. I haven’t forgotten—”
“You shouldn’t have.” But she took them anyway.
“Natalie… Forgive me. Thank you for saving me…” Emily could barely meet the eyes of the woman she’d wronged.
“It’s all in the past,” Natalie said softly. Mostly to herself.
Her shift ended. Home felt too empty, too quiet. Instead, she wandered through the old city centre, playing her favourite game—guessing strangers’ professions. Winner treated herself to coffee.
On a bench sat a man in a coat, expensive watch, briefcase. Lawyer? Definitely.
“Excuse me…” She hadn’t realised she’d approached him. “You wouldn’t happen to be a solicitor, would you?”
“Spot on,” he grinned. “And I’d wager you’re a doctor?”
“How on earth—” She laughed, startled.
“More than that—a surgeon. And your name is… Natalie?”
“Wait, how—? Are you psychic?”
“No, just literate. Your ID’s right there.” He chuckled. “I’m Alexander, by the way.”
“Well then, you owe me coffee *and* a pastry!” she shot back, laughing.
For the first time in years, Natalie laughed—really laughed. As if her heart had finally remembered joy. Outside, autumn carried on. But inside her? Spring had begun.
