Adrian was beginning to wonder if this was ever going to end. Six months ago he had

found himself facing surgery and now here it was again, staring him in the face.

“Don’t be scared.” His parents’ words echoed in his head.

What an absurd thing to tell a seven-year-old facing serious surgery. Why would they do that? He asked himself over and over again. Even as he hugged his parents before being wheeled into the operating room he could see the tears welling up into his mother’s eyes and noticed the way his father made fists so tight his knuckles were white to keep his own composure. They weren’t able to mask their own fears and trepidations so why should he? It wasn’t fair of them to ask him not to be afraid. He knew deep down they didn’t want him to cry or show fear to prevent them from breaking down.

He was just a kid, wasn’t it their job to be brave and calm his fears, not the other way around.

As he was wheeled into the brightly light operating room, he stared at the ceiling speeding by above him. The doctors and nurses went about their duties, preparing for the operation. Adrian felt as though he were just another task, not a person. None of them seemed to notice the scared patient so when a doctor dressed in full surgical scrubs entered the operating room and came straight to where Adrian lay. As he took a seat near the child’s head he began speaking. Instantly, Adrian was soothed by the calm, reassuring voice. Suddenly Adrian didn’t feel so alone.

Adrian felt relief flood over him. Even behind the surgical mask the boy recognized Dr. Wright, the kindly doctor who he had come to know and trust in his previous surgery experiences. Somehow, Dr. Wright’s presence was enough to calm the nervous patient.

Dr Wright began his own pre-operative preparations. While he worked, the doctor chatted with his patient. They talked about sports. Adrian, an active fan of baseball was always eager to discuss how his team was performing.

After several moments, the surgeon entered the operating room. Dr. Wright switched gears and began preparing to administer anesthesia to his patient. Adrian felt his nervousness return as the mask was brought toward his face but the calm voice of Dr. Wright kept him quiet. As he succumb to medicine, he tried to focus on what the doctor was saying. Finally he let the darkness suck him under.

When he awoke, Adrian felt as though a truck had run over him. Every muscle in his body protested when he tried to move. Even before he opened his eyes he knew he was in the recovery ward. He heard other children and even a baby crying. Nurses bustled around, checking on each patient frequently. When he opened his eyes Adrian was surprised to find Dr. Wright watching over him. The doctor was monitoring a reading from one of the machines attached to his patient and didn’t immediately notice when Adrian opened his eyes. When he noticed he was awake he spoke quietly to keep the boy from getting upset. He promised the next time he woke up, Adrian would be back in his room with his parents.

Adrian felt himself falling back to sleep and as hard as he tried his eyes began closing. Even as the darkness sucked him under he tried to speak and communicate his appreciation for everything the good doctor had done for him.

When he awoke, as promised Adrian was back in his private hospital room with his parents at his side. His recovery was more rapid than expected and before he realized Adrian found himself being discharged from the hospital.

As his parents were gathering up their things and preparing to leave, there was a knock at the door and to everyone’s surprise Dr. Wright stepped inside.

“I just wanted to see my favorite patient one more time before Adrian left us. The charge nurse told me you were getting sprung today.” He said, a bright smile spreading across his face.

Adrian found himself speechless with surprise. He only sat and stared for several moments.

Words could not convey his appreciation for everything Dr. Wright had done for Adrian.. As Dr. Wright turned to leave, he found his voice and uttered the only thing that came to his mind.
”Thank You, Dr. Wright” He said weakly.

“Glad to be of service” He replied, meaning it from the bottom of his heart.

The doctor smiled at the boy before letting the door close behind him.