Medical Center.
Outside the Operating Room.
"Adam, can we talk?"
After sending God's Right Hand inside, the Chief of Surgery walked over to Adam.
"If it's about the surgery, sure."
Adam smiled. "If it's about anything else, forget it."
"..."
The Chief of Surgery froze, dropping his hands from his hips as he said quietly, "Adam, I just wanted to tell you a story. Twenty-eight years ago, I was still an intern..."
"Let me interrupt."
Adam cut him off. "Chief, you want to say that as an African American intern, you worked hard to become a surgeon, but in those days, you had no opportunities and no one recognized your talent.
"Then Dr. Walter Tapley selflessly shattered that invisible ceiling, gave you a chance, and patiently guided you.
"Without him, you wouldn't be where you are today!
"Is that it?"
"...Yes!"
The Chief of Surgery nodded.
"It's a very moving story."
Adam smiled. "We all hope there could be more people like those two protagonists. But why are you telling me this story now?
"To make me take it more seriously?
"Or to put more pressure on me?
"If it's the latter, that's not a good idea!
"And if it's the former, haven't you already felt how seriously I'm taking this?
"Or do you want me so concerned that I'm trembling in fear?"
"I just wanted to..."
The Chief of Surgery fell silent for a moment. "Fine. You're the lead surgeon. What you say goes!"
"Thank you."
Adam smiled and nodded, then looked at Shorty. "Melendez, find Dr. Burke and see if he's available to come assist with the surgery."
"Yes!"
Shorty answered and left.
The Chief of Surgery couldn't help smiling.
That was what he had wanted to say all along.
Adam could only shake his head inwardly.
There