Medical Center.
A few days later.
"Dr. Duncan..."
The Chief of Surgery stood before the surgery board with his hands on his hips, staring irritably at the dense list of pending operations.
"Dr. Duncan hasn't left the Operating Room in three days."
Knowing what he meant, the secretary promptly reminded him, "He's been working nonstop."
"Alas."
The Chief of Surgery paused, then let out a long sigh. "Where's my Chief of Neurosurgery? He's been missing for three days too. Even with Adam working nonstop to help, we've been so busy these past few days that the backlog of surgeries keeps growing.
Damn craniotomies. There used to be more patients with heart problems, but now everyone's brains are starting to go wrong. Looks like we need to strengthen Neurosurgery."
"Assign me some surgeries. I won't disappoint you."
Mark Sloan walked over at that moment. Hearing this, he immediately volunteered.
The Chief of Surgery glanced at him without saying a word.
But his eyes said it all: You're in Plastic Surgery and you want to perform craniotomies? Only if you're operating on my skull, because if I agreed, it would mean there was something wrong with my brain.
"I can perform craniotomies, Chief."
A timid voice came from nearby.
The Chief of Surgery, Mark, and the secretary all turned to see a balding, bespectacled middle-aged man in a white coat raising his hand. Under everyone's gaze, the corners of his mouth twitched.
That smile was full of bitterness and helplessness.
"Assign Dr. Nelson to the craniotomy."
The Chief of Surgery looked at him for a few moments, then turned away and issued the order with a reluctant, helpless expression. As he passed the balding man, he did not even look at him, merely saying, "Thank you, John."
"M-my name is Jim," the