A Parting Regret

After I left the obstetrics and gynecology department, I went to the cardiovascular department on the twelfth floor.

My mother lay in the hospital bed with a pale face. She was scheduled for a heart valve replacement surgery the day after the next.

“Jensen, the doctor said the surgery has some risks, and I keep feeling uneasy about it,” she said in a worried voice as she held my hand.

“Mom, do not be afraid. The cardio surgery department in this hospital is top‑notch in Jimmyville. The surgeon is very skilled.”

The ward door opened while I spoke. Chelsea walked in with the smart tablet she used for ward rounds.

I was not surprised to see her. Chelsea’s research direction in college had been cardiovascular.

When I ran into her in the corridor earlier, I had guessed that she must be working in this hospital’s cardio surgery department.

My mother paused when she saw Chelsea. “Chelsea? It is really you.”

Chelsea’s tone was gentle. “Madam Scott, it is me. I read your case. I will be the surgeon for your operation the day after the next. Do not worry.”

My mother became excited at once.

When I dated Chelsea, my mother treated her like her own daughter. Every time Chelsea visited our home, my mother prepared a full table of dishes she liked. She even prepared the golden bracelet passed down from my grandmother because she hoped we would get married. Later, when I suddenly broke up with Chelsea, my mother could not believe it and asked many questions. I did not want to upset her, so I only said we were incompatible and never mentioned the infidelity.

My mother glanced between Chelsea and me, unsure of what to say.

“Mom, rest first. I will go out with Dr. Stone to confirm the surgery details.” I stood up and cut off her thoughts.

“I am sorry for what happened three years ago.” Chelsea spoke first as the door closed. “I made a mistake. These past few years…”

I interrupted her in a cold voice. “I called you out not to hear your confession.”

Chelsea frowned.

“My mother’s surgery is the day after the next. I do not care what kind of person you were three years ago. I only hope you will not bring any personal grudges onto the operating table. If anything happens to my mother, I will not spare you.”

Chelsea’s face darkened, as if my attitude stung her.

“Jensen, I am a professional doctor,” she said through gritted teeth.

“You better be.” I turned and opened the door. A white male nurse’s uniform flashed past the corner of the hallway.

The next morning, I went downstairs to buy my mother a bowl of soup.

When I reached the ward door, I heard a man’s laughter inside. “Madam Scott, have some water. I checked the temperature. It is just right.”

My heart tightened. I pushed the door open.

Adam sat beside my mother’s bed with an innocent smile.

I panicked and rushed over to snatch the water glass from his hand. “Adam, what are you doing here? Get out.”

My mother jumped at my reaction and grabbed my arm. “Jensen, why are you so angry? This nurse is very nice. He was chatting with me. What a sweet guy.”

I stared at Adam with a cold voice. “What are you trying to do?”

Adam chuckled, then turned to my mother. “Madam Scott, it is understandable that Jensen is angry with me. You do not know, do you? Jensen broke up with Chelsea because Chelsea got together with me. Jensen caught us red‑handed. We were in his rental house, naked on the bed…”

“Shut up!” I lunged at him and tried to cover his mouth, but it was too late.

My mother’s eyes turned bloodshot. She could not take it. Her mouth opened and closed, but only hoarse gasps came out.

“Mom!” I spun around and saw her collapse onto the hospital bed with her eyes rolled back.

“Doctor! Help! Doctor!”