Diary of Fragile Heart (Spin of Loving You Too Long)

The hospital has its distinctive smell; that’s what’s on Gladwin’s mind. And those smells have lingered long enough in his head. In the early days of his practice, all those scents made him feel dizzy, but now, because he’s accustomed to them, all those smells have become ordinary.

The hospital’s dedicated phone rings. There’s a special message. Gladwin reads the message and immediately leaves his desk. The teakwood door with a natural brown color, labeled ‘Director,’ is in front of him. He knocks twice until he gets permission to enter. He opens it and sees several fellow doctors with morning schedules like his gathered inside the room.

“Doctor Hampton, please come in.” The heavy and friendly voice of Doctor Hamid welcomes him. “Well, now that it seems everyone on morning duty is here, let me introduce. Doctors, all of you, staff members as well. As discussed earlier, we’ll have a new doctor in this hospital. So let me introduce to all of you. This is our new obstetrician, Dr. Phoebe Madsen, and the neurosurgeon, Dr. Eijaz Dominic.”

Gladwin looks towards Phoebe, whom he already knows, and nods slightly. Then his gaze shifts to the male doctor whom he also met a few weeks ago, Doctor Eijaz Dominic. The man who is now the boyfriend or fiancé of his niece, Flavia.

What kind of game is God playing with him right now? Why are these two people in front of him at this moment?

Gladwin snaps out of his reverie when a colleague gently nudges his arm. Just as Phoebe extends her hand for a polite introduction. Some doctors seem to smile, thinking Gladwin is captivated by Phoebe’s beauty. They’re mistaken. His fascination is more due to the presence of the handsome man in front of him.

After small talk, ten minutes later, Gladwin is back behind his desk, ready to work. He begins visiting the patients in the rooms under his supervision. After that, he proceeds to examine patients who have registered at the internal medicine clinic.

At noon, a soft knock is heard from outside. Gladwin looks at Jonas, the male nurse who serves as his assistant. Treatment is paused during the break, so they shouldn’t have any patients right now. Jonas shrugs, indicating that he also doesn’t know who’s at the door.

“Come in,” Gladwin commands gently. The door opens, revealing Phoebe’s face.

“Hi,” she greets with a broad smile.

Gladwin furrows his brow, surprised by the presence of the obstetrician whose area is quite far from his. “Yes, Dr. Madsen?” Gladwin asks with his formal tone and demeanor.

Phoebe seems to furrow her brow, her face suddenly pouting in a playful manner. “Come on, Gladwin, does it have to be that formal?” she asks in a childish manner. “We’ve known each other for quite a while, in case you’ve forgotten,” she says, emphasizing the word ‘known,’ as if she wants to assert her identity to the world.

“Sorry, Doctor. But we are still in the hospital area,” Gladwin gently retorts. He tries to maintain a professional attitude. Regardless of the long acquaintance, Gladwin doesn’t want rumors circulating about any other relationships among fellow doctors. He wants to keep a distance as much as possible. “Can I help you?” Gladwin asks again with a firm tone.

Gladwin knows that Phoebe is currently trying to get closer to him. Not because she’s overly confident, but considering Phoebe’s track record and her mother’s actions since her return to America, Gladwin knows that the woman in front of him is targeting him as a potential partner. Therefore, Gladwin wants to make it clear that he has no interest in her by being as professional as possible both outside and inside the workplace.

They are old friends, studied at the same campus. But their initial meeting was because Freddie introduced them. Because his friend admired Phoebe back then and wanted to get closer to her. And that’s the extent of their relationship. Gladwin doesn’t want any unclear rumors circulating in the hospital.

Phoebe is still pouting in frustration, but Gladwin ignores it. “I want to invite you to lunch. Since I’m new here and you’re the only one I know, I thought we could have lunch together?” she suggests.

A woman who is ‘easygoing’ shouldn’t have difficulty making friends, right? Because no matter how new the environment they enter, they automatically blend in easily. So again, Gladwin knows that it’s just an excuse.

“Sorry, Doctor. I can’t. I already have lunch plans with someone else,” Gladwin responds flatly. It’s not entirely a lie, and it’s not just an excuse to avoid. He does have lunch plans with someone else, and it’s not with Phoebe.

The sound of a knock is heard again, and the still-open door reveals their guest. “Sorry, I’m late,” a woman’s voice greets them. Jonas looks at the guest with his mouth agape.

“A-Abigail?” he asks, surprised.

Abigail looks at the nurse in uniform and then smiles. “Do you know me?” she asks politely. The young man nods his head.

“I-I’m Jonas. We went to the same high school.” He replies, extending his hand. “You might not recognize me, but I know you and your close friend, Flavia.”

Abigail accepts the man’s handshake. “Hi, Jonas. Sorry if I don’t remember you. My brain is a bit slow when it comes to recalling names,” she says candidly. Jonas nods. Yes, Abigail is a cheerful person, but she also has difficulty remembering people’s names, except for certain individuals with whom she has frequent encounters.

“It’s okay, I understand. Congratulations, by the way. I often see your face in some advertisements,” he says sincerely. Abigail responds with an equally sincere smile. “How’s Flavia?”

“She’s well, very healthy,” Abigail answers, still with her smile. “Oh, hello, Dr. Madsen.” Abigail shifts her attention to the others in the room, waving as a greeting.

“Oh, hi, Abigail,” Phoebe greets with a forced smile. “So, you have plans with Abigail?” Phoebe looks at Gladwin. He nods. Gladwin stands up and takes off his doctor’s coat, hanging it on a hook before putting it in the locker. “Where are you guys having lunch? Can I join?” Phoebe looks at Gladwin with pleading eyes. Gladwin is about to speak, intending to refuse. However, Abigail interrupts.

“Why not?” that’s Abigail’s response. Gladwin gives his niece a sharp look, but Abigail just produces a cheerful smile. She ignores Gladwin and turns to Jonas. “What about you, do you have lunch plans?” She asks Jonas, who shakes his head. “Good. The four of us can go. The place isn’t too far. Come on.” She invites them again, and without waiting for anyone’s approval, she walks out of Gladwin’s room. Let’s see the show, she murmurs to herself.

They were already in the commercial area where Flavia and Abigail’s cafe was located, using Abigail’s car with Gladwin as the driver. Currently, they were in line to enter the cafe’s parking area. Since it was lunchtime, and their cafe was a popular spot, the parking lot was automatically full.

“Isn’t that Dr. Dominic?” Jonas asks as he sees a man getting out of an SUV and heading towards the cafe they were also heading to.Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

“Where?” Abigail, sitting in the driver’s seat, tries to look in the direction pointed by Jonas. “Do you know Eijaz?” She asks Jonas, who responds with a nod.

“He’s a new doctor at the hospital. Just joined at the same time as Dr. Madsen.” Jonas glances at Dr. Phoebe, and Phoebe nods.

“Ohh, I see. The world is small, huh? Or should I rephrase that? Kansas isn’t as vast as I thought.” Abigail chuckles. “I know you, you know me and Flavia. You work with Uncle, you know Eijaz, who turns out to be Flavia’s fiancé.” Abigail casually states with joy in her voice.

Jonas and Phoebe are both stunned. Abigail can see their faces through the rearview mirror, and a smile still lingers on her face. Meanwhile, beside her, Abigail can see her uncle’s fingers turning white as he grips the steering wheel tightly.

“Is that true?” Jonas asks to confirm. Abigail nods. Jonas smiles happily. “I really didn’t see that coming. But Dr. Dominic and Flavia do make a great couple. Both beautiful and handsome. Plus, they’re both friendly. Both quiet and shy too. I hope Dr. Dominic can make Flavia happy.” Jonas sincerely prays, which only makes Gladwin grit his teeth and grip the steering wheel even tighter.

“Amen,” Abigail replies just as sincerely. Although in her heart, the girl hopes that the person sitting next to her is the one who will bring happiness to her friend and cousin.

“What’s good about both being quiet,” comments Gladwin, who has now successfully parked his car.