Aomori was a small and beautiful town off the tip of Japan. It was one of the last towns before Japan breaks into the sea and beyond that lie Hokkaido. The train will run across the peaceful landscape and behind it, the mountains. When the train run across the huge river and if you were lucky, you can catch one of the most amazing sunsets reflecting upon the waters. I take in my surroundings as I alight from the train. Ah, I remember the moments where I would sit at the station waiting for the train. When it arrives, my father was always in it.
As I begin to make my way through the town, memories floods me. How I spent my first festival cladded in the cutest kimono, walking by the river bank as the Sakura petals fell all around us. Or holding my crush's hand as we walked towards the palace that reminded us of Edo Japan. The ramen shop where I got my heart broken for the first time. The bridge overlooking the sunset, the place where I decided that being a doctor was more important than any boy I'll ever meet here. The small bookstore where my father got me my first medical novel. The park when I first saw Doctor Heli in operation and my father right beside the patient informing the flight doctor what he had observed.
A small town like ours needs the Doctor Heli system, we are too far off the nearest hospital. That was my goal when I first started out, to bring the system to my hometown. I've given up much of my days to study, to pursue this goal. To catch up with my father. And yet, now I'm here and he's not. Here I am back in my hometown, but unable to make my dreams a reality anymore. I take in a breath of fresh air as I make a turn into a tiny dessert store. He used to love the mochi sold here, I smile to myself remembering the rare days we would wonder into this store. The bench I used to always perch on to catch the activity happening outside while they chose which flavour they should try.
"Megumi? Megumi, is that really you!" the store owner announce as he came to the counter front. He's has not change one bit, Ikuta-san was our schools prized baseball player. There was always the buzz about him, how he was definitely going to qualify for the national team or how he's going to represent Japan in the Olympics. All that pressure and expectations on his shoulders, but he crushed everyone's dream for him when he announced he was dropping out of school to take over the family's business. I admired him, he knows what he wants and never bothered about the people's surroundings.
"Ikuta-san, it's been so long. How have you been? "I said with a smile across my face, thinking to myself maybe the turn of events could be a blessing in disguise after all.
"Mom, I'm home!" I shout into the house. After my father passed, my mom moved in with her friend. Together they run a small tea shop just opposite of their home. Part of me felt guilty knowing I will never be able to accompany her for as long as I work in Lifesaving. But my parents had constantly reminded me to pursue what I love. They've came to understand that I love Lifesaving, love being the staff leader and most importantly, loved the fellows that I've grew up with over 9 years.
"Come on in Megumi, look at you, you've change so much since the last I met you." My mother says as she gathers me in her arms. The warmth of a love one can never be replace. The countless of lone nights spent in Tokyo. In my apartment alone, staring out of the window wondering what a different life I would have led if I chose to be concentrated on young love rather than studying. Tears starts streaming down my face as I bury my head into my mom's shoulder. Her shoulder, the one that has and will always be there for me. Regardless was it a bully in school or a boy who broke my heart. It didn't matter if it was a failed exam or my father's passing. The guilt of choosing to save Hoshino instead, the pain of knowing he didn't stand a chance either. The loss of my title, the heart wrenching moment of leaving behind my cherish friends. It came all crashing into me as we slowly sink to the ground, her gentle pats down my spine, her soft whispers that it will be alright.
The day started like any other, a meeting, an update on patients, and a routine round with the entire staff. But although on the staff list everyone was present, it didn't felt complete. Letting out a sigh, I head into the staff area and took up the files. Some of these patients belonged to Shiraishi. We've separate her work among the seniors, her table remains untouched. As if we were all sure that she would be back. 9 years, that was how long we've known each other. Originally, I thought she was timid and shy. Quite my opposite actually and yet somehow, we've turn into good friends. She led the team with patience and grace. She had never once doubted me, she even advised me to pursue my specialization. Ah, she even helped convince Haruka I wasn't a bad man. This team remains strong and going because she never chose to give up. I've owed her much over the years but yet, when she needed help I could do nothing but stand by and watch. I push myself away from the laptop, it's no use I wasn't concentrating. Maybe I should get a snack. I turn to my right and notice the pile of noodles has been restocked. She must have restocked it before leaving. I reach over for a sesame flavoured one and smile to myself. It's just like her to always think of us before anyone else. I should focus, that would be the best way to repay her. Lifesaving was more than her life, and I would uphold her dream. Her legacy.
I announce that I was going to do my rounds and both Natori and Yokomine jumps up. The fellows are working hard. Shiraishi had already left for over a week, and Haitani was back. When we broke the news to him, it wasn't easy. He looked like he was on verge of yet another break down. He's prove us wrong, he's working twice as hard as ever. Even now, he requested to be present for an open heart surgery with Tachibana-sensei. I guess none of us want to let Shiraishi down. We will never want the public to even think that Shohoku lifesaving department was made up inexperienced staffs. I nod to the nurses by the counter and heads off with the fellows in tow. Ever since she left, lifesaving seems to have become even more boring. No cases was interesting, nothing gave me the jolt of excitement anymore. Coming back to lifesaving wasn't for the interesting cases but for Shiraishi. Now that she's gone, it felt like the light, the hope in lifesaving left with her. There was no more greetings by the corridor, or coffee cans waiting for us by the table. There was no worried words and concerned questions. There was just work and people tiptoeing over this painful tension. I let go of the breath I was taking in and sighed to myself. She was the radiance that gave lifesaving energy. Not that she would ever know that herself.
I take one last check off the list before zipping up the bag. It was a quiet day in lifesaving, on days like these she would be standing opposite me stocking the bags. It's not a doctor's job to do it but she helps me any free time she gets. I miss the small conversations and inside jokes we share all the time. Shiraishi was more than just the staff leader, she was a friend. To her, there was no such thing as ranks. There was no doctor and nurse between us. There was just love and friendship. 9 years ago if you had said that we would be where we are now, I would have laughed. She was so shy and good. Never speaking out of line, never taking a wrong step. It irritated me to no extend. She was the perfect daughter, the person I never became. And yet as the years went on, you catch the flaws in her life. The hard work she's done. She wasn't perfect, she was flawed, she made mistakes and she learn to stand back up. For all that imperfections, she was perfect. She embraces her flaws, she find ways to define herself. After all these years, I'm glad to have gotten to known her. I smile to myself as I load the bag into the corner. I took one last look around before heading home, silently feeling that her absence is painfully felt.
I crack my neck as I made my way into the staff room. It's been a slow day for the helicopter, but the patients in the hospital have gone through some intense surgery throughout the day. And I was beginning to feel the ache in my neck. As I sit myself down, I reach over to my left to grab my coffee only to realise, I didn't get one. Ah, somehow she always knows when I need a dosage of caffeine. Every time I want a drink, she would magically appear with one. But it was no magic, she watches us. She keeps an eye on us all. I glance up, from my view I can still see the stuff she left on the table. Nothing was move, her badge was still neatly place. I guess no one has the heart to acknowledge that we lost our staff leader. I lean back into my chair remembering the conversation we had. She said I would have made a better staff leader but she was wrong. She was the best leader we would get. She leads this team with kindness and courage. Yes, sometimes in order for people to learn they have to fall. Getting back up is the true fight, and more often than not the best way of learning is to get back up on our own. That's how I would've lead the team. But in doing so, we would cut off personal connections. If I haven't met her, I would have left Shohoku to pursue a better career and to only focus on rising through the ranks. I would have addressed patients by their sickness. I would have lost the chance to appreciate my grandmother. Our lifesaving is like a well-oiled machine, we work well together. We understand each other without the need for words. And that's because of her, she ties us together. She ties the 3 fellows together, meeting each other was a chance. However staying together was a choice, she has make them understand that. She has make us realise that. Because of her, we work.
She was the person I had always wanted in my life. Someone to turn to, someone to confide in. She never gives up on anyone, the fellows were practically useless when they joined. And yet, she wanted to train them. She was short on staff and yet she had understood my interest in the offer. She was indeed the perfect staff leader, without her what was this team going to become. I could only hone them in skills but never into a person. With her I was sure it would be different.
I shake my head slightly as I lean forward. Wondering how she was doing back in Aomori, when will she be coming back? When will I get to see her again?
The days went by without much activity. In the morning my mother would prepare breakfast while her friend got ready the shop. I would opt to walk around the town and meet old friends. As noon arrives, I would head back and help around the store. Life finally has a fixed schedule, I never missed lunch. There was a time and place for me to be at. This clockwork lifestyle, I hated it.
I miss the rush of adrenaline, miss the busy movements of everyone working hard on their own end. When night fell, I will find myself going through my father's old researches. I will sit by the balcony, a research medical book on my lap staring out into the calmness of night. Was this what my father felt when he discovered he had cancer? The need to do something useful, the need to save someone. Two weeks have gone since I arrived back home. I wondered how lifesaving was coping, was Haitani alright. Was Hiyama doing fine alone at home. Was Aizawa still guilty over the operation? I let out a sigh and fell to the ground. Just then the doors slides open and my mother comes in.
"Megumi, let's talk. " my mother said as she makes her way to me with a tray in her hands.
"Megumi, you've been home for two weeks. As much as I love seeing you and having you around, I know you aren't happy here. Maybe you should go back to Tokyo, the heart of Japan is where you belong. Not in a quiet town, I know that being a lifesaving doctor again is close to impossible. But what about the other routes, you could do what your father did. Do research, in your own way you are still trying to save lives. You've always looked up to him, imagine him seeing you like this. Just like you told him before, I'm going to say it back to you. Keep on living, Megumi. Keep on fighting, because regret stays with us forever. When you reach my age and look back on life, you'll be beating yourself for not trying your hardest." she gently says as she takes my hands in hers. I felt tears forming in my eyes as I look at her. My father had always been my role model, but my mother, she was my unsung hero. All those years she watch us grow from the side-lines, quietly supporting us. She never gives up on us. Not trusting my voice, I nod my head.
Two weeks here, it's time to head back. I pack whatever I can into my luggage, while my mother tapes the last of the boxes. My train was scheduled to depart this mid-afternoon. Earlier I gave the professor my father had worked with during his last days a call. I ask if I could continue my father's research. I question if there is any open space for me. Her response calmed my anxious heart, she was more than open to welcome me. She has heard stories about me from my father and have seen the efforts of the Doctor Heli system. She had even suggested that I did my research at Shohoku research centre. I was elated.
My mother walks with me to the train station and hands me a small bento set. Ah, this was the exact same thing she did back when I first left. I remembered being determined and scared. Not really wanting to leave for Tokyo but knowing people's expectations for me. I remembered crying all the way into Tokyo and taking forever to adjust. I take the bento and gives her one last hug.
"Mom, once again from here on, I'm in your care." She nod as I give her hand one last squeeze before boarding the train. I located my booth and loaded my luggage. I was on my way, this time it's not to achieve my dreams but it's to keep fighting. I will not give up, I'll keep going. Just as Aizawa said, I'm going to put myself first.
As the trains' engine roared into life, I felt a jerk and it starts moving. Mid-afternoon, why did I pick this timing to leave. I won't be able to catch the gorgeous sunset. I can't admire the beauty of Aomori coming to the end of its day. I look down on my hands, suddenly remembering what my parents had told me before I left Aomori back then.
"Remember Megumi, you aren't catching the sunset because this is not goodbye. You'll return to catch the sunset once more, you'll be someone different when you return. This isn't a goodbye but a see you again." My parents held me tightly that mid-summer afternoon. Back then, Tokyo was a foreign place with no one I cared for. But now going to Tokyo would be going home. They were there, and they were more than enough. I pop my head out of the window and wave to my mother waiting at the train station. She was a figure getting smaller and smaller by the second. And yet I know that she will be smiling. I take one last look at the rapidly passing town, take in one last breath. I shout into the open.
"I'll be back, that's a promise!" I duck back into the cabin just as the train enters the tunnel. I take out my phone and dial for Hiyama.
"Shiraishi! It's been two weeks! I miss my landlord! Are you coming home today? I'm not on night shift, let's eat dinner together! "I announce loudly into the phone. She finally called me back, she finally called one of us back. All around me the others stops eating. Even Aizawa stop and turn to face our table. I place her on loud speaker. On the other end of the phone I hear the laughter we've all missed.
"Hiyama! Yes I'm on the train home. Come home for dinner, I'll cook!" Before I could exclaim my excitement Fujikawa interrupted me.
"Shiraishi! Yes cook dinner for us all! Only Tachibana-sensei and the fellows are on duty tonight! Haruka and I will bring the drinks! Aizawa can bring the snacks!" Fujikawa just invites himself and everyone else. On the speaker, we hear yet another laughter before a reply.
"Alright then, make sure Aizawa-sensei comes or I'll have too much left over." I was about to turn to ensure Aizawa heard but I didn't have to. He replies over my shoulder.
"Ah, I'll be there." I saw a smile ghosting on his face.
"Then, we'll see you tonight." I said just before hanging up. In the moment, I could feel the tension ease off my shoulder. I see the tension in everyone slowly fading away. Going home tonight, it won't be to a lonely home. Just then, all of our emergency phone rings and over in Fujikawa and Saejima shoulder the command for Doctor Heli starts. Without finishing lunch, we dash off. As we made our various turns, I feel the adrenaline pumping through me. I smile.
I was in the process of setting up the table when I hear the door unlocking. Hiyama came in loudly announcing that she was home. Behind her Fujikawa and Saejima waves their bags of drinks. Only Aizawa was as usual polite. He bows and announces his apologies for disturbing us.
"I'm almost done, I just have to set the table and we can start eating." I mention as I turn away from the crowd and heads back into the kitchen. Fujikawa and Saejima took it as their cue to grab the ice and cups for everyone. Hiyama wonders off into the washroom and only Aizawa comes over.
"Let me help you." He says in his usual stoic expression, but his eyes betrays his emotions. He gently takes the plates off my hands and helps set up the remaining of the table. I feel myself smiling, seeing all of us together again. Conversation over dinner was filled with laughter and stories. They update me on how the fellows are doing, Aizawa updates me on how much Haitani has improved since my departure. I hear the update on Hiyama's dating life and the light scolding of Saejima to Fujikawa about being a busybody. As we swap out the main dishes for the desserts that Aizawa brought, I decide it was time to make my announcement.
"I've decided to take up a position in Shohoku Research Centre." I announce across the dinner table. There was silence for that moment, no one moves. I can see their eyes shifting towards each other, silently asking each other who should speak up first. Before I can say something to break the silence Aizawa speaks out.
"That's good to hear, will you continuing your father's research?" He questions me calmly as if knowing that this was the ultimate answer I will come up with. He really does know me well. I smile towards him before nodding my head. I see a smile form on his face, just as I was about to thank him, Fujikawa jumps up from his seat and exclaims.
"This is amazing! We will get to see you around! And here I thought we might never see you again!" Saejima grabs his shirt and yanks him back down.
"Don't say unnecessary things!" She chide at him. Hiyama raises her glass towards me, with the widest smile spreading across her face.
"Here's to Shiraishi! Our saviour for not making us feel guilty about abandoning our trays in the canteen anymore!" I burst out into laughter as I follow her actions and everyone follows suit.
By the time my alarm rings, the house was already empty. Hiyama must have left for her shift early. I moved around the house doing the usual, looking forward to the coming month where I'll officially start back at Shohoku. I got dress to head into town to get the necessary items before starting. Out of pure habit, I packed my pen light into my purse before heading out.
As I was making my way up from the carpark, I hear someone screaming. Followed by a loud screeching sound and an ear deafening crash. The impact knocks me off my feet and the next thing I saw was black smoke raising into the air. There was screams for help and cries of children. Countless of people running frantically away and in every direction. I stumble my way up of the stairways and into the open air. Scanning the surrounding, I located the source of all these noise. A multiple car crash, along with a bus that collided into a street store just outside the mall. It narrowly misses a tiny clinic. Two nurses and doctors dashes out of the clinic with first aid bags slinging over their shoulders. My training kicks in as I run towards the nearest first responders. I explain my profession before requesting for a bag. Firefighters were arriving on site and someone calls me to take charge of command till others arrives. I shift into my gear and got into action of sorting what's needed and designating where each colour should be. All the while keeping in mind that I could not hold a scalpel to operate. From the distance I hear someone announcing that Doctor Heli is on its way. It's going to be hard, this was in the middle of the town, landing the Helicopter will challenging. Not wanting to cause any trouble for my colleagues, I made the choice to leave the site once they arrive.
I hear the Helicopter before I actually see it. Time to go, I stand up from where I was, instructing the nurse to escort the patient I was treating to the green area. Just as I was heading to collect my personal belongings I hear someone screaming for help.
Turning the corner, I spot a young man. His legs were caught under an overturn vehicle, he was covered in blood. I run up towards him and begin to examine his chest. I took out my penlight and check for any pupil reaction. Frantically, I look around me to catch any firefighter.
"Excuse me, once the helicopter land please locate Aizawa-sensei and bring him here. This patient is in need of immediate attention!" I shout as one ran by me. I'm now caught in a terrible position, I know I can prolong this man's life if I can operate but I do not have permission to. As I was thinking to myself how I should go about this situation, a lady ran up beside the man.
"Please be okay, please! I'm so sorry I didn't mean to push you aside. Please. Doctor! Please!" she yells as she reaches out for me. I was about to reassure her, I was about to ask her for permission. I reach my hand out and take hers. I gather all the courage I can conjure up and finally look over. To my utter shock, it was the mother from the Takazuki family. From the look that form on her face, I could tell she wasn't expecting me either.
It felt like someone silenced the world. There was no chaos, no activity surrounding us. There was just her and me staring at one another. She was the women who cause me my career, I was the women who gave up on her son. In no circumstances I thought we would ever meet again. Yet here we are, on another accident site. Her other son fighting for life once more. I was the first to snap out of it. Gripping her hand tightly I announce.
"Takazuki-san, listen. If this goes on your son will be in cardiac arrest. If I don't open his heart and let oxygen through, he's going to die. I know that there is history between us. But I hope you understand that in this moment, I want to save your son. We know the Helicopter is on its way, but landing it could be a problem judging how it's a town area. We can't risk it, please. Please let me operate on your son, give me another chance to save your son's life."
Hey! This is sorta my notes:
Thank you to everyone who have read this story! For following it, for liking it.
Major shout-out to : ecchri, summermelon, dearqy, unexpectedAFFReader. Thank you for taking your time to review the first chapter.
To answer summermelon : althought I know it's redundant to, yes I am continuing this! I have about 4 chapters planned for this story originally.
To dearqy : thank you so much for being able to catch my explanation! I always fear that I don't make sense. I do have plans for Aizawa & Shiraishi. But it's not a full on moment. There will be a scene later on in the next chapter or so though. [Hopefully it's okay]
To ecchri : I'm sorry it's sad. . . . . . it picks up later on though! It ends in a happy ending! [That's my thinking but i believe it does!]
To unexpectedAFFReader : I hope whatever I have plan is alright!
Anyway, so here is chapter 2 on this story! Also as usual I know that the medical terms and situation are not real at all but please let it slide...
As usual, I hope the scenes aren't too confusing. And the characters are alright.
PS: I FINALLY CHECKED MY SETTINGS HAHAHAHAHAH I wanted to reply people, but figured so much time has pass so i thought it would be weird
Thank you, everyone here helps kick off my day to good start! I hope you'll enjoy reading this and hopefully it's compelling enough to keep you reading till the end!
Do leave what you feel or think about this story! Thank you all so so much!
To anyone reading this anywhere in the world,
Have a good day/afternoon/evening/night!
Let's spread love and joy and kindness, cause the world is a hard enough place to live in.
Lastly, I'm sorry my notes are always long and all that but with the crazy news on the shooting in Las Vegas.
I just want to say I'm sorry that this tragic incident has to happen, and if anyone reading this is affected by it. I send you my love and support.
And to anyone who knows someone that lives in Puerto Rico, I hope they are safe. Keep going and Keep fighting! Never give up!