Note: I had to cut this chapter again into two parts, man, its too long already and didn't want it to drag.
XXX
Teacher RuRu- Part 6.1 (2nd part)
Saturday, 9:00 AM
Rukawa got up early that day; he jogged in the morning and shoot some hoops in the nearby court. Going back home, he went straight into the kitchen to grab a drink. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he heaved a sigh and checked his phone. He blinked his eyes, furrowing his brows, he opened to check some emails. The first one seemed from the principal's secretary.
To: rukawakaede_11 .jp
Fr: principalsoffice .jp
Subject: Part2 Exam English-to be translated- 10-7
Rukawa-san:
Kindly translate the following documents in English; to be given to section 10-7, for your proctoring.
Thank you.
Attached:
Watanabe, J. P.
Head Principal, Sunnybrook
Rukawa simply scoffed but saved the email and took note of the assignment given to him this weekend. At least, I got something worthwhile to do. He proceeds then to open the next email which seemed to rather forwarded to them—the whole faculty. He pulled a chair and sat down, opening the email.
To: Everyone
Fr: officeofthesecretary .jp
Subject: Let's celebrate!
Hello!
In lieu of madame's birthday, you are all invited tomorrow for a few hours of fun and celebration. See you there! Be sure to arrive in your best 80s outfits. Prizes will be given.
Where: Karaoke Kan- VIP room
When: Sunday 09-06
Time: 6:00 PM
Theme: 80s
Saito, R
Secretary, Office of the Principal, Sunnybrook
Rukawa dumped a sigh and shook his head. Seriously? Its exam week! Never did Rukawa attended any party or some sort with his colleagues. He never did—not even once, in his three years in Sunnybrook. He never had any sort of interest and the fact that he thought his Sundays are best reserve for sleeping and resting. He'd rather practice basketball and maybe—drive around if he feels like it. Or prepare lectures. Or check papers. Or make quizzes. Or… there's a ton of other things he could think of. He paused in his thoughts—his mind suddenly hovering about a moment in yesterday—inside his car, under the pouring rain—then on the other night; patio, vodka…
Is my son giving you problems, sensei? Or is it the father giving you problems, rather? She's not my wife. I'm not married. I bought the ring already… I plan on marrying her…. Ready to get down on my knees…
Rukawa swallowed involuntarily, blinking and placing his phone down, he felt blood creeping on his ears. He scratched them, annoyed. Kso! Its downright illegal to be having these thoughts on a Saturday morning! Get up! You've got tons of things to do! And so, Rukawa Kaede willed himself that day—to busy himself, and maybe, just maybe… forget about a certain spiky-haired doctor that friskily 'proposed' to him, and while Rukawa knew that it was all just a stupid conversation between two tall, and deranged professionals—the line between reality and not, blurred a bit. And Rukawa knew, he has Vodka to blame.
Sunday, 5:30 PM
Rukawa exasperatedly sigh as he pulled on his light-weight coat and grabbed the small box atop the kitchen counter. He stared at the box for awhile and twitched his lips. Thing is, he was bombarded last night endlessly by the whole faculty that he wasn't able to create any form of solid alibis or excuses, and it ended for him into joining/ tagging along their principal's birthday. He opened the box for the last time and stared. Happy Birthday. -Rukawa K.
It was a small strawberry cake he bought for their boss. It isn't much but- BUT, he actually don't have any sort of idea what to give the middle-aged woman. With a final sigh, Rukawa grabbed the plastic, his keys, his phone, and head out.
6:30 PM, Karaoke Kan- Tokyo
Rukawa cursed to himself, as traffic kept him company. This area in Tokyo is known for bars and all the whatnots; hobby shops, ramen shops, electronics, bars, karaoke lounges, small restaurants, sushi stalls—everything that represents them, the people of Japan. Good thing, the venue has its own parking space in the basement and with one final turn, Rukawa descended down on the parking basement, pulling over to one space, taking note of the familiar vehicles from his colleagues.
He took the elevator and pressed '4' taking him to where the VIP room was. The door opened with a ding sound and Rukawa was greeted by quiet, carpeted, dimly-lit halls. He saw the sign in brass that leads to the VIP room and he immediately turned right, walked a few more steps before arriving at a specific door—a black wooden door accented with gold. He saw the name of his boss on the left side; with a sigh he twisted the door knob open and pushed it and instantly his eyes widened a bit and his mouth gape. He almost stumbled back—startled when they all screamed.
"Rukawa-sensei!"
"Whohoo! Rukawa-saaan!"
"Alright, you came in!"
"Kombanwaaaa!"
"Here comes madame's favorite! Hahaha!"
"Awww!"
"Rukawa-sensei, have a drink, ne?!"
"Hey, why aren't in your 80s?!"
Rukawa closed the door behind him, —his eyes moving from all around as he nodded hastily, gave a curt smile, a shrug, and more nods. He went bug-eyed, to be honest. The room was obviously big. Like—a room for sixty people. It has a mini stage, a large screen, five round tables with tiffany chairs around them, bright lights above, but most importantly—Rukawa cannot believed his colleagues. All of them sporting the classic 80s vibe and clothing. Rukawa felt like he was literally left out. They all ushered him to come in forward. His eyes immediately spotting Ayako who was waving at him. Rukawa blinked his eyes as Ayako spun around for him. She was sporting a neon-colored cropped top sweatshirt, high-waisted black leggings, a neon-colored multi-folded socks, a pair of sneakers, some bangles, her curly hair with a large ribbon on top, and yeah, her large earrings and other accessories.
"Ngggh! Hahaha! How do I look, Rukawa-sensei?" She winked. Rukawa tugged the corner of his lips up. "Cyndi Lauper ripped off. You looked… nice." He muttered. Ayako laughed and playfully slap him. "Don't give me that she-looks-beyond-nice-look of yours. Hahah! Too late, I'm married!" She playfully said back. Rukawa snorted and shook his head. "Well… ever heard of cheating?" Ayako gape—then they both chuckled, high-fiving each other.
"Sensei- you!" Ayako hollered, feeling her face warmed.
"I'll be a good stepdad." Rukawa muttered monotonously; teasing further. Ayako continued chuckling.
"Too bad, you already have S slash A! Hahaha!" Ayako chirped.
Rukawa blinked—surprised, startled. He gapes then closed his mouth when he went speechless. Ayako eyes him playfully, the chuckled. "See?! Hahaha!" Rukawa simply snorted but he smirked a bit, rolling his eyes at the grinning History teacher. Theirs was plainly platonic.
Rukawa looked around and saw a table topped with gifts, paper bags, parcels, of every kind. He walked over and gazed above the gifts. He discreetly placed his on one corner and moved away, feeling a tad bit of a loser when he saw how the other gifts seemed luxurious. Ugh! Maybe I shouldn't have attended! He inwardly mused to himself.
Soon after, everyone was fairly settled, madame principal arrived with her husband—they all clapped and greeted her. She welcomed and thank everyone for coming. Rukawa found himself amongst the table with Ayako, Takato, his assistant, the Math teacher, and three other teachers. The boring table. They were talking randomly with one another while having dinner.
Madame principal roamed around each table and when she reached Ayako's group, she smiled and chuckled. Ayako stood up and grinned at her. "Happy birthday madame! Your darling English teacher is present, whoo!" She chortled. Their table laughed and hooted. Rukawa scoffed, not wanting the attention as he placed a palm atop his forehead, shaking his head.
"Ohoho, yes, I can see that—Rukawa-sensei, arigato for coming. I'm glad you made it." She playfully slapped Rukawa on the arm. Everyone laughed. Rukawa simply smirked a bit and nodded. "Uh… yeah, thanks for the invite, madame principal-sensei."
Rukawa would have left instantly after dinner, but it seems that he cannot leave and that his original plan has been scraped off! Aside from the fact that the food and drinks and alcohol kept on coming like some tidal wave. It was hard to miss since everything came in for free. No one seemed to bother the time and how many glasses or shots they've been drinking. Heck, even the grumpy and no-fun Math teacher is glued on his seat—talking and laughing with the younger teachers. Rukawa would have been bug-eyed as everyone danced the night away with the contemporary artists of the 80s.
They all went crazy when madame and his husband join in the fun. The dance floor was filled with bouncing teachers as they all clapped and hooted with the undying sounds of Footloose and Take on Me. Rukawa rolled his eyes and kept the snickers to himself as he contented himself by sitting on one corner. He honestly thought they all looked funny as some teachers tried dancing for the first time.
9:00 PM
"Bye!"
"Hey, see you tomorrow!"
"Safe drive, sensei!"
"Yeah, it was fun!"
"Oh, here comes my Uber, bye!"
The seemingly unending waves, hugs, chatters, and laugh annoyed Rukawa—and with one final nod to each and everyone he inwardly jumps in glee as he marched his way to his car, pressed the door open, glanced momentarily on his watch and was about to get in when his eyes spotted Coach Takato talking and waving to the exiting assistant. The old man caught sight of him as he nodded and waved at Rukawa.
Rukawa simply nodded back and got in, adjusted his seat, the rear-view mirror, and everything and started the engine. He backed up a bit before maneuvering the wheel to the right and passed by Takato who was eyeing his phone. Rukawa stepped on his brakes. "Takato-san." He called. The old man looked at him, a smile and grinned. "Rukawa-sensei… heh, waiting for my Uber." Rukawa blinked, surprised that Takato came in without his vehicle but he nodded. He stared at the old man for a while, and Rukawa knew he had to leave because he can literally feel sleep lurching around.
"Takato-sensei… will you be fine?" Rukawa stated lowly, deep inside he punched himself on the face. Ugh, why cant you just leave. Why do you have to asked? Just go home already, wiseacre. The old man nodded and smiled. "Yeah, arigato, Rukawa-sensei—just booking my ride." And Rukawa nodded—and so, with one final wave, Rukawa stepped on the gas and moved along, his eyes glancing one last time on the old man standing alone on the drop-off area of the parking lot. Rukawa stared up ahead and was about to turn right when his eyes found themselves seeing the familiar figure of someone from the rear-view, dropping on the ground.
XXX
Sunday, 9:40 PM, Meadow Valley Hospital- Emergency
"BP 90/120, heart rate 120, O2 SAT is 90, diaphoretic…"
"Get him a line…"
"Sir… sir… can you hear me?"
"We need a chest X-ray, CBC, CMP, UA…"
"Page Dr. Fumiya, possibly a CT patient—left lung's wet, possible effusion."
"CHF probably?"
"Maybe… add the cardiac enzymes too, will you?"
"Alright, sure…"
Rukawa anxiously stood on one corner as several workers walked in and about one treatment room—there were nurses, doctors, and other paramedical personnel; they were talking endlessly— using technical words he has no idea or whatsoever. All he knew is that—they were hovering around the old man he brought in with him—his colleague from Sunnybrook, Coach Takato Riki.
Rukawa roamed his eyes around the large emergency room, since it is a Sunday, there weren't many people around which he thought of as lucky in a way, but his mind is kept fixed on the sight of the old man when he saw him on the ground, eyes unfocused, his breathing labored, and he was profusely sweating and he had no choice but to lift the bigger old man and dragged him onto his car and sped off to the hospital. He is no medical personnel but Rukawa knew an emergency when he sees one. He can remember yelling for help as he stopped in front of the well-lit emergency department and soon enough, nurses came rushing in with a bed and Takato was rushed in.
"Excuse me…"
Rukawa seemed to be broken out of his reverie when a male nurse approached him. He looked up, his still shaken eyes, evident as he stared at the equally tall and smug-looking nurse. Rukawa blinked his eyes and tried to focus. "Would you mind following me for a bit?" The nurse stated. Rukawa simply nodded.
He was led on one corner and was ushered to sit. Rukawa stared at his phone who was now bombarded with missed calls and messages from colleagues when he tried to message Ayako and the others to tell them what happened.
"Can you show me some ID, please?"
Rukawa nodded as he fished for his wallet and pulled out his driver's license. The nurse took it and typed something on the computer. "How are you related to the patient?" The nurse asked, without looking at him. Rukawa shrugged. "He's my… colleague." The nurse nodded. "Where?" Rukawa licked his lips for awhile. "Uh… Su-Sunnybrook Middle School." The nurse nodded, continued typing whatever. "So, tell me what happened?"
"We—were in a gathering, our boss's birthday, I was about to go home and exit when I saw him… dropping on the ground." Rukawa stated, his eyes tired and worried; reluctant to mention the word party since he thought it was a tad bit inappropriate, considering what happened.
"Are you aware of his medical condition?"
"No… not really." Rukawa paused, trying to remember if Takato told him anything—but he wasn't really close with the PE teacher, the last time they went out was a few days ago, when the students treated them, and the old man seemed fine.
"Do you happen to know someone—a family member we can call to inform them?" The nurse asked, turning his eyes on him. Rukawa shook his head. "No." Rukawa paused. "Umm—I called in his coach assistant, maybe he'd know more." The nurse nodded, eyeing him as he returned his ID. The nurse stood up, got some papers and wrote something on a chart. Rukawa stared at the tall nurse whose hair is styled in dreadlocks. He saw partly some tattoos on his left arm but he didn't mind.
"Coach assistant?"
"Y-yeah. He's… a PE teacher."
"I see." Fukuda smiled a bit as he continued writing on the chart. He partly batted an eye on the person sitting—tall, raven-haired, pale, blue-eyes, pointed nose… long thick eyelashes. He smirked to himself, partly remembering someone he knows that would probably take a second look at the tall person in front of him. Fukuda almost wondered if the person who brought in the 'coach teacher' is actually some J-Pop idol. But, he said they were colleagues—so that means, he also teaches. "Rukawa-san, right?"
Rukawa looked up and nodded. Fukuda smiled a bit and leaned as he placed the chart and dialed on the phone. "You teach, too?" Rukawa nodded again. "English." Fukuda stared. "Interesting." Rukawa simply snorted. He shrugged, wondering what the nurse meant. Fukuda nodded as he waited with the phone on his ears. Rukawa averted his gaze somewhere; seeing a few patients on the other treatment room with their relatives inside.
"I remember him mentioning something about—being referred to a cardiothoracic surgeon?" Fukuda blinked his eyes and nodded. "Yeah, possible MICU, yep… I need one room. Sure. Thanks." Fukuda placed the receiver down and stared at Rukawa. He nodded. "Cardiothoracic. Does he have a doctor here?" Rukawa shook his head. "I- I don't know." A pause. Reluctancy. That feeling of hesitancy, like he's suddenly feeling a bit disinclined to mention, more like…asked the nurse in front of him about… a certain person.
"Anyway, thanks for the information, Rukawa-san…" Fukuda started as he grabbed the chart and started around the table.
"I—I know someone."
"Hm?"
Rukawa slightly fidgeted on his seat. "I mean… I know someone who's a cardiothoracic surgeon, maybe you can refer Takato-san to him?" Rukawa muttered. Fukuda paused. "Got a name?" Rukawa was about to say it when he turned to where he heard his name was called at.
"Rukawa-sensei!" It was the assistant coach, and a woman. "I came in as soon as I heard, this is Takato-san's wife…" Rukawa nodded as he stood up and walked towards his colleague and the crying lady. "Where is he?" She muttered; her eyes wet from too much worry. Fukuda, sensing the situation, nodded and ushered them to the treatment area. "Come with me."
XXX
11:00 PM, Meadow Valley Hospital, Emergency
Do you need me there? -Ayako
I'm fine. -Rukawa
Are you sure? I can drop by, I'm worried about Takato-sensei. -Ayako
They said he's stable; no need, you will only worry your kids. -Rukawa
But—Madame principal also called me; she wants to be updated; everyone is worried! - Ayako
They said he's somewhat stable now, his wife is here and assistant coach, besides its late -Rukawa
Alright, give me a ring if anything—I can hurry down there. You should go home, too. -Ayako
Sure. -Rukawa
Drive safe, alright? Text me when you get home! -Ayako
Yes, mother. -Rukawa
Haha. Not funny! -Ayako
"Rukawa-sensei." The English teacher looked up; it was Takato's assistant. He sat beside Rukawa. "Well, the resident doctor is trying to explain everything to both of them, I tried providing everything I know—I think he's going to need surgery." Rukawa blinked and could only nod, trying to digest every word. He heaved a sigh and nodded. The assistant smiled a bit. "Its good you were there, sensei. Things could have been worst."
Rukawa gulped, shifted on his seat and said nothing—he nodded though. It isn't everyday that he is faced with a grappling situation; managing awkward and naughty and noisy students maybe a handful, but when presented with a life-or-death situation, having experience in managing "something" isn't always helpful.
"Maybe you should go home, sensei. I can manage from here. Besides, you are proctoring for tomorrow- it's a vacant day for me so, no big deal." A smile. Rukawa nodded, the assistant is right- it is exam week and he needs to proctor for four days, well, everyone does. "Okay. I guess… you're right." Rukawa muttered. He dumped a sigh and grabbed his coat, glancing one last time at his phone, he stood up and stared at the treatment room where Takato is. "I should at least tell I'm leaving." Rukawa stated, the assistant simply nodded and the two walked towards the room.
Takato is semi-conscious and was hooked on different tubes and intravenous medicines when the two arrived. His wife curtly smiled and bowed, thanking Rukawa as the three shared a light-hearted chat. Rukawa stepped onto Takato's vision as the older man stared at him and nodded slowly. "You'll be fine, Takato-san." Rukawa muttered in his soft voice. The old man simply nodded weakly, but his eyes are grateful. Rukawa nodded and tried to lift one corner of his lips up. "You're treating us next time on that yakiniku restaurant, right, sensei?" He muttered. Takato simply nodded again. The three looked at each other and smiled to themselves. Rukawa was about to turn and leave when the nurse from before entered—together with a female nurse; a chart on his hand and another bag of clear fluid to be hooked up. Their eyes met for awhile and for some reason, Rukawa was left glued on the spot.
"Did you page Dr. Fumiya?"
"Yeah, I did—but he's assisting on the explore LAP we had earlier on."
"Who do we have on board?"
The female nurse swipe something on her tablet and lifted her brows. "Oh." She smiled—almost giggly. Fukuda stared at the tablet and snorted. "Thought the maestro is off today."
"Can I scrub in if he operates?" The female nurse stated, grinning.
"No. You're needed here in the emergency." Fukuda stated as he finished hooking and checking in the additional intravenous meds and drip count. Why does every female seemed to fawn under his colleague? The female nurse scoffed. The two looked at everyone and Fukuda cleared his throat. "Well, I believed the resident explained everything already, Takato-san, you may need surgery to alleviate the pressure in your lungs and heart."
"T-tonight?" The wife muttered. Fukuda nodded, looking at his own tablet. "Well—we do have a CT surgeon onboard; I will have to inform him first and get back to you." He nodded as the two nurses excused themselves.
XXX
Fukuda knocked on the brown wooden door and twisted the knob open; the room was dark but the lights from the computer screen was on. One couch was empty and Fukuda stared at the other couch who was habited by a figure wrapped under a comfy-looking comforter. Fukuda snorted, smiled a bit and cleared his throat. He approached the sleeping figure and tapped one leg.
"Hey." Fukuda started. The figure groaned a bit, moved to his left but kept the comforter on. Fukuda rolled his eyes. "Hey, thought you're off today. Surprised to see your name on board. Uh—so, hate to wake you but, you got a case." No movement. Nothing. Fukuda rolled his eyes and tried one more time; he nudged harder this time. "Hey Doc—you got a case… patient is from your son's school- Sunnybrook."
Fukuda inwardly congratulated himself. The comforter was brought down. Fukuda watched amusedly, leaning on the wall behind him. Fukuda snorted, lifting the corner of his lip up. "I'm sending you the details." He glanced at his tablet and swiped a few. "Patient in ED, treatment 4. We're guessing a heart failure. We're ready when you are."
The doctor simply nodded—hands on his face as he yawned again. He hoisted himself up as Fukuda watched. "Thought you're—off today."
Sendoh yawned and stretched his arms as he grabbed his tablet and scanned the details of the patient; eyes still a bit sleepy but his mind is very much alive. "Thought Fumiya's around…" He started lowly. Fukuda shrugged. "We had a GSW earlier, he had to assist in explore LAP and—I think he has a cabbage next." Sendoh nodded, swiping the tablet—eyes reading on the case. "Hmm… bilateral effusion, aorta looks stenotic, yeah, patient may need a valve replacement, prep him up, give me OR 1; I'll be there in ten."
Fukuda nodded, smiling a bit. "Will sure do." He was about to exit when he stopped. Sendoh paused, zooming in his tablet. "Uh- wait."
"What?"
"Takato Riki?"
Fukuda nodded. "Yeah, you know him?"
Sendoh looked up momentarily. "Hmm—I think I've heard of his name somewhere." He stared at the tablet but seemed to ran out of clues. He snorted and stared at Fukuda—smiling a bit. "I'll go and see him anyway." Fukuda shook his head and exited. Sendoh yawned for the last time, grabbed his coat hanging on one sofa, his stethoscope, and head towards the door catching up on Fukuda.
"Damn, is this fucking North pole or what, its too cold." Sendoh groaned, complaining about the aircon, yawning a bit while brushing both of his arms with his hands.
Fukuda smirked. "Need a hug?"
Sendoh chuckled. "From you? Nah, thanks."
"You want me to page your resident?"
Sendoh thought for awhile. He does have his own resident—a female, competent, very much hangs around with him especially in operations. He nodded. "Yeah, sure." Fukuda nodded and pressed on his pager. "Alright."
"Thanks, Kicchou."
"Thought you're off."
"I'm actually filing for a leave that's why I've been doing the weekends." Sendoh grinned.
"Oh. Vacation?" Fukuda queried while waiting for the elevator. Sendoh nodded. "Sort of—taking my son to his grandparents in Kanagawa, visit my old folks."
"That's good."
Soon after, the elevator door opened and the two entered.
XXX
7:59 AM, Sunnybrook, Monday, Exam Week- 1st Day, 10-7
"So, if you do not understand anything, stand up quietly from your seat and approach me in front. Any questions?" Rukawa stated. Everyone shook their heads as they impatiently tapped their pencils. Rukawa glanced at his watch. "Alright—you may begin now. Eyes on your own paper only." Twenty heads nodded as they flipped open their folders and started answering their first exam that day.
Rukawa momentarily stared at this so-called 'special class' and turn to seat on his chair. He was asked to proctor this particular room of half-Japanese students—mainly, students with foreign blood whose first language is not Nihongo. It was okay really, but can be quite pretty challenging too, since most of the time, not everyone catches up with learning the Japanese language easily—coupled with their katakana and hiragana, respectively.
Although majority of them were born in Japan with either Japanese mothers or fathers, most of them speak two-three languages at home. And so, Rukawa would give the instructions in both Nihongo and English which is—tiring, so to say the least. Rukawa dumped a sigh and stifled a yawn, remembering last night's events, he wondered if Takato is doing fine—well, everyone literally when he arrived bombarded him with questions to which he only said quite a few and nothing else. The principal approached him as well and after that they all went ahead with their exams.
Surgery. Rukawa thought of his college teammate last night—is Sendoh around? He honestly wanted to refer the old man to his college teammate—maybe its Sendoh's familiarity, or the fact that having the opportunity to hang-out with the older guy made him realize that the final forming of a person's character often lies in their own hands, and Rukawa honestly thought that Sendoh did just that. He's not just someone who knows accountability, he knows commitment—and that probably led him to where he is now.
Rukawa must have been taking in too much of his trance; time dwindled down rapidly and soon enough the students started getting up, stretching, and passing their papers up front. The bell rang—time for their recess.
12:00 noon, Faculty room
Rukawa dumped the final batch of exam papers and folders on his desk and took note of his own students' papers as well on one side; bundled together with the examinee count, his section has been proctored by Ayako so he knows they're in good hands. He looked around and saw the other teachers quietly trying to clear as well their own desks. The day has been a bit gloomy given Takato's incident but work and life must go on, they could only wish for his speedy recovery.
The students rushing and running outside the aisle made a few noises but none of the teacher's mind; obviously they're happy because they're going home early. Rukawa, too, settled on his desk, and decided to sort out papers and everything. Plugging his wireless earphones in his ears he started marking those easier to get over with.
4:00 PM
Rukawa momentarily stared at the final paper he's got on hand and decided to encircle the last question. He dumped a sigh and put on the score atop and dropped down his pen. He leaned back on his chair, stretched his arms, yawning as he did so—rubbing his eyes off, feeling sleepy and tired all of a sudden. He pushed his chair, stood up and decided to grab a cup of coffee. He looked around and saw some empty desks—some of the teachers deciding to leave early as well. He saw Ayako who was buried on her desks, checking her own share of bundles. Rukawa decided not to bother her anymore.
XXX
Monday, 5:00 PM
Cole stretched his arms, took off the headphones on his head, and stood from his study table and exited his room. He walked barefoot on their maple wood floor and treaded down the stairs quietly. Scratching his cheek, he roamed around his eyes. "Dad?" He called out. Seemingly forgetting something, he rushed upstairs and knocked on Sendoh's room—twisted the knob open and pushed. "Dad?" Cole blinked his eyes; indeed, he was right. Sendoh is lying on his bed, under his comforter. Cole walked towards the large bed in monochromatic hues and tapped Sendoh's shoulder.
"Dad?" Cole uttered. He knew his father did a graveyard shift last night and must have gone home only around later this morning when he was still in school. "Dad." Cole nudged his father again. Sendoh groaned a bit, pulled the comforter down, eyes sleepy, hair disheveled, he groaned. "What?" He almost gurgled. Cole grinned. "Dad, I'm hungry."
Sendoh pfft. "Try the cupboard… there's… some… instant ramen there…" Sendoh stated, then went back to snoring. Cole twitched his lips and rolled his eyes. He nudged his father again. "But, I've been eating those cup noodles since last week. Dad…" A nudge again. Sendoh scratched his head and tried to hoist himself up. "Sheesh Cole, I'm so sleepy— I had an emergency surgery last night." Sendoh started, eyes drooping. Cole smiled a bit. "Sorry Dad, I know you're tired… but actually, we don't have anymore groceries left."
Sendoh opened both of his eyes and stared at his mini-me. "Hontou?" Cole nodded. "Yeah, I was about to tell you last weekend but you seemed busy always. Anyway, we should do the grocery now, Dad." Cole stated lowly. Sendoh groaned and yawned, rubbing his sleepy eyes. He took note of the time and scratched his head. Cole simply stared and chuckled at his father. Sendoh looked. "What?" Cole shrugged and hopped on the bed—behind Sendoh and playfully massaged his father's broader back. "You can do it, Dad! Let's go, you got a son to feed!" He grinned.
Sendoh blinked—surprised and chuckled softly, rubbing his face with his palms. "Thanks for reminding me of my life mister, now get off me, you squirrel." Cole laughed. "Dad, if it makes you feel better, I finished the laundry already." Sendoh chuckled softly, standing up and walking towards his closet, and grabbing a random shirt and some pants. "Have you finished studying? Its exam week, right?" Cole nodded. "Yeah." Soon enough, the tandem of father-and-son left to their groceries that late Monday afternoon.
XXX
Three days passed… Thursday, Sunnybrook, 1:00 PM
Last day of exam, the students hurriedly finished their exams and rushed outside, feeling all-too-jolly for the coming long weekend ahead. Some faculty members decided to leave the office earlier as well. Rukawa decided he'd stay and maybe, file an overtime as well—very much committed in finishing everything. He willed his mind into it. Just then, the door to the faculty room opened, it was the principal. They all looked at the lady. "Sit down everyone, look—I arranged a short visit today to Takato-san. Everyone is free to come, heard he's been roomed-in as I've heard from his assistant, we will visit him in pairs. I brought some fresh flowers and fruits. So, those who are willing to join, please be ready in thirty minutes." She smiled and exited the room.
Murmurs and chat erupted as soon as the door was closed. Some decided to join while others seemed to have other plans. Ayako immediately approached Rukawa who was busy piling the papers. "Well, are you going? I want to go. Lets join ne, sensei?" Rukawa heaved a sigh and looked at his colleague. "I honestly want to finish everything today." He muttered rather fairly. Ayako understood; besides, everyone is much aware that it was Rukawa who literally brought the older guy in the emergency. Ayako nodded, pouting a bit. "Fine, its okay. But I'll probably join in." She grinned and went back to her desk.
3:00 PM, Meadow Valley, 10th Floor
Takato was semi-conscious when his colleagues showed up, so his wife was very much the one who's talking with the teachers. Six teachers including the principal decided to visit him. They chatted and stayed for a bit inside the room; words of encouragement filled in for Takato who simply nodded and smiled weakly to each of them.
"Get well soon, Takato-san."
"Speedy recovery, sensei."
"Don't worry about the school sensei, just take your time."
"I am so worried about you Takato-sensei, its good Rukawa-sensei was there."
"Indeed, we are grateful at him." Takato's wife nodded.
XXX
3:15 PM, Meadow Valley, Operating Room
Sendoh is washing both of his hands thoroughly. He just finished an operation. "Nice work back there, Doc." His resident chirped in, as she, too, opened the faucet and started washing her hands, batting an eye to her right—at the tall senior CT fellow surgeon. "Hey Doc, can I ask you out for a cup of coffee?" A grin. Sendoh closed the faucet, paused for awhile and stared—smiling as usual.
"Doctor Maeda…"
"I guess we're having that coffee alright, my treat." A smile.
"Can you tell me what type of approach I did awhile ago during the transcatheter aortic valve replacement?"
The resident female doctor blinked to her surprise, she honestly thought Sendoh is going to converse with her casually. She cleared her throat, still washing, she forced a smile. "Uh… transaortic." She grinned. Sendoh scoffed a bit. "It was the transapical, doctor." The resident gasped a bit, felt her ears burned as embarrassment took over. She continued washing her hand. Sendoh heaved a sigh. "Next time, I want your eyes on the procedure. Am I understood, doctor?" The resident nodded, curtly smiled, amidst the embarrassment and nodded. "Sure. I promise I was paying attention while you're placing the balloon stent."
"Well, I need your full attention on the procedure and the patient—and not on your attending. I hope we are clear on this." Sendoh stated, nodding and excusing himself as he exited the OR sterilization area. The nurse who was on the other side exchanged looks with Doctor Maeda. "Believe me, you're not the first to fix their eyes on him." She smirked. Doctor Maeda simply smirked back and shrugged. "Oh—just an added bonus, just so you know, he's got a son already." The nurse winked a bit and chuckled; left the area. The resident simply stared at the now empty space around her and remained surprised but passive as well.
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4:00 PM, Meadow Valley, 10th floor
A knock on the door grabbed the attention of several heads inside the room. Ayako peeped as the door was pushed open. Her eyes widened and her lips instantly smiled, reaching to her ears. They all greeted the familiar figure of Sendoh Akira with his resident doctor behind him.
"Father of Cole?"
"Sendoh-san!"
"Ohoho, Doctor Sendoh, am I glad to see you…"
"Hello, Sunnybrook." He started. They all chuckled. Sendoh cleared his throat, still donned in scrubs under his white coat, a stethoscope around his neck. "This is my resident, Doctor Maeda Hanako." The lady doctor smiled and bowed. "Hello. Nice to meet you all, I'm Doctor Maeda." The teachers bowed back. Sendoh approached Takato who was lying down with a lot of hanging clear solutions, two IVs and an oxygen. Sendoh stepped into his vision and smiled. "How are you, Takato-san?"
The old man simply nodded. "He's been awake for three hours already and he seems to be eyeing each and everyone of us." His wife muttered. Sendoh nodded. "That's a good sign, Mrs. Takato. Uh, would you mind taking in some deep breaths for me, Takato-san?" Sendoh uttered and was soon checking his patient's vitals as several eyes stared on. Sendoh was murmuring in low voice the vitals to which his resident was taking notes on her chart.
A few minutes more and Sendoh leaned on the foot of the bed, wanting to say something. Sensing it might be something a bit private, everyone excused themselves except for Ayako and the principal, Takato's wife, and the resident.
"Well, basically Takato-san underwent a transcatheter aortic valve replacement—a TAVR (taver) as we call it; aside also from the fact that he had fluids leaking inside his lungs because of an impaired valve. While this may significantly make a more positive outcome to him, no operation is without complications…" Sendoh stated and his explanation went on for a few more minutes with everyone listening; the wife asking a few questions, the principal too—Sendoh's resident answering as well.
Ayako kept her silence for most part, offering her moral support. Her eyes kept bouncing from the two doctors to Takato, to the wife, to principal—until it settled at Sendoh, well, particularly at Sendoh's white coat. Ayako furrowed his brows and tried to stare harder. Sendoh Akira, MD, Cardiothoracic surgeon.
XXX
7:00 PM, Thursday
Rukawa yawned, finally being able to finish checking a part of the other exams. Piling up the paper and fastening them with a jumbo clip, he stood up from his chair and dragged his feet lazily to the kitchen. He hasn't eaten his dinner yet. For some reason, work has consumed him and he didn't notice the time. Ayako messaged him and told him about the visit and that Takato seemed to be doing well. Ayako also informed him of the one thing that actually got his attention—a bit. She said, Sendoh dropped by the room and that Takato is his patient now. Rukawa remembered blinking his eyes and staring at his phone for a minute, quite frankly reassured that it was his former college colleague that handled the old teacher. For some reason—the thought of Sendoh's presence is quite calming, ironically, it unnerves him as well.
Rukawa is simply staring at his open cupboard, his mind, blank. Not really knowing why he opened it at the first place; he was thinking of what to cook but he suddenly felt all too lazy to even open a canned soup. Dumping a sigh, he leaned back on his sink and rubbed his face tiredly. It's been a week—or so he thought since he last saw Sendoh. And that was when the doctor suddenly dropped by his apartment, bringing in some bottles of vodka and whatever junk and they ended up talking and fooling around the night.
The thought made him scoffed a bit as he fixated his eyes at nothing in particular. Feeling the slight hunger seeping in him now, he decided he'd go out and find a nice meal to take-out.
Rukawa pulled over an empty parking lot on a nearby plaza center and placed both of his hands inside his light jacket and scanned the area. The usual fast-food chains made him rolled his eyes as he started walking towards Japan's favorite chicken every Christmas—KFC.
He placed his take-out order on the seat beside him when his phone rang. Rukawa clacked his tongue and stared at the screen for awhile. Ayako? Rukawa answered.
"Hey."
"Rukawa-sensei! Sorry for calling you so late, can I ask you a favor?" She muttered, giggling a bit on the other line. Rukawa rolled his eyes. "Ch. Depends on the favor." Ayako chuckled. "Doaho, can you please send me a copy of the grading worksheets tonight? I actually left my file folder in the hospital when we visited Takato-san earlier—and my USB is in the folder, I called his wife and indeed, I left it there. It's a bummer, I know." A pause. "Gosh, I am being a bit clumsy and forgetful these past few days and maybe because I…"
Ayako continued rambling to which Rukawa paid no heed. Folder. Left. Hospital. Excel worksheets. Rukawa found himself looking outside to which where he was and glancing at his watch.
"Sensei? Rukawa-sensei… are you still there?"
"Yeah." A pause.
"Yokatta… well?" Ayako asked again, her tone, hopeful. She heard Rukawa dumped a sigh.
"Uh—actually, I'm not at home."
"Aww, crap."
"I mean… I'm actually at 12th district and its just a few more blocks from the hospital." Rukawa gripped his hand on the steering wheel tightly, annoyed and amused at himself for even saying where he was. What the hell?! What are you implying, fox-face?! Rukawa went bug-eyed, unbelieving that he just called himself fox-faced.
"Oh! Sounds just about?!" Ayako started then she cheered, laughing and thanking Rukawa.
"You owe me for this."
"I know, sensei! Of course, I wont forget! Say hi again to Takato-san for me. Arigato, Rukawa-sensei! I'll drop by your apartment first thing tomorrow to get my folder!"
Dial tone. Rukawa stared at his phone screen for awhile, wondering what has gotten into him to even sort of volunteer to get Ayako's folder. For some reason, he found himself trying his best to convince that it was just a favor he was willing to oblige that is why he is dropping by Meadow Valley—and not because of something else… or someone.
TBC (6.1.1- 3rd Part)
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