Chennai

Chennai Williams opened the little Gucci box one more time to be sure her eyes weren't being deceptive.

This was the twelfth gift that Chris had sent to her this month and with each passing day they keep getting bigger and better.

She didn't have time to mope around. She quickly shut the little box and finished up her breakfast.

AT THE HOSPITAL

"Dr. Williams, your first case for today is at 10am but Chris would really like to see you before you go into the theatre."

"I'll be right there. I just have look at some documents first."

★★★

"Hello Chris"

"Hi Chennai"

"I didn't think you would have to see me before your surgery"

"I really don't. I had to sneak in here. Thank you for the gift. How's your head today? Any seizures?"

"If I had seizures you would know. You have all my files. I don't know how much time I have…"

"No Chris. Don't say that."

"… I just wanted to see you in case this is my last time."

Chris had a primary malignant brain tumor. They had just concluded a surgery on him but couldn't get it all out.

"I love you Dr. Chennai."

"You really need to speak more positively. I want the best for you Chris. I truly do but I need to go get ready for my first case"

As she made an incision on the patient's scalp she couldn't help but remember weeks ago when she did this same act on Chris.

"I'm done", she said as she stood at the doorway of Chris's room but he didn't respond.

"Chris. Chris. Chris! Somebody get me an AED. We have a seizure here"

★★★

"Chennai"

"Chris,..", she said as she stood up from the chair she was resting on. "… how do you feel?"

"what happened?"

"You had a seizure"

"If you're going to be here every time I wake up after a seizure then I need more seizures ", he said with a soft smirk playing on his lips.

"I was worried. I was going to discharge you tomorrow but seeing your state and condition I think we need to get you a nurse. She could bring you in for your chemo appointments and you could have a close companion"

"You're the only companion I need"

"Mr. Chris. I'll be in my office"

If she were being honest with herself, she knew that she really did love Chris for the number of months he had been in the hospital and formed a tight bond. Although, she was also his doctor and she knew the state of his health. He was literally walking on thin ice. She didn't want to set herself up for grief plus it was definitely against ethics.

"Just this one night. Will you stay here with me? Chennai?"

She wanted to go home but there was nothing waiting for her there. No one just her and her thoughts left to roam about.

"I will but I'll have to leave really early in the morning to go freshen up and come back in for work"

She ordered them meals. They talked, they ate, they laughed. It was nice to not be home alone.

★★★

"I have leave or I'll be late for work"

"Please Chennai…. Please"

"In as much as I want to stay. Sleeping in this chair isn't as comfy as it looks and if you allow me get home in time I'll be able to make breakfast for both of us"