Chapter 2

They ran as fast as they could to the ward where Joshua was. The other nurses and doctors already held him down to prevent further injury.

"What's going on here? What's happening?" Ruby asked

"I'm not sure,but I think he's having a seizure, and an increased heart rate. Though we've been able to stabilise his heart rate, just the seizure" one of the nurses said

Ruby quickly scribbled down something on the small notebook she carries around.

"Nurse Keisha please get me this and please be fast about it"

"Okay, everything is gonna be fine guys. You'll be fine Joshua. Please get me Doctor Hobbs as well" she told a nurse

After a few minutes, Joshua began calming down "That's it Joshua, just be calm, keep calm. You'll be okay" she started uttering soothing words of encouragement

"Here it is Ruby and Dr Hobbs will join us soon. He has a patient to attend to" Keisha said

"Thank you" she injected his drip with the Tegretol (Carbamazepine) injection, which is an anti-seizure injection.

After some minutes, Joshua became calmer and his heart rate was in a stabilised condition. But still asleep due to the sedatives he was induced with after his brain tumor surgery few days back

Ruby came out of the ward, she wiped her sweat beaded forehead. Even though it was cool in there, her fear for Joshua's life stimulated her sweat glands.

"Dr Ruby, I'm so sorry. I heard, but I had another patient who needed immediate attention and I knew you could handle it" Dr Hobbs said

She smiled "it's alright, I understand. How is the patient?"

"Very well, thank you. What about Joshua?" He asked in concern

She sighed worriedly "I really don't understand. The sudden seizure even while in sedation, it's a bit strange. It's too early for it right now or shouldn't even be happening "

"Hmm, that's true. What do you think might have been the cause?" He asked

"I'm not sure, but if my gut feeling is right. I suggest another Computed Tomography (CT) scan" Ruby said

"And why would you suggest that? Perhaps you think there's a possibility of another tumor growing?"

"Yes, that or maybe not in the same area or the tumor wasn't completely removed. Which we aren't aware of" Ruby implied

"That's possible, we should try it out then. But we could go grab a coffee or snack before that" he smiled admirably at Ruby

Dr Hobbs is a neurosurgeon in his middle thirties. He's good looking, tall and has always had the hots for her.

But Ruby wasn't just interested and is tired of turning him down over and over.

Remembering when he asked her out "Ruby, I really like you and would love to date you. I admire your confidence, intelligence and top that, your beauty"

"Thank you Dr Hobbs, I'm really flattered. But I'm really not down for relationships right now. It was nice having lunch with you" she said, picking up her stuff and left

Ruby smiled politely "uhh... I really should get the scan test running right now. Maybe later"

Dr Hobbs felt hurt and Ruby felt bad. She didn't want him getting the wrong ideas..... but a cup of coffee won't hurt right?

She smiled "okay, just a cup of coffee and we'll get right back"

And it immediately uplifted his spirit "Sure Ruby, just a cup"

They started to leave when a nurse came rushing with Joshua's parents.

"Oh thank goodness, Ruby you here. Joshua's parents have been looking for you. Here she is, she'll explain everything to you" she said and left

Guess the coffee wasn't meant to be....

She smiled apologetically at Hobbs "Sorry"

He smiled back "I understand, see you later?" And turned to leave

"Sure".... wonder why she doesn't like him in that way, he's a great guy. She thought

"Hello Mr and Mrs Stan. Please follow me to my office" leading them to her office

"Please have a seat"

"Doctor we heard about the incident. Is it normal?" Mr stan asked

"Uhh... You're both aware that Joshua has a condition known as Brain stem glioma which is a high-grade tumor in the brain. This tumor is fast growing and can affect any other areas of the body. There's a possibility of it growing back even after surgery has been done"

His mom was close to tears "so what are you talking about? That it has grown back? I thought it was surgically removed?"

"Yes ma'am, but as I said it has a second chance of growing back. It's called high-grade for a reason. But no cause for alarm yet, we still need to carry out another CT scan to be sure"

"But you said he'll be better after this surgery. That my baby will be back to living a normal life" his mom cried out

"Ma'am yes, that's what I thought as well. But his case is sort of rare right now, it shouldn't be this early even if the tumor has a chance of growing back"

"Exactly, he is yet to be completely healed from the first surgery. Something must have gone wrong, please Dr Ruby save our son" Mr Stan said

Cases like this always puts Ruby in a state of pressure. Knowing there's a little boy's life she has to save. She hopes that God helps her save little Joshua.

She couldn't bear the sight of his heartbroken parents. Reminds her of someone whose heart she broke.

"So you are leaving because of the state I am in right now? I thought you were different"

"Doctor Ruby... Dr Ruby? Ruby!!"

That brought her out of her trance "I'm so sorry. Yes, don't worry Mr and Mrs Stan. Joshua will be fine, I promise. Please don't cry" she went round to hug Mrs Stan

"Thank you so much. We're counting on you and may the Lord help you both" his mom said

"Amen, he'll be fine. But your prayers will go a long way" Ruby replied