Maybe,â Mitchel replied ambiguously.
He looked worn.
Despite having saved numerous patients, uncertainty plagued him when it came to the one he cared most about.
This was the first time he felt so powerless in his medical career.
Bitterness surged in his heart, making it hard to breathe.
Meanwhile, Holden repeated Mitchelâs words, fists clenched.
âIsnât there any other way to treat her?â asked Holden.
âYou must prepare yourself mentally.
â After hesitating, Mitchel finally decided to speak the truth.
âIf the specific medication isnât administered within seventy-two hours, her organ failure will become irreversible, and then, sheâ¦â
Mitchel didnât finish his sentence.
Silence filled the moment.
âMr.
Fredrickâ¦â Shawn glanced worriedly at Holden.
Holden remained expressionless, saying nothing.
His usual air of superiority had evaporated as he walked into the ward with a sense of dejection.
Mitchel rubbed his temples and turned to Shawn.
âDo you have cigarettes?â
Shawn was taken aback.
How could Mitchel ask for cigarettes? Mitchel was known for his healthy habits and abstained from drinking.
âDo you have cigarettes?â Mitchel repeated his question.
Shawn snapped out of his confusion and nodded.
âYes.
â
The two of them then moved to the far end of the corridor.
Shawn handed Mitchel a cigarette and a lighter.
Mitchel lowered his eyes, took the cigarette and lighter, and slowly lit the cigarette.
The lighter flicked the cigarette end, instantly igniting a scarlet glow.
Wisps of smoke curled steadily upwards, enveloping Mitchelâs face and blurring his vision.
Mitchel took his first drag and coughed loudly in the quiet corridor.
âIs this your first time smoking?â Shawn asked curiously.
Mitchel nodded with a gloomy expression.
He took another drag, turned his head, and coughed a few times before frowning.
He clearly didnât enjoy the smell of tobacco.
He simply needed something to calm his nerves and divert his attention.
Shawn sighed.
He knew Mitchel was under immense pressure and that Mitchel cared deeply for Ariana, much like Holden did.
Now, it was up to Mitchel whether Ariana would survive.
With this in mind, Shawn stepped forward, patted Mitchel on the shoulder, and said, âItâs okay.
Miss Edwards is resilient.
Sheâll pull through.
Donât burden yourself too much.
â