The School Incident

Beijing Tiantan Hospital

Ava had an operation scheduled in the morning. It was already noon by the time she finished and she was really tired.

'After the accident five years ago, she decided to become a doctor and save as many people as possible. In order to become a doctor, she gave up a lot along the way. For example, she gave up her dream to become a pianist, she even gave away her favorite piano that she used to play since childhood. Every time she saw someone playing piano on the TV, her heart would ache. There was a time she loved music so much, she loved every note she ever played. She always felt every note would talk and tell a story.'

'Now, she stays at the hospital all day fighting for her patient's life. Although it's very tiring but she never complained. Every successful case is an accomplishment for Ava to honor her best friend. After all, she was the reason Ava gave up her dream and became a doctor.'

During the lunch break, Ava was checking the doctor's forum on her computer. Recently, the medical team in Switzerland was studying a case of congenital heart disease. Beijing Tiantan Hospital was electing representatives to participate in that project. Ava also wanted to participate, but she wasn't sure about her chances to get selected when Director Brown was there. After checking the forum for a while, Ava sighed and closed the web page.

Charlie came to discuss a complicated case of a patient with Ava.

"This patient's condition is really critical. His blood is too thick, which blocks the blood vessels of the heart. I'm afraid his situation does not look very optimistic." Charlie took a pen and sat next to Ava.

Ava was still thinking about the Switzerland project she didn't even hear what Charlie was talking about. She replied absently, "ok."

Charlie took a serious look at Ava and tapped on her hand: "Dr. Green, are you all right? Why are you so distracted?"

Ava came back to her senses after hearing Charlie say that, only then did she realize she had been too distracted to even notice Charlie was there sitting next to her.

"Oh! I'm sorry, Dr. Byrne. I'm not feeling well today." Ava made an excuse.

"What happened? let me check you." Charlie's said worriedly.

Ava shook her head and said, "No, It's alright, I'll be fine when I take some rest. You don't need to worry, Thank you, Dr. Byrne." Charlie was a bit disappointed at Ava's direct refusal but hearing Ava's firm tone he didn't want to insist any more.

All of a sudden Ava's cell phone started to ring.

"Hello, is this Ava Green?"

"Yes, who is speaking please?"

"I'm the director of the Education Department of Beijing No. 4 High School. I called you regarding your cousin Sarah, She had a fight with her classmates at school today. Is it possible for you to come to the school now?"

"What!"

Ava couldn't believe her ears. Sarah had a fight with her classmates! How is it possible? She is the most decent and polite girl Ava had ever seen, she never even engaged in any kind of arguments, how could she beat up people, Ava thought. However, she hung up and rushed to the school immediately.

Beijing No. 4 High School.

Ava hasn't been back to the school since she had graduated, the moment she came to the familiar surroundings, her past memories started to flash through her mind. She had a lot of happy and sad memories with her best friend and Jacob connected, to this place, she got a little nostalgic for a moment but she composed herself and didn't dwell on the past memories, instead, she ran to look for Sarah.

She hurried to Sarah's class but found the classes were already dismissed. Ava ran to the faculty office to find her teacher. Unfortunately, she couldn't find Sarah's class teacher or department head at the office either, so she had no choice but to head toward Sarah's dormitory.

Many things have changed here in the last 5 years, she remembered when she was studying here, the dormitory buildings were very small and shabby. But now the buildings look spacious, more organize and clean. There are even some new building in the place where used to be wildflower meadows.

Sarah was in her sophomore year and lived in room 312, building C. Ava found Sarah's dorm room and she was about to knock, but abruptly stopped overhearing the conversation inside.

"Well, I didn't expect there would be such a low person in our school. Her father is a gambler and in debts of millions and her mother is a drug addict who is still in rehab." someone said from inside with an arrogant tone.

"Yes, I don't like her at all. I think she got busted this time, she wouldn't be able to hide her identity anymore, It's all out at the school forum."

"Now there are thousands of comments. Even if Sarah didn't die out of shame, she will be humiliated every day at the school, it's a real pleasure!"

"She is so arrogant, who does she think she is. She is so cheap, serves her right." A sound of shrill laughter came from inside.

Ava stood outside the room listening and shaking from anger. It didn't take her long to understand that those girls were talking about her cousin Sarah. She could no longer hear those insulting words so she banged on the door angrily.

The girls who were talking happily inside were shocked by the sudden noise at the door, they stopped talking immediately. One of the girls carefully opened the door and saw Ava was standing at the door with a fierce and cold face.

"Excuse me who are you looking for, please?" The girl who came to open the door asked timidly.

"What were you talking about just now, where did you hear all those bullshit?" Ava walked into the room and said dominatingly.

"Who are you? What we were talking about is none of your business.'' A girl with long hair and bangs stood from her bed and said arrogantly raising her chin.

"You little bitches, keep your mouth clean and stop spouting nonsense, Sarah's parents are abroad. Don't you have anything else to do other than spreading rumors about other students or are you so jealous of Sarah that you people can not help it?" Ava was so angry she could not stop shouting.

"Well, you're Sarah's sister, aren't you? Don't lie to us, we all know Sarah was living with your family because her parents were in mess and abandoned her." The long hair girl said boldly as if she was challenging Ava.

"I don't know where you heard these rumors from but let me warn you if you dare to talk nonsense again, I will tear your mouth!" Ava was ferocious, she lifted her sleeves as if she will fight these girls right now.