The Weight of a Decision

Ethan stormed out of the ward, his pulse hammering in his ears. Adrian was right behind him, his voice laced with anger as he grabbed Ethan by the shoulders and shook him hard.

"What do you think you are doing, Ethan? Have you forgotten that you are a doctor, not an emotional fool to behave that way? How could you not think of another alternative? Why are you acting so dumb—like someone in love?"

Adrian's frustration was clear. He had known Ethan for years, and yet this was the first time he had seen him so unraveled, so desperate. Ethan Hayes was the best neurosurgeon in the country, and now he was behaving like a man who had lost all reason.

Ethan's jaw clenched as he forced himself to meet Adrian’s gaze. "I am acting dumb because I am in love, indeed. I love her, Adrian. I can’t fail her. The plan is not working." His voice broke slightly, the lump in his throat making it hard to breathe. "Amelia… I can’t lose her."

Adrian exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair in exasperation. "Gosh, someone help me! Ethan, are you serious? I mean, not about the love—but the plan. You always have an alternative ready for cases like this, don't you? Don’t tell me you thought of none for this one."

Ethan froze. Alternative.

His mind, clouded by emotion, had betrayed him. He always had a backup plan—a Plan B. But this time, his feelings had blinded him, drowning his logical instincts in panic and despair. He felt the weight of his mistake settle in his chest like a stone.

"Yes," he murmured, eyes widening as clarity finally returned. "I always do. And I have one for this as well. God! I was so lost in all this, I completely forgot. There is a Plan B."

Adrian watched as the realization hit Ethan like a bolt of lightning, but his relief was short-lived.

"Are you out of your mind, Ethan?" Adrian exclaimed, his eyes wide with shock. "Do you even understand what will happen if this plan backfires?" He stepped closer, lowering his voice but making sure every word was sharp and clear. "You could lose your medical license, Ethan."

Ethan’s fists tightened at his sides. "Then do you have any better ideas, Adrian?" His voice trembled, raw emotion spilling over as unshed tears burned in his eyes. He had never felt so helpless in his life.

Adrian hesitated, his anger softening into concern. "Ethan, please," he said quietly. "Think this through before you do something reckless. It’s not too late—we can figure out another way to bring Amelia out of the coma."

But Ethan had already made up his mind. He straightened, his expression hardening. "Don't try to stop me, Adrian. I've made my decision."

Adrian shook his head in disbelief. "If you go through with this, I’ll tell your father. You know he won’t tolerate this kind of risk."

Ethan paused for a moment, his back still turned. Then, without looking at Adrian, he replied coldly, "Even if you don’t tell him, he’ll find out eventually." And with those final words, he strode down the hallway, leaving Adrian standing there, helpless and frustrated.

The hospital room was dimly lit, the soft glow from the monitors casting eerie shadows across the walls. Ethan sat motionless beside Amelia, his eyes fixed on her motionless form. The steady beeping of the machines reassured him that she was still here, still breathing. But she wouldn’t wake up.

His fingers hovered over her wrist, feeling the faint pulse beneath her fragile skin, yet no matter how much he tried—medically, logically, desperately—she remained trapped in this cruel silence.

His chest felt tight, his mind a storm of conflicting thoughts. Had he missed something? He replayed every step of her treatment, every dosage, every procedure. He wasn’t just losing a patient—he was losing her.

Somewhere along the way, she had become more than just a case to solve. More than a duty to uphold. He had been drawn to her—her warmth, her resilience, the way she had smiled even in pain.

And now, she was slipping through his fingers.

There was still one method left. A desperate, unconventional attempt—one that went against every rational instinct, against everything he had been taught.

Was this really the only way?

His fingers curled into fists as he warred with himself. If he did this and something went wrong—if it cost him her life instead of saving her—could he live with that?

But could he live with himself if he did nothing?

Ethan swallowed hard, his throat dry as he finally looked at her. His voice barely above a whisper, he pleaded, "Come back. Come back to me."

So deep in thought, so consumed by the weight of the decision before him, he didn’t hear the knock at the door.

He didn’t hear his name being called.

A soft hand touched his shoulder, followed by a firm shake. Ethan jerked slightly, blinking as his trance broke. He turned to see Oliver standing beside him, concern deep in his eyes.

"Ethan, are you okay?" Oliver asked, his brows furrowed in worry.

Ethan stared at him for a moment, still lost in the fog of his own thoughts. His jaw tightened as he exhaled slowly. "I..." he started, but his voice trailed off, unable to put his thoughts into words.

Before Oliver could say more, a nurse rushed into the room, her expression urgent.

"Dr. Ethan, there's a doctor looking for you."

Ethan hesitated, glancing down at Amelia one last time before forcing himself to rise.

With that thought in his mind, he made up his mind completely. He was going through with his plan—no matter what.

He wouldn’t let her slip away.

He would prepare himself to handle any situation if something went wrong. He knew the risks. He knew what was at stake. But he also knew one thing—this was the only thing he could do for her now.

And he would not fail her. Not now. Not ever.

With newfound resolve, Ethan squared his shoulders and turned to leave, his heart pounding with determination.