Chapter 96: An unexpected visit

Dr. Zhang nodded. "Time will tell. But remember, you did your part. Now, let's give the patient the best chance to recover."

With a few more words of encouragement, Dr. Zhang left, and Jillian was left alone with her thoughts. The weight of the day still felt heavy on her shoulders, but now, there was a sense of hope. The patient's condition was stable, and the risks she had taken seemed worth it.

As she sat down in the chair beside the bed, Jillian glanced out the window at the night sky. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she had truly made a difference. The long hours, the endless research, the countless moments of doubt—all of it had led to this.

She wasn't just a doctor anymore. She was a leader, a specialist, someone who had the power to change lives.

Just then, her phone buzzed again. It was a message from Megan.

"How did it go? Heard the surgery was a success!"

Jillian smiled and quickly typed a response: "Patient's stable. Waiting for recovery. Thank you for the support, Megan. Couldn't have done it without your encouragement."

As she hit send, Jillian realized that the road ahead would be just as challenging. But for the first time, she felt truly ready for whatever came next.

She wasn't just surviving in the world of cardiology. She was thriving.

******

It was late afternoon when Jillian returned to her apartment after a long day at the hospital. The last few weeks had been a whirlwind of surgeries, research, and constant pressure. But today, something felt different. There was an uneasiness she couldn't quite place. She dropped her bag by the door and sighed, rubbing her temples.

The sudden sound of the doorbell made her pause.

Frowning, Jillian walked toward the door, half-expecting it to be a colleague or a hospital staff member with some urgent request. But when she opened it, she froze in shock.

Standing in the hallway, with a warm smile and kind eyes, was her grandmother.

"Grandma?" Jillian whispered, disbelief washing over her.

Her grandmother's smile deepened as she stepped closer. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything, my dear. I just couldn't wait any longer to see you."

Jillian's breath caught in her throat. "But… how? When did you get here?"

"I decided to take a little trip," her grandmother said, stepping inside. She looked around the apartment with an approving nod. "I wanted to see for myself how you're doing. You've come so far, Jillian. I always knew you would."

Hearing those words, Jillian felt a lump form in her throat. She had been pushing herself relentlessly, always moving forward, never looking back. And yet, with her grandmother standing in front of her, the years of struggle and sacrifice suddenly felt heavier.

Her grandmother studied her closely, as if seeing right through her. "You've been working too hard, haven't you?"

Jillian let out a small laugh, though it was tinged with exhaustion. "That's an understatement."

Her grandmother shook her head. "You always push yourself, but you need to remember to breathe. Success means nothing if you lose yourself along the way."

Jillian swallowed hard. "I know… but sometimes I wonder if I'm making the right choices."

Her grandmother reached out, gently squeezing Jillian's hands. "The right path isn't always the easiest one. But look at where you are now. You're helping people. You're making a difference. That's all that matters."

Jillian felt a rush of emotions—gratitude, relief, and an overwhelming sense of love. She hadn't realized just how much she had needed this visit, this reminder of home.

"Grandma, how is everything back home?" she asked after a moment.

Her grandmother's smile softened, though there was a trace of sadness in her eyes. "The same as always. But I think of you often. I miss you."

Jillian's throat tightened. "I miss you too. I promise I'll come back when I can."

Her grandmother nodded. "I know you will."

That evening, they sat together, talking about the past, sharing memories, and laughing. Jillian felt lighter than she had in months. No matter how far she had come, no matter how much she had achieved, this—her family, her roots—would always be a part of her.

The next morning, Jillian woke up earlier than usual. The air felt different—softer, warmer. She turned to find her grandmother already awake, sitting by the window with a cup of tea in hand, looking out at the Shanghai skyline.

"Couldn't sleep?" Jillian asked gently, rubbing her eyes.

Her grandmother turned and smiled. "I slept just fine. I just wanted to see the sunrise in this city you've come to call home."

Jillian joined her, sitting cross-legged on the couch nearby. For a few minutes, they just sat in silence, watching the light creep over the buildings.

"You know," her grandmother said, still watching the horizon, "your mother would be so proud of you."

Those words hit Jillian harder than she expected. Her eyes burned with unshed tears. "I hope so."

"I know so," her grandmother replied firmly. "You've grown into someone strong, brave, and full of purpose. But don't forget, strength doesn't always mean carrying everything alone."

Jillian nodded slowly. "It's been hard… balancing my work, the weight of expectations, and the fight waiting for me back home."

Her grandmother turned to her, a gentle but serious look in her eyes. "That fight will still be there when it's time. But for now, focus on what's in front of you. Heal, help, learn. Let your success be your message."

After breakfast, Jillian showed her grandmother around the hospital—introducing her to some colleagues, even the nurses who had become like family. Everyone treated the older woman with kindness and curiosity, clearly proud of Jillian's achievements.

Later that day, when her grandmother prepared to leave, Jillian hugged her tighter than she ever had before.

"Promise me you'll take care of yourself too," her grandmother whispered.

"I promise," Jillian murmured.

As she watched the taxi drive off, Jillian felt a renewed sense of clarity. Her grandmother's visit had reminded her not just of who she was—but why she began this journey. Her heart was full again.

And tomorrow, she'd return to the hospital stronger, steadier, and more determined than ever.

The following morning in the hospital room, the hum of machines and the soft beeping of the heart monitor filled the quiet ICU room. Jillian stood beside the patient's bed, eyes fixed on the figure lying still under the sheets. Her hands were clasped behind her back, her coat lightly wrinkled from hours of waiting.

Then—ever so subtly—the patient stirred.

Jillian leaned forward, her heart racing. The patient's eyes fluttered open, dazed and unfocused at first. A nurse quickly moved in to check vitals, whispering calm reassurances. Jillian stepped closer, offering a gentle smile.

"You're awake," she said softly. "You're going to be okay."

The patient blinked, slowly turning their head toward the voice. There was confusion, but no panic. Just the quiet relief of survival.

Moments later, the patient's family rushed in. The mother broke into sobs the moment she saw her loved one awake and breathing. The father clasped Jillian's hand, his voice shaking. "You… you saved our child. Thank you. Thank you so much."