SWNOVELS The Doctor’s Truth: Part 4: Chapter 61
FADE IN:
INT. LIGHTHOUSE MEDICAL CENTER – DAY
CLOSEUP on the statue of a man holding the world. The tagline says: ‘A guiding light in the dark.’
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE ROOM – CONTINUOUS
DR. JASON KING, Chief of Surgery, wears a button-up, a white coat, and a dazzling smile.
INTERVIEWER
So, tell us, what is a day in the life of a surgeon at Lighthouse Medical like?
DR. JASON KING
Stressful. Constantly. You have to be the type of person who thrives under pressure. For me, that’s my sweet spot. I get bored easily.
INTERVIEWER
So you see it as a challenge?
DR. JASON KING
Well–yes and no. Yes, the work is challenging at times. You have to be a perfectionist to get in this field. Anything less than perfect can have major consequences. But it has to be more than an empty search for perfection. You have to have heart, too. You have to care about your patients. That’s someone’s life in your hands. It has to be more than a number. It has to mean something.
CUT TO:
INT. THE OPERATING ROOM – CONTINUOUS
DR. JASON KING
This is where the magic happens. Operating table. Monitors. We’ve got a viewing area so family or residents can stay and watch. This place feels really sacred to me. Some people go to church. This is my altar.
CUT TO:
INT. THE DOCTORS’ MESS – CONTINUOUS
DR. JASON KING
This is where the doctors go to recoup. We’ve got a kitchenette and bunks in the backroom. I’ve spent more nights there than I can count. Oh–and this is Dr. Esmeralda, one of our senior staff members. She’s the best of the best.
DR. ESMERALDA
Who are you calling senior?
DR. JASON KING
She’s been working here twenty years. So basically, she started when she was five.
DR. ESMERELDA
Flattery will get you nowhere.
CUT TO:
INT. THE CEO’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
DR. JASON KING
This is where our CEO works–he’s dedicated to the principles and ethics of this Medical Center.
DR. KING opens the door and speaks to a man out of view.
DR. JASON KING
Hey, we’ve got the camera crew here.
CEO ADAM DONOVAN is wearing a suit and tie. He frowns at the camera.
ADAM DONOVAN
What’s this?
DR. JASON KING
For the Dr. Mazie Show. Remember?
ADAM DONOVAN
What do you want?
DR. JASON KING
Just say hi.
ADAM DONOVAN
Hi. Now get the **** out of my office.
DR. JASON KING
He’s uh–a little busy.
CUT TO:
INT. PATIENT INTERVIEWS, OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
PATIENT #1: MARIA SERVARIO
I went through my worst days and my best days at this hospital. They become family after a while.
PATIENT #2: KENZI STRATTON
Jason and Donovan saved my son’s life. That’s no exaggeration. I don’t know what we’d do without them.
PATIENT #3: PEARL STRATTON
You know, I was once in the running for Real Housewives of Long Island, but then I divorced my husband and, well, I suppose I became ineligible or something. But the camera still loves me, don’t you think?
CUT TO:
INT. JASON’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
INTERVIEWER
What was your most difficult surgery?
DR. JASON KING
Uh–I had to operate on my partner and my son in the same day. Kidney transplant. One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.
INTERVIEWER
Were you nervous?
DR. JASON KING
Before. Absolutely. But once the surgery started, I just told myself, this has to be successful. There’s no room for failure. I believed I could do it, I took my time, and I did it. The surgery went smoothly.
INTERVIEWER
What do you want people to know about the Lighthouse Medical Center?
DR. JASON KING
It’s not enough to be a good doctor. I cut into people, sure, but at the end of the day, I’m the one opening my heart to them. No matter who they were before now–they’re here. They need help. And I’ve made it my mission to take care of as many people as I can.
INTERVIEWER
One more question. Your father left quite a controversial legacy. How would you like to be remembered?
DR. JASON KING
As a good father and a compassionate partner. If I can do those two things right, nothing else matters.