I wore my sterile gown and gloves, then walked to the mirror. It was the very first surgery I was going to perform. I was nervous, but confident.

Just then, my phone buzzed.

I rushed to check it, thinking it was Doctor Alfred yelling through a text message, ordering me to hurry my ass to the OR.

But Dr. Aldrich’s name appeared on the screen. I smiled and opened the message:

“I wish I were the one going in the OR with you. I really looked forward to this day, but it is well. I know you will ...