ABSTRACT
4:30. Half an hour behind; the clock on the wall ticks on, a constant reminder, a permanent pressure. The bitter, steaming coffee is liquid energy, willing me on. The challenges of the day are dragging me down; the Grim Reaper a constant companion with his heavy looming breath—my all-too-familiar enemy. An image of a patient’s face, changed beyond recognition by the cruelty of his sudden death, burned into the back of my eyes. While rewarding, this job is heart-breaking. Still, I move on. There’s a waiting room full of patients who need my help, and who wants to see a damaged doctor?
