The Year I Stopped Being His novel Chapter 25

Garrison Foster canceled an upcoming academic conference and returned to the United States from Sweden a week earlier than planned.

The moment his flight touched down, his phone rang. He quickly answered it, but the voice on the other end was unfamiliar.

"Hello, is this Professor Foster?"

Garrison's expression tightened. "How can I help you?"

The caller's voice immediately spiked with excitement.

"Oh, thank goodness I got through to you! Dr. Foster, my name is Simon Yates. I also graduated from the clinical medicine program. I was in the class right beneath yours. We even attended the same lecture once, do you remember me?"

Garrison was completely unamused. "I don't."

Simon was rendered utterly speechless.

"That's fine... The reason I'm calling is that we currently have a patient with a brain tumor. She's only twenty-six. Due to her specific condition, surgery isn't an option. I know your team is running clinical trials for Project Vitas, which is essentially the only hope for a cancer patient in her situation. I know this is incredibly bold, but could she bring her files over and see you...?"

Garrison felt a surge of pure irritation. Were all young doctors this presumptuous these days?

He had no idea who this Simon person was, nor did he care how the man had managed to get his private number.

"I'm sorry, I don't let patients cut the line. If she wants to be part of the trial, tell her to apply on the official website."

Simon's voice grew desperate. "I know the protocol, Dr. Foster, but her condition is critical. I'm afraid she won't make it to the trial dates. Could you please just... take one look at her file?"

"Every single one of my patients is critical. Excuse me, I have work to do."

She... might be there now.

"Dad, I want you to come home with us," Archie pouted, thoroughly disappointed.

The little boy had reasoned that if his dad went home, his mom would naturally follow.

Rosemary Hayes and her husband easily read their grandson's mind. Their daughter-in-law had been back in the country for a month without so much as a single phone call. Watching their son's expression grow darker by the day, they knew he was planning to check his own apartment first.

What an incredibly selfish, troublesome woman!

Rosemary cursed internally.