Dr. Janson stood over the bed. The room smelled like antiseptic. Like hospital. “We’re all set, Opal.” Janson had an easy smile and talked directly to his patient. “Do you have any questions?” White-faced, she gripped Ana’s fingers. “Do a good job.” Janson nodded. “I’ll do my best.” To a nurse, he said, “Bring her up to OR 4.” After saying their good-byes, they watched Opal leave. Dr. Janson gave Ana a supportive squeeze on the arm. “Three to four hours. I’ll send out progress reports. Will you be in here?” Ana wrapped her arms around her waist. “My family is in the waiting room. I want to be with them.” Jared said nothing. Ana added, “Jared, you should be with us, too.” When Janson left, Jared’s shoulders slumped. “Your family hates me, Ana. They won’t want me to wait with them.”
