After chatting with Sandra, Catalina went to log another emergency; a woman was in labor. She hurried off, greeted by the doctor who handed her some files to record. Returning from the emergency department to her area, Catalina passed by the men's section and paused outside Bruno's room, feeling uncertain. Eventually, she mustered the courage to enter. Inside, she saw Bruno lying in bed, connected to various machines. On the day she attended to him, she hadn’t really noticed his features or what he looked like physically. Now she observed that his eye was slightly swollen near a cut eyebrow, his face and body bore a few scrapes, and some bruises.
Cautiously, Catalina approached him and took his hand.
Catalina: You know, I've always believed that someone in your condition can still hear and feel. My name is Catalina; I was one of the people who helped treat you. It was quite a serious case, but I hope you can recover. Your mother is very hopeful you'll come back to life. Please don't give up on her.
Mr.: Miss, is everything alright? said Bruno's father, catching Catalina by surprise and startling her.
Catalina: Oh, I'm sorry, Sir. I didn’t notice you come in. I was just checking on the patient, you know, routine stuff.
Mr.: Of course, he said, noticing she was holding his son's hand, and she quickly let go when she became aware of it. Don't worry; I’m also here to see my son. Pleased to meet you, my name is Silvano Salvatore.
Catalina: Pleased to meet you, Sir. My name is Catalina. As I told your wife, I'm at your service. I'll leave you with your son now while I get back to work.
Silvano: Thank you, miss, you are very kind.
Catalina smiled and left the room, then reproached herself.
Catalina: Oh, Catalina, you just can't help sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. I'm sure Mr. Silvano saw you holding the patient's hand. What kind of nurse does that? How embarrassing.
After scolding herself, she went back to her work area, spending the day immersed in her computer, filling out records. Later, she went home, shared the day’s events with her friend, who advised her to keep an eye on the young man to reassure his mother with her support as a nurse. Again, Catalina fell asleep, after a while spent reflecting and empathizing with the boy's mother. The next morning, she woke up as usual and went to the university before heading to the hospital. It had become a routine to visit Bruno and talk to him. About three weeks passed, and nothing changed; Bruno still showed no signs of life. His family looked tired, but his mother held onto hope, despite the doctor’s discouraging diagnosis. Bruno's father brought in the best specialists, but the verdict remained the same. Finally, it was Friday, and Catalina was at her desk finalizing some medical reports, ready to go home when Bruno's father approached.
Silvano: Excuse me, miss, may we speak?
Catalina: Yes, of course.
Silvano: Would you join me in the cafeteria?
Catalina, somewhat hesitant, agreed, and they took seats at a table.
Catalina: What can I do for you, Mr. Silvano?
Silvano: I'm going to be very direct with you, and it might sound abrupt, but I want you to run away with me.
Catalina: Excuse me, but what are you saying? You have a wife, and you're disrespecting her and me as well.
Catalina got up to leave indignantly, but he held her back.
Silvano: Wait, miss, you misunderstand.
Catalina: I don't understand... let me go.
Silvano: I want to offer you money to marry my son.
Catalina: Absolutely not, you can’t decide for your son or for me. I don’t know what kind of person you are, but I am not for sale. I may be in need, but I am not senseless. Please never bring this up again.
Silvano: Alright, I apologize for offending you...
Catalina left, unable to believe what that man had just proposed. She at least had the solace that it was Friday and she wouldn’t have to see that man until Monday.
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Updated 88 Episodes
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