Chapter 5 - Finlands Smile (1/2)
After 20 minutes Finland was finally done with her checkups. She just received her receipt from the receptionist when she remembered to do something.
She went back to Caspar's consultation room and upon knocking the door, she overheard the conversation happening inside.
”Doctor, you will really stay in Singapore for 6 months? Wow... The hospital management will definitely be very happy,” exclaimed the nurse.
”Yes, I decided to become a guest professor for one semester at NUS,” replied Caspar.
”Wow ... This year's students are very lucky.”
Caspar laughed softly.
”Hopefully they can appreciate this opportunity. OK, please get my schedule for today.”
”Aren't you going to receive another patient?” asked the nurse in a teasing tone. Finland couldn't hear the answer. She only heard Caspar clearing his throat and the nurse's apology.
”Oh... yes, sorry for being presumptuous. I'll immediately get your schedule for today”.
The door suddenly opened and the nurse walked out hurriedly. She looked at Finland in surprise, but said nothing.
”Errr... Doctor...” Finland knocked on the door and entered. Caspar looked up and immediately smiled.
”What is wrong?”
”Err... uhmm... I'm really sorry for my carelessness last night... I feel very guilty. I promise I won't ever do that again. I can't imagine what would have happened if your hand was hurt yesterday... Then you won't be able to work as a surgeon anymore... ”
Tears started to run down her face, and she could not say anything else.
Caspar was stunned. He got up and tried to calm Finland down. He held the girl to his chest while gently patting her back.
”Sshhh... It was an accident. Stop blaming yourself. I'm fine. The important thing is that you realized your mistake and won't do it again.”
”But if your hands were damaged, your career could be destroyed...” Finland sobbed.
”Who said so? I can do many other things. I can be a farmer, lawyer, researcher, businessman, model, even designer. I have a lot of interests. Please, don't worry about me.”
He walked Finland to the nearest chair and gave her a glass of water to calm her down.
”Finland, look here...” he said later. Finland wiped her tears and looked at Caspar with a questioning look.
Click!
Caspar suddenly took a picture of Finland's sad face with a polaroid camera and showed her the results.
”Look at this, I have never seen such sad eyes in my life before. It looks as if you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulder. I have lived for a very long time and I have never seen such deep sadness. It breaks my heart to see you sad. Is there anything can I help you with?”
Finland was stunned. Was this why Caspar was nice to her since they met last night?
”I'll tell you what... I want to make a small project for the next 6 months I am in Singapore. The project is about you, Finland. Every time we meet I will take a photo of you and I will do something to turn that frown into a smile. I will showcase the pictures in my gallery after 6 months so we can see the transformation of an orphan girl named Finland in Singapore. How does that sound? ”
Finland looked surprised to hear that. Does this mean... they will meet often?
Her heart pounded faster and her face turned red.
”Err... thank you… and good bye, Doc.”
Finland rushed out to calm her rushing emotions.
She sat on a bench in the hospital garden and took a deep breath. It seemed like her luck has turned since she bumped into Caspar last night. She looked at the time. Jean must already be awake now, she thought to herself..