I walked down the hospital hallway, my shoes tapping against the shiny floor. The white lights above hummed softly, and the strong smell of disinfectant filled my empty stomach, making it feel even more hollow. It rumbled loud enough for my heart to hear now. Exhaustion was creeping in from all those long hours of standing in the OR. I wished I could go straight home after grabbing a bite.

When I reached Marian’s recovery room, I slowly entered, wiping the look of exhaustion off my face. She lay still on the bed, her chest rising and falling with ease. That sight of her gave me relief. She was no...