Living Dangerously
Step into the heart-pounding world of Benny as he finds himself at the Singapore Turf Club, embroiled in a web of tension and anticipation. A certain tightness grips Benny's heart, reminiscent of a past encounter where he exhibited his expert skills. The air carries an unusual scent, not solely due to the cloudy weather but also due to an overwhelming sense of foreboding that permeates the clubhouse. With no turning back, Benny takes in the panoramic view of the racetrack through walls of glass, immersing himself in the electrifying atmosphere. As he walks past the booths for placing bets, a familiar voice catches his attention. Adele, with her neatly cropped platinum hair, exudes an alluring appearance that contrasts with the real person Benny knows. Engaged in conversation, Benny reveals his bet on Zorro, only to be met with Adele's cackling response, deeming Zorro an underdog. As the intercom announces the preparations for the next race and spectators try to cool themselves, the tension builds, setting the stage for a thrilling and suspenseful day at the Singapore Turf Club. Join Benny as he navigates the twists and turns of this high-stakes gamble, where fortunes can change in an instant.
A Blind Date
Step into the world of Sangeetha Kaur, a punctual and determined young woman, as she finds herself at the ITC Sonar hotel in Kolkata, dressed in a traditional sari and choli. As the clock strikes eight, the long summer day bathes the surroundings in a dreamy North Indian landscape, casting a magical spell over the scene. Sangeetha contemplates the purpose of her meeting, arranged by her Aunt Bali, with a man rumored to be wealthy and reputable. The idea of a potential marriage looms in the background, as Sangeetha feels the pressure to find a suitable partner. Lost in her thoughts, she fixates on the full-length glass wall that adorns the ground level corridor. Rainwater cascades down the glass, resembling the tears of Lord Shiva, creating a mesmerizing sight. Through the clear columns, Sangeetha catches a glimpse of an enchanting outdoor vista—a sprawling pond adorned with olive-green, heart-shaped floating leaves and blooming red water lilies. The breathtaking scene momentarily transports her from the purpose of this arranged date with a stranger. Join Sangeetha on her serendipitous journey at the ITC Sonar hotel, where unexpected encounters and captivating landscapes converge, shaping her path in unforeseen ways.
The Chariot of Death
Explore the captivating legends of Brittany, where the Harbinger of Death is said to have an iron grip from which no one can escape. However, these legends fail to consider the tenacity of a spirited young girl named Cheri. On a pleasant June evening, Cheri takes the lead, grasping the narrator's hand tightly as they descend the slope of a scenic vista. Though once nicknamed "sticky skin" for her energetic and perspiring nature, Cheri has grown into a vibrant ten-year-old, exuding the sweet aroma of applesauce. As their friendship has blossomed over the years, Cheri affectionately calls the narrator by their preferred name, Trezekan, which holds a sense of magical allure in Brittany. The region is known for its amusing names, with the narrator's name being the second funniest, evoking images of someone skilled in reading mystical scrolls. However, the top spot belongs to a lady teacher named Cliteron, who, due to a defective palate, unintentionally adds a humorous twist to her own name. Cheri playfully urges Trezekan to pick up the pace, reminding them that as a boy and two months older, they should be able to walk faster and make use of their legs. Join the feisty girl and the narrator on their adventurous journey, where legends clash with reality, and the indomitable spirit of youth prevails.
Fireworks
Dive into the enigmatic world of Neil and Kate as they navigate the complexities of their five-year marriage. Against the backdrop of Marina Bay's shimmering reflections, Neil's face remains inscrutable to Kate, leaving her yearning to uncover the thoughts that elude her. A sudden burst of a multi-colored constellation above startles Kate, adding an element of surprise to their contemplative moment.Memories flood back to the time they first met at Marina Bay during a property deal that Neil had orchestrated. Sitting in the very spot they occupied years ago, they reminisce about the entangled kites they once flew, symbolizing the intertwined nature of their lives. As they struggled to untangle the knotted lines, their conversation deepened, forming the foundation of their connection.In a seemingly unrelated moment, Neil's attention is drawn to a loose pebble on the concrete ground, catching his eye next to his stylish Marc Ferragamo orange leather moccasin. He impulsively hurls it into the Bay, the sound of the rock splashing in the distance echoing a sense of release.Amidst their shared memories, Neil confides in Kate about the increasing intensity of his bond trading, leading to longer working nights that stretch into the late hours. The impact of his demanding schedule leaves Kate questioning the distance that seems to have grown between them. She also notices a lingering scent emanating from Neil's shirt on certain nights, adding to the air of mystery surrounding his thoughts and actions.Join Neil and Kate on their emotional journey as they grapple with uncertainties, searching for the truth behind the worm-like reflections and elusive emotions that have come to define their relationship.
Whose narrative is it?
Step into the world of clinical encounters, where the experiences and perspectives of patients can shed light on the importance of using specific language and understanding their unique narratives. In this particular scenario, a patient with dry eyes shares her story, demonstrating the impact of words and how they shape the doctor-patient relationship.As the patient settles into the examination chair, she takes a moment to sweep away a tussle of sandy hair, ensuring it doesn't interfere with the microscopic examination. The transparent insert separating her from the doctor serves as a reminder of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Undeterred by the potential tremors in her eyes caused by speaking, she bravely shares her symptoms: "My eyes feel like sandpaper rubbing against them. Sometimes, they water uncontrollably, much like when I peel onions."Despite the patient's vivid description and heartfelt expression, doctors often have a tendency to overlook or dismiss such narratives, opting for more familiar and clinical terminology. In an effort to maintain a sense of professionalism, they may choose to exclude the patient's exact words from the official complaint, replacing them with standard phrases found in aged textbooks, such as "grittiness" and "foreign body sensation." These terms, while technically accurate, fail to capture the depth of the patient's experience.This blog sheds light on the significance of embracing patient narratives and using language that reflects their unique perspectives. It highlights the need for doctors to challenge the status quo and recognize the power of words in fostering a deeper understanding of patients' symptoms and emotions. By acknowledging and incorporating patients' own descriptions into their records, doctors can create a more compassionate and patient-centered approach to healthcare.Join us on this journey of exploring the specificity of words and the importance of perspective in clinical encounters, as we strive to bridge the gap between medical expertise and patient experiences.
Writing medical fiction
Dive into the world of medical fiction through the lens of Samuel Shem, acclaimed author of "The House of God." Discover why medical fiction plays a vital role in healthcare by shedding light on the importance of staying human and promoting genuine human connection. Explore how embracing suffering and shifting from an individualistic mindset to a collective "we" can positively impact both patients and healthcare providers.Samuel Shem's book, "The House of God," holds great significance among physicians at Harvard, ranking alongside renowned medical textbooks and even the Bible. This recognition speaks volumes about the value of medical satire and the broader genre of medical fiction.So why is medical fiction important? According to Samuel Shem, one of the core issues in healthcare is the devastating effect of isolation. To combat this, he emphasizes the healing power of human connection. Genuine human connection is built on mutual understanding, and it requires us to confront a topic often overlooked: suffering. Suffering is a universal experience, one that we all share. What differentiates us is how we navigate through it. By openly discussing suffering and its impact, we can create an environment that fosters empathy and support.Shem also critiques American culture, which often prioritizes the individual "I" over the collective "we." He argues that when we face suffering alone, it amplifies and spreads. However, by choosing to care for others while caring for ourselves, we can navigate through suffering together. This collective approach is something that healthcare providers can embrace and actively promote.Medical fiction serves as a powerful medium to explore these themes. Through storytelling, it allows us to delve into the complexities of human experiences in healthcare. By engaging with medical fiction, both healthcare professionals and patients gain a deeper understanding of the challenges, triumphs, and vulnerabilities that exist within the healthcare system.Join us as we delve into the world of medical fiction and uncover the transformative potential it holds for fostering humanity in healthcare. Discover how embracing the power of storytelling can shape our perspectives, promote empathy, and ultimately enhance the quality of care we provide.
