The hospital’s investigation took several more weeks.
During that time, I continued working at my father’s shop. I helped unload deliveries, restock shelves, and carry heavy boxes to customers’ cars.
At night, I paid my bills, answered questions from the review panel, and tried not to imagine the worst possible outcome.
I had refused the inheritance, but the financial consequences remained.
My student loans were still there.
My career was uncertain.
My name had become associated with a controversy that would not disappear simply because the investigation ended.
I began to understand that accepting responsibility meant preparing for consequences without knowing how severe they would be.
Finally, I received an email asking me to attend a meeting with Dr. Patel and the hospital’s disciplinary panel.
I arrived early.
The room was smaller than I expected. Three people sat across a table, each with a copy of my statement.
Dr. Patel opened the meeting.
