Chapter 28 This Is Our Little Secret

On Monday, Natalie arrived at Sacred Heart Hospital earlier than usual. Since the surgery today was a tricky one, she needed ample time for preparation. She tied her long hair into a neat bun, then scrubbed her hands over and over with disinfectant until her skin flushed pink. With her face mask in place, she had covered every inch of her body up well, just as she always did before a surgery. Over the past two days, Natalie had studied Estella's cardiac CT scans countless times and now felt very confident about the surgery. "Dr. N, you're early today." Zack Donant, the anesthesiologist, had entered the room and was surprised to find Natalie already dressed in her scrubs. "With a case like this, it wouldn't hurt to be extra prepared," Natalie replied calmly. Estella had been admitted the day before for preliminary tests, and her results were promising. Everything was ready for the surgery. Horatio took the surgery very seriously, and nervously so. He had cleared his enti