Buzz …buzz .... In the dimly lit room, I was burning the midnight oil. My eyes, ready to shut at any time, scanned the papers and research files. My pale cheeks and chapped lips reflected my dedication to my patients.

I was working on an antivirus serum. Every time I managed to create the formula, the side effects seemed to mock me, like laughter. Still, I never let myself get discouraged, because I believed that ‘one can achieve anything they believe in’.”

The virus had affected millions of people and half of them died, including children. The cry in agony of children still resonated in my ears and I could not bear it. Hence, my determination pushed me till the birth of the perfect formula.

One night, I accidentally spilled two drops of a purple I was experimenting with. A magical glow was reflected by the syrup, which assured me that this was the one, though I was still in a dilemma. The next day, I carefully slid two spoons of it into the patient’s mouth, and the patient fainted ....

I thought this was the end. The memory of past failures rushed through my brain as I began to lose control over myself. I was filled with a myriad of emotions, and a sense of fear lingered in the air.

Unexpectedly, I heard a beeping sound which pricked my ears, and I snapped out of my reverie. The pulse oximeter suddenly began to stabilise the pulses, and the patient soon opened her eyes. I sighed in relief as the patient woke up.

She immediately wrapped her gnarly, wrinkled hands in mine and thanked me for saving her life. My eyes were brimming with tears.

The news of my antidote spread like wildfire as every news channel began to call me for an interview; I felt overwhelmed.

As the number of patients reduced in the hospital, the weight of the burden that had been on the frail shoulders also decreased.

People would often come to me and extend their gratitude towards me for saving humanity. The town, which was once a ghost town, was now vibrant with life.

Published in Dawn, Young World, November 9th, 2024