Despite finishing his medical studies, my brother hit a roadblock.
He passed the national exam but couldn’t land a job at any healthcare facility. He was confident in his abilities and even applied to two top university hospitals, only to be rejected by both.
It turned out the issue was his attitude during the interviews.
We learned what really happened through some of my dad’s friends at those hospitals. Despite his qualifications, his lack of experience, and more importantly, his demeanor in those interviews, seemed to be the deal breakers.
My brother displayed an arrogant demeanor, confidently asserting that he could boost the hospital’s finances, and openly mocked our father’s advice to prioritize patient empathy with a disdainful chuckle.
Upon learning about my brother’s predicament, my father, torn between disappointment and hope, addressed him with a blend of calm and authority.
“James, you’ll start working at our family clinic for now,” he proposed.
My brother was taken aback.
“Why should I do that?”
My father calmly but firmly pressed on.
“It’s a temporary measure until you find your footing elsewhere. Use this time to get back to the basics.”
James accepted, albeit grudgingly, his face a mix of resignation and discontent.
His attitude toward our family was unmistakably filled with resentment. Yet, in his confusion and frustration, he was embraced by our father, who offered him a chance to start anew.
Whether motivated by paternal love, professional ethics, or another reason, my father hoped James would evolve into a compassionate doctor.
Despite this, James showed no signs of wanting to meet those expectations.
Now employed at our father’s clinic, patient grievances about him are frequent, and rumors of his poor conduct spread widely.
Instead of improving, James’s egocentric behavior has intensified. Within the clinic, he boasts about eventually succeeding our father as the clinic’s director, causing unease among everyone.
We’re left to hope that eventually, my father’s sincere wishes will resonate with James.
In the midst of this, James brought home a surprising guest to introduce to us as his fiancée.
“This is my fiancée,” he announced with assurance.
We were rendered speechless by the abruptness of the introduction.
While his fiancée appeared sophisticated and well-mannered at first glance, there was something off about her demeanor and smile that made me uneasy.
The way she looked at our family with a subtly arrogant smile raised questions and discomfort within me. I couldn’t help but wonder what lay behind that unsettling presence.
Was it all in my head, or was there something more to be wary of?
The unease I felt since the day we met my future sister-in-law lingers. Despite my reservations, the wheels for my brother’s wedding were set in motion.
Since getting engaged, my brother, who once lived by himself, started coming home more often. Yet these visits weren’t about cherishing family time. They were about seeking financial aid from our parents for his upcoming wedding.
Just the other day, he was asking for a significant sum for the wedding.
I remember James.
My father began, “I’m glad you’re getting married, but as someone about to start a new family, you need to connect with each patient genuinely.”
“How many times will I hear this lecture? I engage with my patients enough,” James retorted, clearly annoyed.
“Then why do we keep hearing complaints? Some patients have even asked to switch doctors,” my father countered, citing specific incidents to make his point.
“Those complaints probably come from not meeting their expectations. They should just listen and not complain all the time,” James snapped back.
My father, with a sterner voice, said, “Your attitude is the issue. It’s affecting the hospital’s reputation. You need to understand the seriousness of this.”
James, irritated, conceded, “Fine, I get it. Be more empathetic, right? If that’s what it takes, then help me with the wedding costs. I want it to be memorable for Nancy.”
We were briefly moved by James’s fervent appeal.
After some thought, my father agreed with a condition.
“Okay, James, but you must become a responsible doctor and a supportive husband.”