The Doctor Denied His Father at the Door

CHAPTER 1 - The Man Outside the Hospital

Walter Bennett stood outside the hospital in the pouring rain.

His army-green coat was torn, his shoes were soaked, and his arms shook as he held six-year-old Sophie against his chest.

The little girl coughed so violently that she could barely breathe.

A security guard blocked the entrance.

"No money, no treatment!"

"She needs a doctor," Walter begged. "Please. She has been sick for three days."

The guard did not move.

Sophie clutched Walter's collar.

"Grandpa, don't leave me."

"I am not leaving you."

Inside the hospital, Dr. Mark Bennett heard the shouting.

He walked toward the doors and saw the child's pale face through the rain-covered glass.

"Bring them inside."

The guard stepped aside.

Walter moved forward.

As he passed Mark, he suddenly stopped.

His mouth trembled.

"Mark, is that you? My son."

Mark dropped the patient chart in his hand.

For a moment, he stared at the father he had not seen in seven years.

Then his expression hardened.

"You got the wrong person."

Mark turned away.

Walter tried to follow but lost his balance.

Mark reacted without thinking. He caught the old man before he hit the floor.

Sophie began coughing again.

Mark carried her into an examination room while nurses helped Walter into a chair.

The girl had a high fever, low oxygen, and a severe chest infection. Mark ordered treatment immediately.

Walter watched him work.

"You became the doctor you always wanted to be."

Mark did not answer.

When Sophie was finally breathing more easily, Mark confronted Walter in the hallway.

"Why are you here?"

"Her mother died four months ago. I am all she has."

"Who was her mother?"

Walter looked through the glass at the sleeping child.

"Leah Morgan."

Mark stopped breathing.

Leah was the woman he had planned to marry before she disappeared from his life.

Walter's next words struck even harder.

"Sophie is not only my granddaughter."

The little girl opened her eyes and looked at Mark.

Her voice was weak.

"Are you the father Mommy said became a doctor?"