“Maya!” cried Carmen Rodriguez, the charge nurse, rushing forward. But Maya didn’t move. She simply straightened, her eyes calm — too calm — while a bright red handprint bloomed across her dark skin.
Phones came out. A young nursing student, Jessica Martinez, had already gone live on Instagram. “Oh my God, y’all—Dr. Williams just slapped a nurse! This is Mercy General! I can’t believe this!”
Within seconds, thousands of viewers were watching.
Dr. Williams adjusted his tie. “This nurse just challenged medical authority in front of patients. She endangered a life.”
“That’s not true!” someone shouted from the waiting area. “She was helping you!”
Maya’s phone buzzed in her pocket — a message from the Director’s Office: Board meeting starts in 10 minutes. Attendance mandatory.
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