A DOCTOR REFUSED TO TREAT ME BECAUSE I HAD NO INSURANCE—BUT WHAT THE NURSE DID NEXT LEFT ME IN TEARS

I sat on the hospital bed, clutching my side, trying not to cry. The pain was unbearable, but the doctor’s words hurt worse.

I felt my stomach drop. They were just going to send me home?

I looked at the nurse standing in the corner. She hadn’t said a word the whole time, but something in her eyes—pity, frustration—made my chest tighten.

The doctor walked out. The nurse lingered.

Then, in a quiet voice, she said, “Stay right here. Don’t leave.”

I didn’t understand. But a few minutes later, she came back, looking over her shoulder as if making sure no one was watching.

And then she whispered something that made my breath catch.

“It’s taken care of.”

I stared at her. What?

She just squeezed my hand and smiled.