It was my first quarter of my internship and I was posted in pediatrics. It was a welcome change from the obstetrics and gynecology I was posted in earlier. I was enjoying my work in pediatrics and it was almost the end of my first week. On my way for the evening rounds I found two small boys, identical twins, aged around 3 years running around and laughing and making a huge noise. Then I just went around to the nursing station to get their files. They were both admitted as they both had leukemia, a form of blood cancer. I was sorry for them. I just started reading through the file. And I came to know that they were brought in as their had noted a swelling in their neck. They both had splenic enlargement and was suspected to have leukemia. And their counts and bone marrow confirmed their diagnosis. They were to be started on chemotherapy. In the meantime, I got to know both kids. They were the most cheerful kids ever. Many children with very mild illness would lie down and want to be doted upon but the two boys seemed never out of energy. It was fun being with them. They would be waiting at the door to meet me. And they always be around me in the ward. We used to have some fun in the play room that was in the ward, if I had some time to spare. They were started on chemo and that sapped up some of their energy and still their enthusiasm was infectious. But as they progressed on chemo they got even more sick. But still I loved seeing them for a smile on their faces in spite of the needle pricks, the nausea and the other ills of chemo. But their counts showed no slowing of the upward trend. It was hundred and fifty thousand and going up. I knew the chemo was failing and I knew it was going to happen one day. It was almost 3weeks since their admission. It was a thursday and I was too tired after being on a night duty and having to come back the next morning. I looked around for the kids, I couldn't find the elder one. I feared the worst as soon as I neared them. The elder of the twins had succumbed to the disease yesterday evening and it was colleague who was near when it happened. They have tried but nothing much could be done. I was sad that I was gonna miss that kid. And I was equally sad for the other one, whose days were also numbered. I went near the younger twin. He smiled on seeing me from his bed, too weak to even sit. He told me,"Mom said I'll no longer see my brother as he went to be with the God." And he then asked me "Will I also go like my brother??? Will you come with me??" I couldn't meet those little eyes looking at me eagerly. I was really sad by then. But still I promised him that I would. After all that's the least I could do for him. It was a week and the younger twin was also no more. But I still remember those two kids and their love and energy. And I have seen a lot of people die during my internship but those two kids were so special. I still keep wondering, why them? I know being a doctor you are not supposed to get involved or be emotional. And I have been so most of the times but they are, were and still will be an exception....
