Second Chances

It was an ordinary Tuesday until Leah, my fellow PGI, started telling us the story of her life, or at least a cross-section of that life, more particularly what happened last night. She told us how she happened to discover that her boyfriend was allegedly cheating on her. All PGIs inside the on call room were all ears, including Mark Agana who was then FD and initially decided to go down the dorm and sleep. She told us how one day, while she and her bf was sauntering around town, she happened to read a text message on her bf's cellphone. The message was allegedly from a female, who endearingly called her bf Langga (sweet). Intrigued and already steaming with jealousy, she tried to send a text message to the number which appeared on her bf's cell, pretending to be her bf. To make the long story short, this female text messenger was later sending text messages to Leah's phone looking for her bf, inviting him to a night out somewhere. Leah confronted her bf through text messaging as well and according to Leah, her bf denied anything that was happening to this female text messenger. He told her he had no idea who this female texter was despite the fact that the lady texter particularly mentioned his family name on text. Leah was totally upset and was on the breakdown last night. Her boyfriend promised to come the following day to patch things up.

This morning, while she was relating to us her story, we couldn't help introject our opinions and sentiments regarding the matter. While we boys were trying to joke around to keep the matter light, others were sincerely serious about the situation. The other half of the group said to break it off. The other half said to stay on. It was a difficult dilemma, much harder than answering the question, "Deal or No Deal?"

During Lunch time, I later found out that her boyfriend did come and the two had their private conversation in the dorm. This was getting much more serious than we've thought. Leah, in fact, was no where to be found during the Pediatric Conference that afternoon. While waiting, the debate among PGIs continued. How should Leah approach this? Must one give a second chance or call it quits?

It cannot be avoided that in long-distance relationships, like that of Leah and her bf, "temptations" can happen. Maybe Leah's bf felt lonely, was wanting for some female companionship, and perhaps started a very safe and platonic friendship with whoever this female texter is. The question now is, can this "platonic relationship" be already categorized as "infidelity" to the real gf/bf? Where does one draw the line?

Later, after the conference, I then found out that Leah gave out a second chance. From what I heard, Leah just misinterpreted everything and her jealousy only got ahead of her. But now, things are much clearer. At least that turned out alright.

This Thursday is Pedia Grand Rounds. Melvin will be presenting the same case for the second time again. The first time he presented was a bloody affair. This time hopefully, he gets to prepare hard for this second-chance appearance. I will be having my own grand rounds presentation two weeks from Thursday.