When Breath Becomes Air

Part of Paul wishes Emma would have discouraged him from working again. Ever since he’d stopped working, the weight of the responsibility had been lifted from his shoulders. However, the “moral duty” he feels is too overwhelming, his passion too strong to deny, and on top of it all, Lucy is supportive of his decision (151).

During his first surgery, a temporal lobectomy, Paul begins to faint. He has the junior resident take over for the rest of the operation while he rests in the lounge and then goes home.

The preceding days go more smoothly, as Paul successfully completes surgeries, remembering his own way of doing things. Within a month, he’s nearly back at his previous capacities. His regained wellness prompts him to continue his job search. Another resident mentions that she is worried about Paul graduating. As much as Paul is liked, he needs to be able to keep up with the full spectrum of a surgeon’s duties, including administrative work. Thus, he returns to his fourteen-hour work day. Despite the painful and depleted state of his body, he completes procedures so quickly and smoothly that even the attending doctors are surprised.

Paul takes a moment to reflect on how far he has come.