Elena had spent fifteen years in this room. She had seen infants who could fit in the palm of her hand grow into teenagers who now ducked their heads to enter her door. She was used to the "symphony" of a pediatric office—the high-pitched giggles from the waiting room, the rhythmic crinkle of exam table paper, and the occasional, inevitable wail of a toddler who spotted a needle.
A pioneer in the Philippines who dedicated seven decades to transforming maternal and child healthcare. pediatrician
A pediatrician in Flint, Michigan, who famously exposed the city's lead-tainted water crisis to protect local children. Elena had spent fifteen years in this room
"I have a force field, Dr. Elena," Leo informed her, crossing his arms tightly. "No pokes allowed." A pioneer in the Philippines who dedicated seven
Slowly, the arms uncrossed. Elena listened to his heart—a steady, racecar beat—and checked his "super-vision." When it came time for the shots, she didn't call them shots. She called them "software updates for his immunity-shields."
Leo squeezed his eyes shut, his cape fluttering as he held his breath. "Done," Elena whispered a second later. Leo opened one eye. "That’s it?"