Chapter 640

The village clinic's dormitory was surrounded by locals.

The nurse froze when she opened the door. "What's all this...?"

The new mother's mother-in-law stood at the front, clutching old-fashioned aluminum lunchboxes. She immediately recognized Evelyn and the night shift nurses, rushing forward.

"Dr. Carter, I cooked some dishes for you. You've been working nonstop since yesterday—you must be starving."

She stepped aside, revealing the village chief and party secretary behind her.

Both elderly men had silver hair but treated the young medical staff with deep respect.

"We'd heard city doctors were coming to help, but never expected such skill."

"Our village has lovely scenery. You should visit when you're free..."

The chief extended a slab of cured meat. "From our own pigs. A small taste of home."

The nurse waved her hands. "We can't accept this. Hospital regulations—"

Evelyn observed the earnest villagers from the back. Most were elderly, their eyes filled with gratitude.

Seeing the refusal, the chief insisted, "Just some homegrown things. Nothing valuable."

"Only a few eggs..."

"Fresh-picked greens..."

The murmurs rose like a tide.

The nurses glanced helplessly at Evelyn.

Someone whispered, "I told you city doctors wouldn't want our simple food..."

Evelyn took a steadying breath. "We'll accept this once. But it can't happen again."

Relief washed over the crowd as they pressed gifts into the nurses' hands. Soon, the young women stood arms full.

Evelyn carefully took the fragile eggs and cured meat. Only then did the villagers disperse contentedly.

The mother-in-law lingered, offering a final container. "Special chicken soup for you. Drink it hot."

The nurses surveyed the rustic bounty covering their table. "How will we ever finish all this?"

Evelyn suggested, "Take it to the clinic. Let the senior staff share it."

Outside, she found the chief waiting in the hallway.

"Dr. Carter..." The old man hesitated.

"Is something else troubling you?"

He rubbed his weathered hands. "How long...will you stay? Will more doctors come after?"

Evelyn's throat tightened. "There'll be replacements."

The elder sighed. "Last team left within days. Villagers needing care..."

His clouded eyes brimmed with worry. "Especially the pregnant women..."

Memories of her father constricted Evelyn's voice. "Early treatment is crucial."

"But the trip to town's impossible for women and children..." The chief's voice shook. "Dr. Carter, could you...stay one more month? Just until those mothers deliver safely..."

His gnarled fingers twisted his shirt hem like clutching a lifeline.