The Fairy Godmother By Year Six, it was clear that Lisa Goodwin was destined to become a wonderful …

The Fairy

By the time I was in Year 6, it was already obvious that Lizzie Brookes would make an excellent doctor. Back then, our neighbours lad, Tom, had taken a terrible tumble from the swings, scraping his knee and bashing his head. The sight wasnt for the fainthearted, but twelve-year-old Lizzie kept her cool.

Emma, fetch some water, bandages, and a bottle of TCP! she ordered her best mate, who lived just across the green from the playground. Without a word, Emma dashed off to do as Lizzie asked.

By the time Toms panicked mother, Auntie Sue, came rushing over goodness knows how she heard about it Lizzie had cleaned the cuts, dressed them neatly, and made Tom as comfortable as the situation allowed. When Auntie Sue found out whod stepped in, she was astounded.

Youre a natural, she told Lizzie, gratitude plain on her face. Mark my words, youll be a brilliant doctor one day. Even grown doctors can be a disappointment, but you, my girl youre something else.

Lizzie was golden to have on a camping trip, too. No one wanted to be injured, but with Lizzie Brookes around, you always felt safe.

From there, everything unfolded just as you might expect: medical school, a hectic foundation year, a tough registrar training, then seemingly endless courses and certifications. Eventually, she, now Dr Elizabeth Harris (after her marriage), was asked to stand in and manage the diagnostics department. Not a small responsibility.

Her colleagues genuinely respected Dr Elizabeth Harris. The department was a gem full of kind, clever people. Except, of course, for Dr William Stanton, the elderly deputy medical director. Stanton was a legendary grump, a master of the petty quarrel, the kind of person whod never miss a chance for an argument. Lizzie tried not to rise to his bait, but it cost her dearly to hold her tongue.

At least, she reminded herself, their paths didnt cross too often just once a week at the impatiently awaited case review, where new patient diagnoses were thrashed out. Still, every encounter was its own ordeal.

Stanton would often bicker with Lizzie, sometimes letting slip the sort of barbed remark nobody should have to stomach. He seemed to enjoy prodding her, enjoying her struggle to maintain composure in front of everyone. It only seemed to encourage him.

Impossible man, Lizzie would sigh over dinner to her husband, Peter. Honestly, I do my best to be patient, but hes always winding me up.

Peter grinned. Youll outmanoeuvre him, Im sure. Youre the most diplomatic person I know.

Their thirteen-year-old son, Jamie, piped up, Mum, its true! If you get bored of medicine, you should be a diplomat. They probably earn more, too.

Lizzie laughed. Ill keep it in mind if things dont improve.

Lizzie had always prided herself on being diplomatic but at the end of the day, she was human, not a robot. Patience stretches only so far. She feared that sooner or later shed snap, and if that happened, shed have good reason.

The next weeks case review started off as usual. It wasnt until Lizzie, as the attending doctor, presented the history of a woman in her sixties sitting across from them, that things went sideways.

Normally, after the report, the patient would be asked to wait outside, and then the ward manager Mary Stephens would discuss the case privately with Lizzie and Stanton. But this time, before the process was complete, the woman looked at them with anxious eyes.

Please, just tell me straight, she said. Is it really bad? Will I get better? I need to look after my granddaughter shes got no one else.

Her voice trembled; it looked as if she might cry. The hope and fear in those eyes made your heart ache.

Lizzie opened her mouth to reassure her, but Stanton cut in, barking, With your diagnosis? Frankly, its so advanced, nobody in their right mind could promise anything. What were you thinking, leaving it so late?

The woman was shocked, lips quivering, but Stanton carried on, relentless. Oh, I know your type. You wait, put up with it, try quack remedies, and finally come to us when its nearly too late! Were not magicians.

Crushed, the poor woman burst into tears and hurried out. Lizzie later told herself off for not intervening sooner, but shed been struck dumb by his insensitivity. How could anyone speak so to a frightened, elderly patient? The ward manager shook her head, clearly disapproving.

Yes, Stantons point had some merit early treatment is best but he could have shown more respect, especially to someone of her age.

Lizzie finally snapped. Enough was enough. She rounded on Stanton. Dr Stanton, with respect, what gives you the right to speak to a patient that way?

He shrugged. What did I say? Were not miracle workers. The sooner people accept that, the better. You know yourself, catching things early is what counts.

He smirked, apparently pleased with himself. The ward manager could see what was going on. Lizzie wasnt about to let him claim a victory.

William, you are absolutely right early diagnosis is vital, often the only option, Lizzie said. But do you realise how hard I had to work to convince this woman to trust me and start treatment? She finally had some hope, and you just tore it away, in a flash. For what? Honestly!

She gestured in frustration. Stanton, seeing he couldnt win this round, tried to reassert himself, but Lizzie wasnt listening anymore. Through a haze, she watched the ward manager walk out. Alone with Stanton, Lizzie could hardly breathe the man truly was an emotional vampire.

She sat at the desk, gazing at the wall, lost in thought. She refused to cry, thinking, Theres no way Ill let him see hes got to me. Instead, she turned to her work. The day was only just beginning.

A timid voice broke her concentration. Dr Harris? It was Stanton, surprisingly meek, holding out a bottle of valerian drops, looking utterly flustered.

Here, take this, he muttered. And sorry, honestly. You were probably right.

Dr Stanton, you had a point as well, Lizzie replied, softening. But were here to help people, to give them hope, even if its just a glimmer. Sometimes hope works miracles. You know that as well as I do.

Yes, of course, he replied absently.

The change in him was almost shocking, but Lizzie wasted no time. She pressed her advantage. William, remember this: I wont stand for raised voices or having my qualifications questioned in front of anyone be they a porter or the Secretary of Health.

Yes, Dr Harris, absolutely.

Lets hope so, she thought, glancing at her watch. Plenty of work to be getting on with.

An hour later, she visited her patient Mrs Veronica Greene. On her bedside table sat a bunch of tulips. Veronica smiled when Lizzie entered.

Guess what your boss came to see me, Mrs Greene confided. Brought flowers, apologised. Said hed do everything in his power to help me get better.

Thats wonderful, Lizzie replied, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. And you will get better youre tougher than you look. Honestly, you could still turn heads.

Oh, youre a tease! Mrs Greene chuckled.

Within a month, Veronica Greene was well on the mend. On the day of her discharge, Dr Stanton brought her a box of expensive chocolates.

These are for your granddaughter, he said, bashfully.

Oh, thanks ever so much! she grinned.

And these are for you, he added, handing her some beautiful roses.

My goodness, how lovely! No ones brought me flowers in years. Thank you and my deepest thanks go to all the doctors. Youve given me my life back.

Stanton smiled. Id say come back and see us, but hopefully only as a visitor, eh? Take care of yourself.

Everyone nearby was agog. Whats got into him? they muttered. No one had ever seen the man act this way.

From then on, things between Lizzie and Stanton were much improved if not warm, at least cordial. They started having the occasional coffee after meetings, or bumping into each other at the nearby café.

One never finds happiness in life, Stanton confided once. Perhaps thats why Im such hard work. Lifes nearly past and I feel Ive missed it.

What dyou mean? Lizzie replied, honestly surprised. You have a high position not many do.

He nodded. True. But I want to be happy. Once, maybe, I was but its all drifted away.

Ah, Lizzie thought, it all adds up now. She found herself feeling real sympathy for him.

Word of their improved relations didnt escape the rest of the staff, but no one gossiped or spread rumours. Lizzie simply wasnt the type, and Stanton in his own way was hardly a Don Juan.

What did you do to him? asked Ally, one of the nurses, at the weekly staff tea. Hes changed! Even smiles now and then.

At the end of each week, all the women nurses, doctors, staff gathered for a proper tea in the hospital kitchen. Everyone brought cake, scones, or jam; it was a highlight.

Honestly, girls, theres no great secret, Lizzie said. Its simple, really.

Oh, is it? Auntie May, the cloakroom lady, raised an eyebrow.

Truly. Confidence and self-respect thats all it takes.

Thats easy for you, Dr Harris, said young Jean, one of the porters. When I see him, I just want to vanish.

Dont say that, said Lizzie kindly. Anyone deserves self-respect, whether youre a porter or the chief exec. And confidence never goes amiss.

Too right, agreed Dr Gillian, head of psych. Especially with energy vampires. They avoid people with real backbone theres nothing for them to gain.

I think hes just an unhappy person, deep down, mused Vera, the canteen cook.

Everyone nodded except Lizzie, who knew it was true.

Girls, have I missed anything? gasped Cathy the linen keeper, rushing in.

No, youre just in time, said Gillian. Were talking about Stanton.

Oho, so youve all heard! Cathy exclaimed.

Heard what? the others chorused.

Hes getting married! Cathy announced.

No way!

Well, thats news!

Hell will freeze over before that happens!

Excitement rippled around the kitchen.

Lizzie, dont pretend you didnt know, winked the ward sister.

Lizzie shook her head in amazement. We talk but never about such things.

Not surprising, said Tamara, the psychologist. People like him dont let their human side show easily.

Thats true, Lizzie thought. I wonder who told Cathy and whos the bride?

Come on then, who is he marrying? young Jean asked the question on everyones lips.

No idea, really, Cathy said as she poured herself tea. Rumour is, its a patient.

Now thats something! Vera exclaimed, and Lizzie smiled, suspecting whom it might be.

Tell you what, girls, dont you think this calls for something stronger than tea? Lizzie grinned. A bit of good wine might be just the thing to toast Stantons happiness.

The proposal met with cheers; they drank to the health and newfound happiness of the gruff deputy. Perhaps, they hoped, married life would soften him a little.

The next day, as Lizzie was sipping her coffee, Stanton beaming all over came to see her. She pretended not to know.

You look well, Dr Stanton, she smiled.

I am, actually. And in good spirits too Im getting married, Dr Harris.

Really! And whos the lucky woman, if you dont mind my asking?

He beamed. Veronica. Mrs Greene, the woman you stood up for that time. She made quite an impression on me so I decided to act. Got her number, visited her under the pretext of hospital follow-up

Whod have thought you had it in you! Lizzie laughed. Shes a wonderful choice.

Im glad you think so. Id like to invite you and your family its thanks to you I found her. Youd have made a great diplomat, Dr Harris.

Oh, dont be silly! If two people are meant to meet, theyll find their way to each other.

The wedding was a delight. The groom looked smart, and the bride, too, had transformed. Veronica styled her hair in a chic bob, dyed it chestnut, and looked ten years younger a world away from the fragile woman whod once pleaded for her life.

Veronica never stopped thanking Lizzie and I can hardly blame her. If theres one thing Ive taken from watching Lizzie over all these years, its that kindness really does make all the difference. Standing up for someone, however small the gesture, can change not just your life, but theirs too. Maybe thats the real magic in being a doctor or just being human.