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Language:
English
Series:
Part 193 of one-shots , Part 34 of Disney One-shots , Part 44 of Therapy stories , Part 117 of Awareness stories , Part 15 of ADJL one-shots , Part 7 of over coffee , Part 15 of Modern AU , Part 102 of collection stories
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2022 - Awareness Challenge
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Published:
2022-05-29
Words:
410
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1/1
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4
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3
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1
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262

Ethics

Summary:

Two friends, Trixie and Rose, meet for coffee and discuss a dramatic case from Trixie's hospital. A teen's reckless prank leads to tragedy and a controversial liver transplant decision. As they reflect on justice and the impacts of fame, Rose shares her theater struggles, and they both find solace in their friendship.

Notes:

(See the end of the work for notes.)

Work Text:

 

 

pixai Angela Wilkins 1

 

 

Two friends met at a trendy coffeehouse one gorgeous Sunday morning in May. Trixie Wilkins, the Chief of Surgery at Manhattan General, and Rose Long, a celebrated theater star, had both faced exhausting weeks. They shared similar life paths: marrying their childhood sweethearts at twenty, having daughters at twenty-one, and sons at twenty-four. Their mixed ethnicities added an intriguing layer to their lives.

As they sipped their cappuccinos, Trixie recounted a dramatic case from her week at the hospital. "You wouldn't believe the drama, Rose! It was a week full of trauma and ethical debates!" she said with her trademark sass.

Rose, curious, asked, "Which case stood out the most this week?"

Trixie, adjusting her hair, replied, "The standout case involved a teenager who faked a mass shooting. His prank caused a stampede, injuring hundreds and killing two people. Someone with a real gun shot the prankster himself. Karma struck him."

Rose was taken aback. "That sounds harsh. Isn't it inappropriate to mock his near-death experience?"

Trixie explained, "The consequences were severe. Two lives were lost. The shooter committed suicide after realizing the truth, and a woman was trampled to death, leaving her husband to raise their son alone. Forgiveness is difficult in such cases."

Trixie continued, "The prankster needed a liver transplant, and he received it from the deceased woman. Her husband initially hesitated but eventually agreed."

Rose questioned, "Isn't that an act of forgiveness?"

Trixie shook her head. "The husband's decision was about justice and revenge. He told the teen his new liver would forever remind him of his actions. It was a living reminder of the life he took."

The idea of poetic justice struck Rose. "What could be worse for a murderer than living with their victim's liver?"

They both reflected on the story. Rose sighed, "This is why I stay away from social media. The pursuit of fame often leads to tragic consequences."

Trixie agreed. "This case will haunt the hospital for a long time, raising many ethical questions. What's happening at the theater?"

Rose shared, "We've had some issues, including people passing out from exhaustion and financial troubles. I hope our production of A Midsummer Night's Dream succeeds."

Trixie asked, "You're playing Queen Titania, right?"

Rose corrected her gently, "Yes, Queen Tatiana. It's a significant role."

Trixie encouraged her, "We're all rooting for you. Let's take a walk in the park?"

"Sounds perfect," Rose agreed. They left a tip and headed to Central Park.

Notes:

Character Development: You've done an excellent job of establishing the characters of Trixie and Rose through their professions, backgrounds, and personalities. However, you should delve deeper into their personalities and motivations to make them more relatable and exciting.

Dialogue: The dialogue flows well and feels natural for the most part, capturing the casual, conversational tone one might expect over a cup of coffee. The exchange between Trixie and Rose gives insight into their lives and issues.

Detail and Description: You've included some descriptive information about the characters and their surroundings, which helps paint the reader a picture. However, consider adding more sensory details to further immerse the reader in the scene.

Pacing and Structure: The pacing of the conversation feels appropriate, with a good balance of dialogue and narration. However, you should break up the dialogue with more action or internal thoughts to prevent it from feeling too static.

Themes and Message: The story touches on forgiveness, justice, and the consequences of one's actions. These are thought-provoking themes that add depth to the narrative. Consider exploring these themes even further to enhance the impact of the story.

Emotional Resonance
The story effectively captures the complexity of human emotions through the conversations between Trixie and Rose. Trixie’s recounting of a dramatic case from her hospital reveals a deep sense of moral conflict and empathy, while Rose’s responses demonstrate her shock and contemplation.

The dialogue between the two women reflects their shared experiences and differing perspectives, adding depth to their characters. The emotional weight of the hospital case contrasts sharply with the lighter, yet still significant, discussion about Rose’s theater career.

Vocabulary and Dialogue

The dialogue is lively and captures the personalities of both characters well. Trixie’s sassy, direct manner contrasts Rose’s more reflective and measured responses. Phrases like “stupid teenage prankster” and “karma sure nailed him fast” reflect Trixie’s frustration and the gravity of the situation.

Rose’s reactions, such as her shock at the idea of the liver transplant as an act of poetic justice, show her thoughtful approach to the ethical implications. The conversation flows naturally, making their camaraderie and professional challenges relatable.

Imagery and Atmosphere

The coffeehouse setting serves as a comfortable backdrop for Trixie and Rose's intense discussion. The imagery of their cappuccinos and the bustling ambiance of the city contrast with the heavy topics they discuss.

The shift from the coffeehouse to the park symbolizes the transition from intense personal and professional issues to a more relaxed, serene environment. This contrast enhances the piece's overall tone, balancing serious themes with a sense of normalcy and friendship.

The story effectively balances heavy, thought-provoking content with the warmth of friendship. Trixie’s recounting of the hospital case introduces a morally complex scenario that prompts readers to consider issues of justice and forgiveness. Rose’s reflections on social media and her theater career provide a broader perspective on their lives and challenges. The transition to a walk in the park symbolizes a return to simpler pleasures, highlighting the importance of appreciating life’s more straightforward joys.

This one-shot combines compelling character interactions with a thought-provoking moral dilemma. The dialogue is engaging and authentic, and the imagery enhances the story's emotional impact. The piece blends serious topics with personal moments of connection, making it a thoughtful and enjoyable read.