Work Text:
It was Saturday, and Mag, Leta, and Stacey were back at Triangle Coins coffee shop in the Ghost Zone Mall. Mag and Leta were both in their ghost forms, while Stacey, not being a hybrid, was in her earthly form. Thanks to her daughter Brooke’s Ghost Gene and a Mark from Mag, Stacey had safe passage into the Ghost Zone.
Creel, the Zone’s top fashion designer, had recently created custom outfits that seamlessly combined spectral and earthly textiles. Stacey wore one of Creel's newest creations: a sparkling burgundy asymmetrical top, matching capri pants, and customized sandals adorned with her zodiac sign, crescent moons, and sunflowers. After years of wearing suits, she adored the outfit, relishing any opportunity to feel a little more herself.
Their pets accompanied them once again. The barista brought over extra-large mugs of coffee, signaling the start of a long chat. After a few sips, Magdalene spoke up.
"I know you both know how I feel about my faith," she began, "and I’m so tired of the whole debate around faith versus science.”
“Right? Science has come a long way, but it’s pretty cold-hearted for some people to dismiss anyone with faith as delusional,” Leta added, nodding.
“Especially in healthcare,” Stacey noted. “A person’s beliefs are just as valid as scientific data.”
“Stacey, have you ever run into a doctor who only cares about facts?” Mag asked. “I mean, someone who just doesn’t see people as whole human beings?”
“Well, not me personally. But my sister, Natalie, who’s a brain surgeon? She told me about something recently that really got to her. A psychiatrist at her hospital was fuming after a young med student’s behavior. The other day, a pregnant woman came in with abdominal pain. She’d finally gotten pregnant after years of trying and saw it as a miracle.”
“Awful to have to go through that after everything,” Mag murmured.
Stacey nodded. “Right? Well, this med student with zero bedside manner walks in, looks at her chart, and just bluntly tells her she’s having an ectopic pregnancy and needs surgery—no empathy at all.”
“Sheesh! I can’t imagine how hard that must’ve been for her,” Mag said.
“It gets worse. The woman said she didn’t want the surgery and wanted to leave it in God’s hands. The doctor actually called her delusional, telling her God couldn’t do anything to help her. Eventually, the psychiatrist had to come in and explain to the student that, as doctors, they’re meant to respect patients’ wishes—even if those wishes go against science. But it didn’t end there. The student faked paperwork showing the woman had miscarried so she could do the surgery anyway.”
“She forced her into it?” Leta was aghast. “Unbelievable! That's completely violating her rights.”
“Yup, and now that student’s under close watch. If they can prove she faked the paperwork, she’s out of medical school. But the whole situation is just horrifying.”
Mag’s eyes narrowed. “That makes my blood boil! People have the right to make their own decisions, even if others don’t agree with them.”
Leta nodded, her face equally indignant. “This idea that you have to force your beliefs on someone else is just sickening.”
Mag continued, “Just because science hasn’t proven something doesn’t mean it isn’t real. People need faith to get through life’s struggles. Denying that is denying something deeply human.”
“Agreed,” Leta growled, calming as her puppy nudged her hand gently.
“Maybe we should change the topic?” Mag suggested with a soft chuckle. “We’re all too riled up already.”
Stacey perked up. “Actually, my younger brother Magnus and his wife are planning to adopt. They’ve been talking to the family about the challenges, especially with people who think you should only adopt kids who look like you.”
“I’ve always thought that’s ridiculous,” Leta replied. “Blood alone doesn’t make a family. Family is the people who love and raise you, no matter where you came from.”
Stacey nodded, smiling at the affirmation. “Exactly. And we’ve all talked about how important it is to be open with adopted kids, to tell them their story honestly.”
Leta agreed, “We’re all shaped by more than just our bloodline. Family, friends, and experiences—that’s what gives you identity.”
Mag nodded, grinning. “We are who we choose to be, not where we came from. That’s what matters most.”
“True,” Stacey said, looking around at her friends warmly. “It’s good to know we’re on the same page. Both topics really come down to respect, don’t they?”
“It does seem like people forget what respect even is sometimes,” Mag mused. “People in professions like medicine, teaching, law enforcement—they need to be in it for the right reasons. If they’re just after power, they’re in the wrong field.”
Leta placed a calming hand on her friend’s arm. “You’re right, Mag. It’s a shame, but that’s the reality sometimes.”
“Enough of all these intense topics for today,” Mag said, laughing softly. “Let’s not waste our day in the negative.”
“Agreed,” Leta said, brightening. “Why don’t we head over to Hyde Park? It’s beautiful this time of year, and our pets will love it.”
With a laugh and a nod, Mag paid their tab, and they set off together. They’d spent their morning discussing heavy topics, but now it was time for a little peace and fresh air.