Caray, Caray!

My most sincere thanks to Maricruz for filling in for me the last two weeks. I deeply appreciate her enthusiasm and her awesome skill for the recapping, as well as her support!

From yesterday, Lorena sadly hovers at Zulema’s hospital bed, talking to her Mami softly, telling Zulema how much she and all of them love Zulema.

Julián’s honeymoon has ended abruptly with the news that Zulema is in a coma, and tonight he’s home and devastated. Omar tells him it’s not clear how long her coma will be and she’ll be here the whole time where they can take care of her. Julián mourns that she’s not really living a life, it’s a hell. She doesn’t deserve it. Rossy tries to comfort him. He’s inconsolable and demands to see her. Alonslow makes the mistake of showing up and Julián’s determined that Alonso’s going to pay. Julián’s definitely having a bad hair day, and makes a scene in the clinic waiting room. He demands to know what Alonslow has done to his Mami and calls Alonso all kinds of ugly things, including murderer even though she’s not dead yet. Rossy and Omar form a conga line to hold him back. Rossy and Diana try to calm him by yelling at the top of their lungs. Julián yells that his Mami is like that and Alonslow’s to blame, so Alonslow dutifully apologizes. Again.

Lorena, meanwhile, is hanging out with the aforementioned Mami, recalling old times. Earlier this week, actually, since she’s only known her Mami about two weeks—as a Mami. She’s recalling Rossy’s/Julián’s/Maruja’s/Jaime’s wedding when her Mami told her they could spend the rest of their lives making up for lost time. Zulema’s in lala-land, O2 tube firmly in her mouth, clearly a captive audience for Lorena. Lorena reminds a comatose Zulema they made a lot of promises about spending time together and they have to follow through. She needs to see her Mami play with her children and they’ll call her Granny. Lorena begs Zulema not to leave her alone.

Toribio’s book study gets interrupted by Paula, who wants to know what’s up. He’s poring over the books to try and find something that will help Alonslow. They lament the situation Alonslow has found himself in. Toribio notes the situation has affected him both personally and professionally—but that’s not fair, Paula thinks, because he’s an excellent doc. They’re just waiting on the investigation results. They moan in harmony and wish they could help. They can, though—they can comfort him.

Rossy isn’t having much success in a) calming Julián or b) comforting Julián. All he wants to do is blame Alonslow and assert no one hurts more than him since she’s his mother. Rossy keeps trying, though—lots of folks come out of comas. Julián insists there’s no hope. She points out that Zulema’s still alive! Julián is just not going with this program, after all, she’s unconscious! She’s only breathing because she’s hooked up to a machine!

Alonslow has the happy duty of assuring Omar and Diana that there won’t be any charges for Zulema’s extended stay in the Ritz-Clinic #23. Diana wants to know how long he’s talking about here. He can’t say, though—doesn’t have any good answers for anything.

Julián, looking worse than when he thought he was a total failure, cries out to Rossy that his mother is everything for him. Rossy tells him that’s why he has to keep hoping. Julián hits a homer when he points out she’s trying to make it easy but it wouldn’t be if Maruja was the one laid up in there. He continues to yell about this crime that’s been committed. Rossy continues to try to calm him, and he accuses her of trying to defend Alonslow—and by the way, Julián wants to be left ALONE. He wants to see his Mami, hug her….Rossy tells him enough already. She yells at him—she’s not letting him see his mother when he’s like this—it’s not fair to her or him. She reminds him about how Zulema raised him to be strong, and what he’s doing now doesn’t reflect any of it. Julián quiets, thinking about the wisdom of her words.

Zulema keeps breathing through the tube. Your recapper hopes she’ll come out of her coma as quickly as Vasco and Hortensia did. Julián comes in and cries “it’s not fair” when he sees her. Lorena gives him a concerned look from her chair next to Zulema. Julián cries about an 8 on the UCS because it is so UGLY to see him cry (he really needs to work on that—Ernesto could give him good manly crying lessons) and Lorena gives him a hug as he collapses to his knees next to her as they face Zulema.

Rossy sits in the waiting room while Omar paces in front of her. Rossy remarks that Julián appears to have calmed and Omar points out that she’s the one who must him and make sure he doesn’t do anything foolish. But, it’s a nightmare. They muse over how this could have come about. Omar says he’s not sure, but at least she didn’t suffer as they are. Rossy wants to know about any hope for her to awaken. Omar just shakes his head, bemused and sad.

Vasco is there for Diana as she hangs out in the waiting room. She tells him about the scene Julián made and how he tried to hit Alonslow. Vasco understands why he’s upset, but there’s no reason to become like that. They all love Mamá is Diana’s response, but Julián was the most attached to her. Vasco reiterates the need to keep the faith. Diana worries that Zulema might be suffering and Vasco comforts her with a hug. He knows these things—being in a coma is like being asleep. There’s no suffering. Diana feels alone, and Vasco understands while he reminds her she still has him for always. She notes he’s always been there when she’s needed him and he says he always will be, if she allows it.

Ivan and Bettina handle the waiting teen-style, with videos. She’s sad for Tío Alonslow. He feels super-guilty about what happened. Ivan tries to cheer Bettina, that Lorena still has reasons to be hopeful. It’s not like it was with his parents. Bettina wonders if it doesn’t still hurt him a lot and he admits he’s never going to stop hurting over it. Ivan describes dreaming about being with his parents, on a trip, they hug him….and Bettina tells him that’s lovely. Yeah, but it’s hard when the fantasy bubble bursts when he wakes up. He agrees, though, it’s lovely to see them even like that.

Matilde opens the door to find Bárbara, who wants to know if there is any news. According to all the family, they can only wait and hope for miracles. Bárbara cannot imagine this family without Zulema—but fortunately, there’s a little person who can help give them some joy. Matilde says Saulito is awake—would Bárbara like to see him? Of course! They go in to see him and Bárbara begins chanting to him in motherese [Ed. Note: it’s a real concept in language acquisition, and our Bárbara is a master at it! Whoda guessed??] Saulito is the king of the house! Matilde remarks that he seems to reallllly love Bárbara’s voice. Bárbara is totally cool with that. He knows that his grandmother loves him lots (think singsong). She picks him up to cuddle, commenting on how much he weighs. It’s the best cuddling she’s ever had, outside of Chalo. They exchange baby chitchat and smiles. ¡Qué bárbara! (That’s your Recapper’s feeble attempt at a play on words—whoda thunk Bárbara would be redeemed so beautifully?)

Alonslow mopes and worries in his office, recalling the operation and the moment he knew something was going wrong. Then Lorena’s horrified face looms in his mind as he gave her the bad news and she refused to accept it at first, wanting him to give her hope. He jumps up from his desk and sweeps all the stuff on it to the floor and against the wall with a couple of swift moves, making a racket. Conveniently, Bruto is right there at the door, ready to respond instantly to a friend in need. Indeed. Alonslow tells Bruto to leave him alone. Equally conveniently, Dra. Serrano is close enough to pop in, wanting him to cover an emergency, and notice the mess while she’s there. “You okay?” [Ed. Note: Duh.] Bruto answers for him, clearly he’s lost it (he’s going through a crisis). Alonslow excuses himself and dashes out, leaving Bruto in charge of putting his own spin on it and setting Alonslow up for a bigger fall later. Nope, don’t need to put him in charge of any emergencies at the moment, Chief. He’ll screw them up just like he did that surgery (okay, I extrapolated a little bit here). It’s too difficult for him to be here. Could be risky, too. She sighs and leaves Bruto savoring sweet success.

Dra. Serrano follows Slow down the hall and stops him. Dr. Palma is right, in his current state, Slow can’t help anyone. Slow doesn’t give a rip what Dr. Palma says. (He should). She gently scolds him and Slow asks her pardon. She urges him to take the day off and Bruto shows up just in time to second the motion. “Gee, you look like H***.” (Okay, I extrapolated that one, too). Bruto recommends a tranquilizer. (Like the one Sara gave Chalo?) Slow tries to refuse but the Dra. insists. Slow is commercial angustiado.

Dra. insists again, because they need the docs at 100% and if they aren’t, they have to get some rest. Bruto REASSURES Slow he doesn’t need to worry for the patients. He’s got Slow’s back. Slow tries to protest but the Dra. won’t risk the patients for his mood. She second guesses herself as Slow strides away, totally dejected, and Bruto seizes the moment to tell her she did it right. She strides off and he smirks again.

Sara grabs her phone and fusses at Bruto. She’s sick and tired of being cooped up. He’s got good news. What news? Alonslow’s been sent home. An attack of nerves. Sara’s hostile but pleased enough and Bruto says they’ll see each other later. Sara tells herself without Slow she has no reason to hang out there. She looks for any loose change or valuables Bruto might have left laying around in his dresser, nightstand, whatever. Nothing.

Lorena mourns this turn of events to Rossy, who listens well for a change. Why?? It’s a bad game of fate. Twice her Mami has been taken from her. Lorena worries for Slow, who feels so much guilt—it’s an accident! He didn’t take her from me! Lorena gives herself a pep talk—Zulema will recover, God is fair. He won’t let her go. They hug as Lorena’s tears come—a 3 or 4 on the UCS. Nicely done, Lore.

Hortensia has Joaquina get Bárbara on the phone for her as she works the office at the big house. Bárbara updates her—Hortensia had no idea about Zulema and is shocked.

It’s Omar’s turn to sit next to Zulema and tell her how much he loves her, how sorry he is, etc. He cries ugly. Julián must have learned from Omar. Omar didn’t dare to tell her how much he loved her before she went into the OR and now he’s plenty sorry. The guilt wouldn’t let him look her in the face and tell her. He’s sorry he’s been unfaithful, hasn’t treasured her enough, hablablablabla. She’s been the one love in his life. He misses her. If God gives her back, he swears he’ll dedicate his life to her and make her happy.

Diana, Vasco and Bárbara make a lovely little domestic picture in the living room of the lesser house. She’s thinking of feeding the baby and Bárbara volunteers her opinion that Diana really ought to let her fix a bottle because it’s not good to breastfeed when she’s nervous. [Ed. Note: Your recapper is astonished that Bárbara is so rehabbed that she’s actually offering helpful tips here.] Diana thanks Barb for helping take care of the baby so well. Barb tells her what a joy it is—he’s such a little charmer. She launches into an apology—she recognizes she’s behaved very badly with Diana. And lots of others. She asks pardon. Diana says it’s forgotten. Bárbara says Diana has to be strong, because it could be a long haul. Bárbara assures Diana she can count on her through this, especially at the most difficult times, and Diana appreciates it with a bemused look. “And you’re going to be with her, too, son—right?” Bárbara asks Vasco. He looks uneasy but agrees he will be right there. Bárbara declares that nothing will make her happier than seeing them together and Vasco’s unease increases. Diana looks at him with tears rolling down her face.

Toribio and Paula have come to join the waiting party at the People’s Clinic #23 and are met by a scowling Julián. Julián immediately accosts them with claims that Alonslow is a murderer. Paula defends her brother. Toribio tries to acknowledge Julián’s distress, good shrink that he is, but his son is not at fault! Lorena and Rossy look on, worried. Julián stubbornly continues to issue invectives about Alonslow’s culpability and Toribio tries futilely to convince him Slow’s not at fault, it was an accident. Toribio points out he’s as much a father as Julián is a son, and everyone’s losing something. Julián storms off. Lorena welcomes the help Toribio offers, though. She and Rossy thank Toribio and Paula for coming. Lorena turns to scold her brother. He wants to know whose side she’s on. Rossy scolds him – he’s her brother! Julián scolds back—she’s engaged to HIM. He stalks off with Rossy trailing, frustrated.

Toribio and Paula find Slow in his office and try to comfort him—but it’ll never go away, never. Toribio isn’t going to let it conquer his son. Slow just comments woodenly (there’s a surprise) that Julián blames him. He’s afraid to leave his office because he might bump into Lorena. Paula urges him to go home, then (what, through that window?) [Ed. Note: Soto’s totally wooden personality and acting style are PERFECT here.]

Lorena continues to cry softly in the clinic waiting room as Hortensia is wheeled up and reaches out to her. Lorena jumps up—don’t touch me! She pours out her anguish for all the years that she was deprived of her mother because of Hortensia taking her from her family. Lorena wasn’t with her Mamá when Zulema was fine, when she could hold Lorena, and it’s Hortensia’s fault. Hortensia has no answer for that and is commercial angustiada.

Hortensia would give all the years back if she could. Lorena’s not ready for forgive and forget yet. The harm Hortensia did was huge. She couldn’t be at her mother’s side all those years and now it may be too late. Hortensia tries again to apologize—her heart is torn over this, a woman so full of life! Lorena continues—she was taken from me TWICE! You can’t understand what that means! Yes, Hortensia assures her, I can from just seeing you. Hortensia stands and asks permission to be by Lorena’s side to comfort her, to offer the affection she should have since Lorena was born. She begs Lore to understand that she will have to beg Lore’s pardon the rest of her life for what she’s done. But if Lore lets her be nearby in those moments that are saddest, it will be a great blessing for Hortensia. Lorena shoots back that she doesn’t understand why God is putting her to such a great test. But she thanks Hortensia for coming. Hortensia tells Lore she knows that her hugs won’t replace those of Lore’s mother, but they are offered with much apology and a profound love. Again, Hortensia reaches out and this time Lorena comes to hug her back, a little unsure. Apparently, Santa Lorena IS ready to forgive and forget after all.

Rossy and Julián continue their fight. He wants to sue Slow, because he’s a murderer. Rossy is incredulous. Qué the heck? He’s a good man and isn’t at fault for ANY thing. Julián retorts his mother is like she is at the moment because of Slow and if they sue him he’ll never harm anyone again. He has to pay for what he’s done to my Mamá. Rossy tries her best to dissuade him, but it’s futile. She asks him to put himself in Lore’s shoes. He doesn’t CARE about Slow or Lorena. His mother is like she’s dead. Rossy can only shake her head in frustration.

Lorena tells Hortensia that her Papi is bad off, and maybe Granny better talk with him—he’s in the chapel. Hortensia goes off to see him.

Julián decides it’s time to call Joel and Rossy tries to stop him, but too late. He declares to Joel that a doc caused a misfortune to happen to his Mama and Julián wants to sue the doc. Lorena is horrified as she overhears. She wants to know what’s up. Rossy summarizes and Julián tells Lore not to try to defend Slow. Lore is impactada.

Hortensia has abandoned her wheelchair, so Nurse Augie walks her to Omar. He seems touched that his Mamá has come to give him support and thanks her. In this sacred place, she tells him, she’s asking his forgiveness for opposing his relationship with Zulema. Ave Maria plays in the background, lovely Muzak for a hospital chapel. Omar was very happy with Zulema. In spite of everything. Hortensia assures him they must pray for her to come back. What’s the prognosis? Not much hope. Hortensia tells him how sorry she is to hear it, and squeezes his hand.

Julián insists that Lorena should not be protecting someone who caused such misfortune for a life. She tells him she understands and he accuses her of being “part of Alonso.” It was an ACCIDENT! Julián can’t demand that Slow go to jail for it. Julián is NOT changing his mind. Rossy pipes in that she’s tried a thousand ways to tell him this. Lorena tries in vain to reason—think about what you’re saying! Alonslow wasn’t trying to harm us! What would he gain by destroying his career? Julián wants to be sure Slow can’t operate on anyone ever again. He’s a danger to people! The fuss continues and ends in a stalemate. He finally tells her he’s not surprised she’s with Alonslow because she barely knows them and hasn’t really had time with their mother like they have. Lorena looks like she got slapped. Rossy is appalled that he would throw in such a low blow. Julián stalks off and Lorena is frozen in place with the insult. Rossy assures Lore that he’ll have to beg her pardon forever on his knees. Lore sinks down into a seat, speechless with hurt.

At Paula’s apartment, no one can coax Alonslow to eat. He’s just not hungry. He closes his eyes and sees Zulema—and there’s nothing he can do to save her. Toribio tries to give him a pep talk—he did what he could, he’s a great doctor. Bettina wonders if there is anything he could do to revive her. Slow tells her there’s no way. Bettina wisely reminds him she’s not suffering and is in God’s hands. Paula doesn’t want him to keep beating himself. Slow is worried about how Lorena is reacting and Paula tries to reassure him—she’s mature, not like her crazy brother. She’s not going to lay the blame at your feet. They continue to try to comfort him, and Bettina goes around to put her arms around him from behind. She assures him they are going to help him. We’ve got a great new look for Slow tonight—it’s totally wooden, the commercial angustiado look. He’s getting good mileage tonight, because here it is again. Maybe the casting folks were on to something.

Bruto gets a visit from one of the good old boys in the clinic and feeds him a line of bull about what Alonslow is feeling at the moment. More points for Bruto. He tells the guy how Dra. Serrano couldn’t let Slow attend at an emergency, he’s lost it. The other doc trusts Slow’s character. Bruto says he thinks Slow’s a strong doc, but…..and proceeds to plant doubts. The other guy agrees that Slow over-identifies with patients. Bruto tells him about the patient with leukemia—now that he’s remembering it. (Nice touch). She died, too, by the way. Slow thought of her as a friend, Bruto earnestly confesses to the colleague, who winces at the thought.

Back at the lesser house, Rossy still looks distressed, Julián is still vowing to sue the heck out of Slow, and Diana is new to the topic. She thinks the hospital will sanction him if he is truly at fault. Julián can’t understand how they can all defend Alonslow!!!! Diana and Julián fuss a while, and forgive your recapper for not giving it verbatim as it is getting Very Tiresome. It might even be Downright Annoying. The doorbell rings and Rossy runs for it. Attorney Joel joins the happy family group. Joel tells them how sorry he is to hear about Zulema. You say you want to sue the doc who operated? Yep. That wretch, Alonso Ugarte, Lorena’s fiancé. Joel is impactado.

Ernesto comes up behind Lorena, who sees him and melts into his arms. [Ed. Note: You got me at the first look, Ern. Engagement’s off.] How did he know? Ivan told him. Lorena tells him about her poor Mami—and Alonso was operating. Ernesto wisely says nothing, just gives her a lovely empathetic look.

Joel tries to explain to Julián that the clinic will investigate, and then they’ll have enough information to pursue. He points out it is important for Julián’s sister, and perhaps the investigation might show that Slow actually didn’t make any mistakes. . Julián erupts again, and there’s no dissuading him. Julián is convinced the clinic folks will try to cover up for Slow. Joel disagrees. Rossy and Diana support Joel’s position—Joel wants to wait a little. Julián sets his jaw and shakes his head.

Ernesto comforts Lorena in the waiting room—what a difficult situation for Alonso. They lock gazes, both very somber, while they talk. Lorena is sure Alonso’s not at fault, it was just a medical accident. Ernesto affirms he’s sure that’s the case. It’s such a misfortune. Lorena thanks him for coming. Ernesto hesitated to come, but came anyway—he didn’t want to be inappropriate, though. Lorena assures him it was the right thing to do. Ern continues that at a time like this there is little—maybe nothing—that would comfort her, he wanted to see her, be with her, offer his help. She thanks him and remarks that she’s barely gotten the opportunity to enjoy her mother. God HAS to return Zulema to her! He can’t take her now when Lore’s just found her. Ernesto wisely says nothing and gently takes her into his arms. [Ed. Note: Any guesses which team your Recapper has her money on?] A tear slips down her cheek over his shoulder.

Bruto’s back in the cave he shares with Sara. He makes a smirky remark about Poor Ol’ Alonslow. The investigation is in full swing. The results should be in any second. Bruto’s in a hurry to dance on Alonslow’s grave (his ashes). Sara swallows but Bruto doesn’t notice her dismay. If Slow is washed up with Dra. Serrano over this, Bruto can get himself back into the directorship. Sara jeers that would be good since they pay him so miserably. Bruto is going out to get something to eat—is she coming with or should he bring her something. Sara’s not hungry. [What’s more, she’s been wearing the same jammies for days now, and they must stink.] He goes, and Sara wonders why she hasn’t realized her vengeance yet. It still hurts, dang it! If he begged her on bended knee, she might forgive him. But she knows it ain’t happening. He earned this for choosing Lorena over her, so suffer, fool. (Okay, I added that last part.)

Omar finds the perennial Greta messing around in his office. ;-) Victor’s gone already, so Greta approaches Omar as he sits down at his desk and tells him she doesn’t like to see him this way and he is going to have to be strong. He can’t collapse now that Zulema’s not here. “Zulema’s NOT dead, Greta,” Omar asserts and gives her a wary and thoroughly annoyed look. Greta responds that in a way, she is. She adds her rationale and Omar muses that you might say it would actually be better if she did fade out in a few days. Then he feels guilty for saying those things. Greta was almost empathetic there for a matter of seconds and then her real self reemerges—she wants him to look at his options—cry at the foot of Zulema’s bed waiting for a miracle that isn’t going to happen, or find his own happiness. My happiness? Although it seems like a lie at the moment, this sadness will pass. You’re alive and have every right to begin all over. Omar stands slowly and tells Greta she’s a monster. How could she think like that? Does she think he’s as self-centered as she is? Greta looks like he slapped her, but it’s a look of commercial disbelief and mild outrage.

“You want to take advantage of the tragedy of my wife to get back with me?” Now Omar is outraged as he paces toward the door of the office behind her. Greta tells him not to talk to her like that; she’s never wanted bad things for Zulema. Not her, not anybody. [Ed. Note: Right. Keep telling yourself that, zorra. How about all that thought bubbling you did at the bachelorette party—if Zulema only knew? We have it on tape.] He spits back that nevertheless, Greta already has plans for him. Greta goes on the über defensive. She’s not to blame for the misfortune—he shouldn’t treat her like she is. She NEVER has made anything bad happen to Zulema. [Ed. Note: Having been in Zulema’s position—well, not the coma part—I’d say that the person who seduces another’s spouse by constantly chipping away until he caves in probably has done a bad turn to the unsuspecting cuckold. But I suppose that depends on what the definition of “is” is in Greta’s mind.] Omar asks her to forgive him. Greta’s a pit bull with a bone, though, and she’s got the upper hand. Greta complains that all she’s ever wanted of him was love. Don’t treat her like she’s self-centered. He protestingly asks her pardon again. She only wanted to remind him that he’s still alive, unlike his wife who is among the living dead, poor thing, and he shouldn’t be like that. He protests with more feeling that he can’t think about a new relationship. She asserts she’s just talking to him as a friend, but if he doesn’t want that, he can plant himself at the foot of her bed, crying, if it’ll make him feel better. She starts to storm out the door and he reaches for her, calling her name. She puts her hand on his chest and stares straight into his eyes. Talk to me when you persuade yourself that I am not trying to take advantage of your misfortune. [Ed. Note. What a performance.] THEN she storms out, leaving Omar pensive.

Lore, Diana, and Saulito are all ready for bed—the latter staring at the ceiling where there is no doubt some huge clown face to keep him amused during the taping. Diana sits on Lore’s bed and tells her about Joel’s visit. Don’t tell me that Julián still wants to sue Alonslow? Is that going to bring the miracle cure for our mother? Lorena gets up to pace in frustration. She wonders what Diana thinks. Diana’s unsure—on the one hand, she sees his point, why wouldn’t anyone make a profit out of someone else’s misfortune (why wouldn’t one make more firewood out of a fallen tree-my best guess on the dicho, but Maricruz will have to enlighten us), but on the other hand, my mother….Lorena breaks in. Only God can bring our mother back. Even if Alonso rots in jail, nothing’s going to make this happen. Diana just doesn’t know. Lorena points out Alonso’s her fiancé! Her fiancé was the one left her mother that way!

Rossy tries once more to persuade Julián not to sue Alonslow. He tells her once again (for the last time) he’s not changing his mind. He wants that bas***d to go straight to jail. She doesn’t want him to be vengeful and he points out he’s not the bad guy here. Rossy tries to talk reason and he yells that sooner or later Lorena is going to realize that Alonslow is at fault. He’s the one who has killed my mother! Rossy is frustrated and angry as she points out that his mother IS ALIVE. He tells her to stop it and she spits back he’s the one who needs to stop. Rossy shakes her finger at Julián and tells him he needs to put himself in Lorena’s shoes and not make her suffer more. Julián changes the subject; they better just go. He storms out and leaves Rossy clasping her hands, a deep frown on her face.

Alonslow takes his turn at Zulema’s bedside, begging her pardon for leaving her in this condition. What happened? Everything was going well. Zulema just keeps breathing into the tube. He’s sorry, he never meant to harm her. He’s so afraid of hurting someone else and keeps asking himself what did he do wrong? Again, he begs her forgiveness.

It’s lovely outside and Bettina and Toribio are taking advantage of the good weather for an ice cream treat. But, Toribio isn’t eating—he has no appetite for it. Bettina teases him gently—she’s never known him to turn down ice cream—that’s pretty strange. She urges him not to feel badly, he’s supporting Alonso like the good Dad he is. Put aside that psychoanalyst persona. Tori agrees. He’s blinded and can’t be objective about it anyway. But he sincerely believes that Alonso is not at fault. Bettina agrees with that—but what can they do to convince Alonso to see it the same way they do? Just keep telling him over and over, and remind him of what you said last night. Bettina wonders what she said. It’s all in God’s hands. Bettina tells Toribio that’s not just in this case, but always. He tweaks her nose lovingly.

The jury is in at People’s Clinic #23, with more docs than we’ve ever seen in the halls, and a nurse. Dra. Serrano calls the meeting to order with lapdog Bruto at her right hand. Nice symbolism for us all here. Bruto wonders why Slow is missing. Dra. Serrano thought it better that they hear the results without him for the moment, based on Slow’s crisis the day before. Another doc asks if it’s true he refused to see a patient in emergency the day before. Dra. S explains that he was in crisis mode himself and in no condition to treat patients, so Dr. Palma took over. Bruto helpfully adds that the case was complicated and Slow wouldn’t have been able to handle it. In that state of mind, of course, he means. (Smirky smile). They go through the results of the investigation, step by step. Dra. Castillo from the office of the Secretary of Health gives them the report. She notes the trace substances that were found in Zulema’s system, and the docs are taken aback by the combinations, which clearly would result in an allergic reaction and toxic shock with body system failures. They figure that Slow didn’t adequately test and check either Zulema or the supplies in the OR prior to the surgery. If he had been more careful, he wouldn’t have ordered karmabencina when the first negative reaction occurred. The conclusion is medical negligence. Dra. S is dismayed—that cannot be! Some of the docs are supportive of Alonslow, some not. Bruto smirks a little at the heated discussion.

Slow goes to see a little patient. The child doesn’t want Slow to check him—in fact, the child gets downright vehement and wants his Mami. A little girl patient comes over from her bed in the children’s ward and tells the boy to let the doctor check him, and it’s not true what they told him about the doctor. Right, doc? Slow wants to know what they told him. Well, that you killed a patient. Slow is impactidíssimo—well, as much as he ever shows it.

Lorena is hard at work cooking. She tells Matilde they have to keep up with the orders for Zulema’s sake. Matilde is surprised and Lorena tells her she got up very early to take care of this. The business can’t collapse; Mamá would never forgive us! Matilde goes off to make the deliveries. Lorena looks at the stove and thinks back to the early days when she cooked with Zulema and they were clearly on the same wavelength. Sad but apparently determined about something, she pulls a cookbook out of a drawer. Is it that cookbook that Zulema gave Sara thinking that Sara was her daughter and Sara threw it under the bed?

Dra. Castillo is concluding her report. The Secretary of Health has recommended that Alonslow’s contract be revoked, and possible criminal action be taken as decided by those affected. [Ed. Note: Won’t Julián be excited to hear this news?] One of the docs is incensed that they would throw out a good doc. Another disagrees, if he was a good doc, he wouldn’t have been negligent. Dra. Serrano brings them back to order with a curt word or two. More fussing among them and Dra. Serrano asks Bruto’s opinion, which he’s only too happy to give but acts like he’d rather not for good effect.

Ximena must love to visit Ernesto’s apartment. Here she is again, finding out what’s up with his life as he hands her a glass of wine. Isn’t she one of the pair who got you drunk, Ern? If she didn’t invite herself, he’d forget her, she tells him. Ern tries to deny it. We know better. Ernesto tells her he’s been pretty busy. What, got a new girlfriend? No way. He saw Lorena yesterday, though. And? Ernesto tells Ximena about the terrible tragedy of the surgery that went bad. What a horror! And the poor girl just found her mother! The worst part is that Lorena’s current boyfriend, Alonso, was the surgeon. Ximena laments the turn of events—seems those two are star-crossed (they’re never going to get together). Ernesto gives her a thoughtful look. They both sigh.

Lorena cries at Zulema’s kitchen table, apron still on from the good deed she did for Mamá. Julián has cleaned up and comes to the kitchen. Lorena gives him a sad, reproachful look and Julián just looks back at her from the entry, casually resting his arm on a counter. His countenance changes a little, as if maybe, just maybe, a tiny bit of her pain is registering in his cloudy brain.

Alonslow has come to the chopping block. You called for me, Dra.? Dra. Serrano asks him to sit. She has the specialist’s report (peritaje). We’ll have a board meeting, I suppose, he asks her with some hesitation. She tells him that the medical review group met. He should have realized, he muses to her, but anyway, what was the conclusion? Tell me what it might be, Dra., he requests as she simply looks at him sadly. Medical negligence. Alonslow looks like if they gave him a good strong onion, he might cry. [Ed. Note: Even if I am on Team Ernesto, I hope they clear Slow fast, because he might be a doofus but he’s a great doc and cares about his patients tremendously. Plus, Bruto shouldn’t get away with it. So there.]


Monday: Alonslow loses everything. Bruto celebrates his triumph. Alonslow mourns his fate. There’s a wedge between Alonslow and Lorena, and Ernesto might have a second shot.

Jeanne

Labels: enemiga