In the midst

It's quarter to midnight. The department is packed as usual, and this evening I've seen two broken wrists, three broken noses and one broken jaw (it's funny how fractures seem to all come at once).

One of the senior doctors is celebrating her birthday today (the big Four-Oh) - and she's working the night shift. So at midnight, we're all going to give her a big surprise cake.

Everyone has brought some food from home - biscuits, cakes, sausage rolls, potato crisps, fizzy drinks. We're smiling although it's been a busy evening, because there's something to look forward to. A little celebration amongst colleagues.

It's nice to know that somehow - even in the midst of suffering - we can still rally together and bring some joy into each other's lives.