In this story by Mikhail Bulgakov, a Russian doctor fresh out of medical school is assigned to an isolated rural clinic. Inexperienced and intimidated by the staff’s praise of his predecessor, he is terrified at the prospect of failure. As fate would have it, his first emergency is a girl whose legs have been mutilated by agricultural machinery. Despite the operating theatre staff saying she is beyond saving, he remains calm and rises to the occasion. As a thank-you gesture, she embroiders a gift he treasures for years. Themes include isolation, self-doubt/fear of failure, professional awakening, composure under pressure, gratitude.