Shaima Kaka is a third year medical student at the University of Ottawa.

Picture of Shaima Kaka

I. A stethoscope hangs
from my neck – she shares what she’s
never told a soul.

II. I extend a hand,
“hello” – but she greets me in
her tongue; I respond.

III. She sees my scrubs and
scarf and smiles: “my Sister’s here”
“to take care of me.”