Suhani nods and ignores the tension building in her neck and shoulders. Before she met Zack, this incident would have resulted in her fuming for hours. Maybe she’d even have an imaginary argument with Mom in her head.

Twenty minutes later, Suhani’s co-residents cheer when she gets the award for Resident of the Year. Her program director, Dr. Wilson, discusses her “in-depth research and advocacy for women’s mental health,” along with her “commitment to the field of psychiatry” and “hours mentoring junior doctors.” She avoids the gaze of hundreds of doctors and focuses on a spot in the back of the room with the same concentration she gave Scantron tests in high school. Every time Dr. Wilson mentions her accomplishments, the first thought in her head is: I don’t deserve this. They must have made a mistake. She hears Mom’s voice commanding her to sit up straight and look gracious, then Zack’s telling her she needs to not be afraid to take credit for her work.

“Way to win that and stick it to the man,” Vanessa says when Suhani returns to their table. “We’ve got to stop the boys’ club that is all of medicine.”

“This is a middle finger to the patriarchy!” Suhani raises her plaque into the air.

“Yes, fuck the patriarchy!” Vanessa sticks both of her middle fingers into the air as a show of solidarity. The gesture is an endearing contrast to her ivory Sachin & Babi gown and delicate pearl drop earrings. Her dress has one of those plunging necklines that can only be pulled off by someone who can go braless.

Suhani and Vanessa met three summers ago during residency orientation. They shared the same dummy during CPR training, and within minutes, both of them commented on how none of the dummies were female, so nobody would be able to practice CPR on a chest with breasts. While Suhani kept this complaint to herself, Vanessa went to the instructor and demanded they teach another class with female dummies.

Over the years, they formed the type of raw, secure bond that can only come from late nights eating dinner from the vending machine, running group therapy with dementia patients, and bringing each other double-shot espressos before morning rounds. Vanessa took pride in being guided by principle. Unlike Suhani, she had no problems speaking up to authority, even if that made her less likable. Her brazenness reminded Suhani of Cristina Yang from Grey’s Anatomy, if Cristina had also enjoyed Bravo shows and trying every new dating app.

“So, are you ready to finally take it easy now?” Vanessa asks. “You got the award. Everyone knows you’re a rock star. Now, chill.”

“Please. She doesn’t know how to chill,” Zack says.