The Embroidered Towel

In "The Embroidered Towel," part of Mikhail Bulgakov's collection "A Young Doctor's Notebook," a young doctor arrives at his new post, feeling overwhelmed after a grueling 24-hour wagon journey. Intimidated by the well-stocked pharmacy and medical library left by his predecessor, he grapples with self-doubt about his youth and skills, particularly concerning his ability to handle a hernia case. This neurosis serves as a recurring theme and humor throughout the initial stories of the collection.