“Seems like everyone drives a truck around here,” I say, buckling my seatbelt.
Keith chuckles, shifting gears smoothly.“Yeah, it’s just more practical.Hauling wood for the fireplace, dealing with rougher roads… It fits the lifestyle.Back in the city, your car made sense, but out here, it’s a different story.Plus, when you get your own place, having a truck might come in handy.No rush, though.”
Keith owns a few vehicles: his sturdy truck, Sage’s sleek sedan, and an old convertible with a soft top that looks like it’s seen a few summers but still holds its charm.I’d rather have one car, so I’m willing to give up the Mercedes.
“All right, let’s go.”His voice carries a note of excitement that’s contagious.“Did your dad ever tell you how I came about getting the practice?”
I shake my head as part of me stiffens.Talking about my dad still feels hard.But I’m curious about the stories Keith might have.“No.”
He flicks his gaze to me for a moment before turning his focus back to the road.His hands grip the steering wheel.“I met Sage here, and she couldn’t move to the city, so I was moping around, trying to figure out what to do with myself.The practice was up for sale because the doctor was retiring.Your dad gave me the money to buy it.I paid him back as soon as I could, but I wouldn’t be where I am without him.I miss him.”
Tightness fills my chest, and I stare out the window, watching the scenery blur by.I try to swallow down the lump in my throat, but it’s heavy.“So do I.”
The drive takes a few minutes, but it feels longer, the scenery shifting from residential streets to a more open stretch lined with trees.
Keith pulls into a gravel lot beside a building partially covered in scaffolding.Construction materials are neatly stacked nearby.It’s unfinished but full of potential… like everything about this new start.
I realize I don’t know much about the doctor side of Keith.As we step out of the truck, I ask a question that’s been on my mind.“So, did you always want to be a doctor?”
Keith locks the truck with a quick beep.“My dad and grandfather were doctors.Being a doctor is kind of in the family.”
We walk up a brick pathway to a building that feels more like a large house than a practice, with its pitched roof and wide front porch.Keith unlocks the door, and we step inside.The polished wooden floors shine under the bright light filtering through large windows.Light-colored timber blends with cream walls, accented by indoor plants and wrought-iron chandeliers.The scent of something citrus lingers in the air.
The reception area is spacious, dominated by a white, high-front desk with wooden countertops.Two monitors sit behind it, and everything looks fresh and modern.
“This is incredible,” I mutter, still taking it all in.
“We started with renovating the front,” Keith explains.“Expanded the reception, added new furniture.The goal is to create more space for more doctors, chiropractic care, holistic treatments, naturopathy.This town needs it, and we’re making it happen.”
He gives me a quick tour of the reception area, a couple of treatment rooms with sleek equipment, and a cozy break room with a small kitchenette.“Right now, it’s just me and a few allied health professionals who hire space.But once the extension’s done, we’ll have room for more.”
The space feels different from what I’m used to… quieter, less clinical, and more inviting.
He opens a door to a room still under construction.One wall is missing entirely, framing the rough timber and scaffolding beyond.
Keith steps inside.“This will be your office-slash-treatment space.It’ll have a private exit out back.I’m still figuring out the finishes.”
I glance around the shell of the room, and somehow, it feels more real than the glossy reception.Maybe because this is the part that still has questions, just like me.
“I know it’s hard to picture now,” Keith says, rubbing the back of his neck.“But we’re building something good here.The town’s growing.Families are staying.And we need more hands.”
I nod, knowing he’s talking about me.Like if this place can come together piece by piece, then maybe I can too.
“How do you think you’ll like working here?”Keith asks.
I pause, considering.The usual tension I carry isn’t here; the absence of city noise and chaos giving me room to breathe.“I think this is the right step.It feels good.”
Keith grins and grabs me on the shoulder with a friendly squeeze.“I’m glad.I really think this town will grow on you.The people here will love you.It’s a joy working here, and having you on board makes it even better.”
I return his smile, feeling a flicker of something unfamiliar but welcome… hope.
“Want to grab some food in town?”he asks.“Figure it’s good to get you familiar with the spots.Plus, if you go alone later, you won’t get bombarded.”
I frown.That sounds bad.“Bombarded?”
Keith just laughs, unlocking the truck again.“You’ll see.”
We hop back into Keith’s truck, and he drives a couple of minutes down the road before pulling into a small parking lot.A large sign readingThe Cozy Pointcatches my eye, with people heading out, to go coffee cups in hand, pausing to linger outside, chatting.I climb out, watching them, wondering how long it will take me to become one of them.
