It hits me—the raw vulnerability in his words.He lost his wife, Sage, a few months before my dad passed, and I know that pain of loneliness all too well… being an only child and losing both my parents.
When he called one day to check in on me, I told him I’d lost my job.He listened quietly as I explained what happened, and then he mentioned his general practice was expanding and he was hiring.“You should come work for me,” he said, almost casually.But I remember the way he paused, waiting for my answer, and how his voice cracked just slightly with relief when I said yes… as if he’d been hoping I’d ask for help but knew I never would.
I do have a couple of friends, but in terms of family, he’s it.My father met him back in college.When I realized my reputation was in ruins after being dismissed for failing to follow orders, the idea of working at another big-city hospital made my stomach churn.I wanted a change, and his offer felt like a lifeline, a chance to start over.
We head into his house in silence; the only sounds are our footsteps on the hardwood floors.The place smells of coffee and clean linen.
I’ve never been here before.There was always an invitation, but I had excuses.Work or timing.I didn’t think my dad or Sage would go so soon.Now it feels like I’ve arrived too late.
Keith leads me down a short hallway, then into a bedroom.He drops the bags on the floor with a grunt.I take a look around the bedroom, which has wooden floors and matching furniture.A gray rug sits beneath a bed with green and white sheets, and artwork brightens the wall.
His house is far bigger than I expected.The room is spacious, filled with light streaming from the large open windows.Keith points out the features, like the television and Wi-Fi.
His pride shines through as he continues his tour of the house.Wooden accents carry throughout, with subtle reminders of his wife scattered around the place.
Photos of the two of them laughing, hiking, and dancing.Little trinkets line the shelves.The living room has a fireplace, a gray sofa, and a coffee table piled with their books.It’s like she’s still here, just in another room.
“Do you want a drink?”he asks as he goes into the kitchen.
“I’d love one.”I follow him.
My heart jumps as I notice a community newspaper that’s open on the counter.I can’t help myself and read the first two lines before Keith snatches it away.Bold letters scream:New Doctor Due to Arrive in Town After Being Professionally Dismissed in New York City.
“They make it sound worse than it was,” I start as my stomach sinks, but the words come out weaker than I’d like.
“Don’t read that bullshit.”Flailing his hand, he gestures for me to dismiss the article.
I nod, though it still stings to see.It was to save someone’s life, but the board didn’t care about my motives… They only saw the breach of protocol.
Keith hands me a beer, and I take it without a word.He lifts his bottle, and I tap mine against it, the clink cutting through the silence.I take a long swig, letting the bitterness settle.
“To new beginnings,” I murmur.
He discards the newspaper into the trash, and for a moment, I’m grateful for his distraction.“Oh, before I forget, there’s a welcome party next week.The community wants to introduce you.”He hesitates before adding, “I think it’ll be good to counter the bad publicity.Show your face.”
My gaze shifts from the trash back to him.“I don’t think that’s what they want.”
With his expression serious, he leans forward slightly, like he’s silently promising that one day, this will all be behind me.“You’re a good man, Adrian.This town is lucky to have you.”
I smile, or at least try to, even though my insides feel tight.It’s been a rocky start.First, the turkeys don’t like me, and already, the gossip is starting, but I just want a clean slate.
“How far off is the general practice from being ready?”I tap my fingers on the beer bottle, the rhythm helping to calm the nerves.I’m dreading heading back into a hospital while I wait for the practice renovations to finish, but I cling to the hope that the environment here will feel more welcoming.
“Twelve months.It’s a lot slower here than in the city.”
“Right,” I mutter as my stomach twists once more with unease.“I hope the people are a little different here.”
“They will be.You’ll blend in.The doctors here are like you,” he assures me, a glint of confidence in his eyes.“Smart, driven, and they get results, no matter what it takes.”
“Do they know about my dismissal?”
“Yeah.There’s a section of the weekly community newspaper that’s called ‘Dr.Whisperer.’Best to avoid that for a bit.”
“Thanks for the tip.”I take another sip, the refreshment hitting just right.
“I didn’t know what you were thinking for dinner.Did you want to stay in or head to the bar?”
“I’m happy to grab some takeout.I want to hit the sack early tonight.”
