Looking insulted, Jasper chimes in.“Is anyone listening?I was talking about other countries’ school systems.No homework.Kids are happier.”He picks this conversation back up from dinner.
“Jasper,” I mutter.“We’re playing Monopoly.”
“Are you sure you’re not cursed?”Hazel jokes from her spot next to me.She likes watching me suffer in board games.
“I’m not cursed,” I grumble, handing over my last blue fifty-dollar bill.“It’s a test of character.”
“And how’s that working out for you?”
“Not great.”
By the end of the game, alliances have crumbled, fake bills are dramatically thrown across the room, and Felix is trying to convince us that “free parking” means that he owns the car now, not Atlas.We laugh until our stomachs hurt.
This is home.This is why I stay.This promotion could help us.
Chapter 3
Adrian
I step into the house after an eight-mile run, sweat clinging to my skin, still catching my breath from the last push.The cool morning air feels different in Pulse Point… crisper, like it cleans my lungs with every inhale.Being here for a week, this has become my new routine, and honestly, it’s more peaceful than I expected.
With so little traffic, I can let my mind wander and work out any problems.Sure, the past lingers like a shadow, but I focus on what’s right in front of me.Every day, I pick a new direction to run in.The best part?No crowds.No accidental shoulder bumps.Just me and my footsteps on the sidewalks.
I quietly close the door behind me, trying to stay quiet, but the rich scent of fresh coffee leads me straight to Keith.He’s at the kitchen counter, pouring steaming coffee into a mug.
“Morning,” I say, hands on my hips, lungs burning from the sprint finish.
Keith glances over with a smile.His plaid shirt is wrinkled, flat hair on one side like he rolled out of bed ten minutes ago.He holds up a mug in a silent offer.
I wipe the sweat from my brow.“I’d love some, but I’m gonna shower first.”
“Go right ahead.I’ll wait a few minutes, then brew a fresh cup just for you.Want me to make some eggs too?”
I shake my head, appreciating the offer, but feeling a pang of guilt.“Nah, don’t worry about it, Keith.You’re already doing more than enough for me.”
Inside the bathroom, I peel off my damp clothes and step into the hot shower, letting the water wash away the tension in my muscles.Afterward, I towel off and pull on a pair of new blue jeans and a brown t-shirt, both a little softer and better fitting than the daily suit I’m used to.I run a hand through my still-damp hair and glance at my reflection.I look presentable.Almost like I belong.
It’s been a week, and tomorrow, I start as a doctor at the hospital until Keith’s practice is ready for me.This week has been about settling in, getting my bearings.But today, I’ve got one thing on my list: a haircut at the barber Keith pointed out the other day.
A few minutes later, I’m back in the kitchen, where my coffee waits for me on the counter.“Thanks.”I take a long, satisfying sip.The bitterness is exactly what I need after another restless night.
“How’d you sleep?”he asks, clutching his own cup.
“All right,” I lie, not ready to unpack the mess in my head.Thoughts of dismissal, feeling like I wasn’t enough, echoes of my dad’s words to “toughen up,”still lurk in the background.But I’m here to start over, to move past all that.Sleep will come eventually.I just need time.
“So, what’s the plan for today?”I ask, wanting to change topics.
“I thought we could stop by the practice after we head into town.Just check in.Then, later, there’s the welcome party.”
My stomach tightens at the reminder.A flicker of something like dread washes over me.I rub the back of my neck, suddenly too aware of the way the collar of my t-shirt sits against my skin.Parties aren’t really my thing, not now, when everything already feels rocky.But maybe it’ll work in my favor, especially with Keith there.“What time?”I ask.
“Five.We’ll head back here around four to get ready.I’ll drive since I’m bringing food and drinks.”
“What are you bringing?”
“Mac and cheese.Everyone brings a dish.I’m not spoiling the surprise, though.You’ll see why this place is special soon enough.”
I nod, draining the last of my coffee.
