“I didn’t get the promotion.”The words taste bitter.I force myself to look at Mom, to hold her gaze as I say it.“Luna gave it to someone else.”
Her expression softens as she grips my hand.“Oh, darling.I’m so sorry.”
I shrug, pretending it doesn’t hurt as much as it does.“It’s not your fault.Luna had to do what was right for her business.”
Mom studies me carefully, the way only a mother can.“I know it’s hard.But you wouldn’t have wanted the job just because you’ve known Luna forever, right?If she thought someone else was the right fit, you have to trust that decision.”
I swallow the lump in my throat.“Yeah.I know.It just… sucks.And now, with more medical bills coming, I really needed that salary increase.”
Mom squeezes my hand.“Sweetheart, you’re not happy there.”
The truth of it hits me harder than I expect.She’s right.I’m not happy.The promotion was just a reason to stay, an excuse to keep pushing forward in a place that no longer fits me.Maybe this whole thing—the rejection—was just the final straw.
A nurse steps in, interrupting us.“I need to give her some medication before physical therapy.”
I stand.“I’ll step out for a bit.Be back soon, Mom.”
Outside in the corridor, I lean against the wall, my heart pounding as I pull out my phone and scroll to Violet’s name.My thumb hovers over the call button.
I hit dial.
Violet picks up after the first ring.“Hey, you.What’s up?”
“I think I’m going to quit,” I blurt.
A pause.“What?Why?I know people are talking, and I can see how uncomfortable it’s getting for you.But quitting right now?Are you sure about this?Do you have something else lined up?”
“No, but I can’t keep pretending everything’s fine when it’s not.I’ll figure something out.”
“What about the medical bills?You said money is tight.Look, I know it’s awkward here right now, and I hate seeing you go through this.But don’t let them push you out.Why don’t you start looking for a new job, but stick it out while getting your paycheck?I can keep an ear out for opportunities, and we can grab lunch away from the office when you need to vent.”
Her words sit like a rock in my stomach.She’s right.She sees what I’m dealing with every day, which makes her advice comforting and frustrating.I just need to stick it out while looking for something new.But as I hang up and walk back toward Mom’s room, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m about to make a decision that’ll change everything.Whether I’m ready or not.
Chapter 28
Adrian
Adrian:What trouble have you been causing today?
Me:Only the good kind…
Adrian:The best kind of trouble always is.
I’msinkingintothesofa, the worn fabric familiar under my fingers, as Keith and I watch some sports replay on TV.The commentators’ voices fill the space, but I’m barely paying attention.We’ve both been working hard, so there’s been some movement in the practice.Keith mentioned some big changes at the clinic, and I promised to check them out.
The practice opening is still a while off, but I want to see it, to feel like I have a direction.But do I?Doubt has taken root in my chest from the way I momentarily froze with Amelia’s mom.If it wasn’t for Amelia’s sobs, would I have moved?The way I saw my father in her.The way I failed.How can I keep being a doctor when I don’t even trust myself anymore?
“Are you listening?”Keith’s voice cuts through the noise in my head.
I turn to look at him.His face is lined with concern, his eyebrows drawn tightly together.“Sorry,” I mutter, rubbing my temples.“What did you say?”
He leans forward.“I said, where are you?You’ve been a million miles away.What’s going on?”
I hesitate, my stomach heavy with rocks.Admitting the words out loud will make them real.Keith’s been nothing but supportive since I got here, believing in me when I barely believed in myself.What if telling him this changes everything?What if he realizes he made a mistake hiring me?
“I just… I don’t know if I should keep being a doctor.”
Keith’s expression shifts immediately, his body turning fully toward me.The game is forgotten.“What do you mean?Why not?”
