Just medicine.
And freedom.
At 4 PM, she signed the letter and sent it back.
At 4:15, her phone rang. Jennifer Rodriguez, confirming receipt.
“Welcome aboard,” Jennifer said. “Officially. HR will be in touch about onboarding. Your start date is confirmed for January sixth. Congratulations, Doctor Laurel.”
Maggie thanked her and hung up.
Then she called Dr. Kim.
“Maggie,” Kim answered. “This is a surprise. We’re not scheduled until next week.”
“I know. I’m sorry. But I need to talk to someone before I do this.”
“Do what?”
“I’m leaving Oakridge,” Maggie said, and saying it out loud made it real in a way it hadn’t been before. “I accepted a position at Cedar-Sinai. I start January sixth.”
Silence on the other end.
“Say something,” Maggie said.
“I’m processing,” Kim replied. “This is... significant.”
“I know.”
“Why?”
“Because Evie and I can’t make it four more months,” Maggie said. “Because I saw her break last night and I realized—I can rebuild a career anywhere. But I can’t rebuild her if I let this destroy us.”
“So you’re choosing her over Oakridge.”
“I’m choosing us,” Maggie corrected. “I’m choosing living. Like Sarah wanted. Like you’ve been telling me to do for months.”
“How do you feel?” Kim asked.
Maggie considered that. “Terrified. Exhilarated. Certain and uncertain at the same time.”
“That sounds about right for a major life decision,” Kim said. “Have you told Evie?”
“Not yet. I wanted to make sure it was real first. I’ll tell her tonight.”
“And how do you think she’ll react?”
“I think,” Maggie said slowly, “she’ll try to talk me out of it. Tell me I’m sacrificing too much. Try to be noble and selfless.”
“And what will you say?”
“That I’m not sacrificing. I’m choosing. There’s a difference.”
Kim was quiet for a moment. “Maggie, I’m proud of you.”
“Yeah?”
“You’re doing exactly what we’ve been working toward. Letting go of control. Trusting that you’re enough without the armor of Oakridge. Choosing love over safety.” Kim paused. “Sarah would be proud too.”
