Eighteen people. That’s how many we’ve lost in as many years.
Cousin. Wrapped his Jeep around a tree.
Favorite uncle. Stroke.
Ali’s best friend from childhood. Leukemia.
I’ve attended more funerals than weddings in my life.
“If I ever lost him... Or you. And don’t evenmentionthe kids.” She sighs. “I’d just throw in the towel.”
“Aw! I love you, too.”
She chuckles. “I have to go. Stresses me out to drive in the rain.”
“Okay. Love you.”
The day progresses like a typical Monday. That is, it’s a shit show with a hundred add-on emergencies and epidural consults. I cover Geoff’s cases and sneakily convince him to DoorDash Asian takeout for lunch since the hospital offering is meatloaf—ick.
He frowns down at the menu on my phone after his second case. “I guess I can eat fried rice.”
“Wow. So adventurous.”
He hands my phone back. Jeez, is that another email about Dragon training?
“You sure we can’t get Chick-fil-A?” he asks.
“I’m positive. They’re closed on Mondays.”
“No. They’re closed on Sundays.”
“You sure?” I smile. “Pretty sure it’s Mondays.”
With a put-upon grin, he shakes his head and walks away. My phone passes to several others throughout the department, and a giant feast of Asian food soon spreads over the table in the physician lounge. I rub my hands in anticipation.
To-go containers are passed to their owners, leaving several picked-at community appetizers.
Ooh. Crab rangoon. Yes, please.
I didn’t get my orange this morning, but I’ll eat the hell out of some orange chicken.
And that crab rangoon, though...
Just one more.
Okay, three more.
I’m not ashamed there’s only one left. That’s what food is for. Eating.
I settle into a chair next to Geoff while we wait for the OR to be cleaned. “What’s your last case again?”
“Pyeloplasty.”
I hum. Long case. Good thing my phone is locked and loaded with some new novels. Romantasy is my jam. People are always coming back to life in those books. Main character died? No problem. Here comes some heretofore undiscovered magic to bring her back from the Other Side. Um... yes, please.
Already finished with his rice, Geoff turns toward me. “Yayoi says your sister is visiting soon.”
I nod. “A couple weeks from now.”
