52
Robyn
Three weeks later…
I draw a line through the last item on my to-do list and sit back in my chair, feeling accomplished.
For the first time since I took this role, my admin is under control. My inbox has everything ticked as read. My reports are filed. My staff reviews are complete. My budget submissions are in. Even the maintenance request I’ve been putting off for months has been submitted and actioned.
I’m on top of it.
It feels wonderful not to be chasing my tail the whole time.
There is a knock at the door, and Carla puts her head around the jamb. “I’m about to leave for the day. Do you want to walk out together?”
“I can’t, I’m afraid. I’m headed to the main hospital ward for an evening shift.” I smile.
She frowns. “Did you eat lunch?”
“Don’t start up on me. Yes, I ate.” I wave a hand at her.
“At your desk again, I’m sure?”
I shrug. “So what if I ate at my desk? At least I’m on top of all my admin. You should be proud of me.”
Carla comes in and pulls the door shut behind her. She sits down across from me, bag in her lap, jacket folded over the arm of the chair.
I look at her. “What’s wrong? Did you need to talk about something? Please don’t tell me you’re resigning.” I widen my eyes, my heart racing.
“What? No. Of course not. You couldn’t get rid of me if you tried.”
I heave out a sigh and smile.
“You had me worried.” I look at my watch, “I need to get over to the hospital.”
She gives me a look. Then she says, “I’m worried that you’re working too hard.”
“I am not, so you don’t have to worry.” I give a one-shouldered shrug.
“I’m concerned about you, Robyn.” She cocks her head, looking at me. “If you’re not pulling double shifts, you’re at home working on your admin. You’re not eating properly or sleeping enough.”
“Of course I am.” I snort-laugh. “You’re concerned over nothing. I’m all caught up now, so I’ll start to slow down.”
“Why don’t I believe you?”
“It’s true. Things have slowed down around here since the peace treaty was signed between the two islands. Sure, I’m taking shifts at the general shifter hospital, but it’s only to ensure that I don’t lose my edge.”
“That’s my point exactly. You shouldn’t have to work so hard anymore. I worry.”
“Well, don’t. I plan on taking a break now before the borders between the islands are opened.”
“Do you promise you will?” she asks.
“Yes, of course,” I tell her, meaning it. “It’s just that we need to be ready, so I might implement a couple of changes. Then I’ll relax.”
“I’m worried that you’re trying to run away from yourself. Away from your feelings.”
I laugh. “No. You have it all wrong. You can relax already and stop lecturing me. I’m absolutely fine.”
