We fall back into step, making our way through the winding hallway toward Dr.Harrison’s office.I haven’t seen him yet today, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t dreading it a little.
Yesterday was rough.I left that conversation with a bitter taste in my mouth, and my dad blaming me for something I didn’t even do only added salt to the wound.It hurt like hell.But I bit my tongue, cooled down, and told myself: eleven more months and a few weeks, and I’ll be out of here.I can endure it.I haven’t spoken to Dad because I’m avoiding him.I don’t want another heated conversation.
“Okay,” I say, halting just before the door.“Wait here for a sec.I’ll go in first.”
Scarlet and Dusty nod, heading toward the waiting room chairs.Taking a deep breath, I straighten my posture and knock before pushing open the door to his office.
My skin prickles beneath my scrubs.“Morning,” I say.
Dr.Harrison is sitting at his desk, wearing a dark gray suit, with a pale gray and pink tie against a white shirt.He looks impeccable, like he always does, but there’s a weariness around his eyes that wasn’t there yesterday.
“Good morning.”
“Try to keep your shirt clean today,” I say before I can stop myself.
He glances down at himself, a flicker of amusement crossing his face.Because his words don’t match his expression.“Was that a compliment or a warning?”
“Bit of both.”
He rubs a hand down his chest like he’s trying to hide something.I pretend I don’t notice.
“I’ve got Scarlet and Dusty out there.Do you want me to bring them in?Or should we go over the case first?”
He tilts his head thoughtfully, then gestures toward the chair in front of his desk.“Let’s go over it first.I’d like you to be familiar before they come in.That okay?”
“Of course.”
Like he’s surprised I didn’t argue, he watches me for a moment.Then he passes me the patient file.“Take a minute to read through this.While you do, start jotting down any questions that come up.”
He holds out the file, and I grab it from him, brushing his fingers with mine, he quickly pulls away, like I hurt him.But I ignore it, my eyes scan the notes and charts.
“How long have you known Scarlet and Dusty?”he asks, shifting in his chair.
“Scarlet’s been my friend since school.We’ve kept in touch ever since.”
“So this is personal,” he says as he leans back slightly.“It’s good you’re here, but I want you to stay professional.That’s key.”
I glance up, knowing I can do that proudly.“Of course.”
He nods.“Since being on this case, I’ve grown close with the family.They’ve done a lot for the hospital.But when they’re in here, I remind myself they’re patients first.I need you to do the same.”
“Understood.”
He points to the seat beside his.“When we bring them in, sit here.You can take notes and ask questions, but wait until I’m finished, alright?I like to get through my part first, keep things efficient.There’ll be time for yours.”
Resisting the urge to smirk, I nod again.The other version of him might’ve snapped at me by now, but today?He’s calm, professional, and almost… friendly.
“You’ll be following all in office cases.”He continues, “I’ve just held off emergencies for now so you can find your footing.We’ll build up to those.”
This doesn’t feel like a lecture.It feels like he’s letting me in… just a little.Maybe my anger yesterday knocked something loose in him.Maybe this won’t last.But for now?It feels good to be seen as something other than a burden.
I settle deeper into my chair, pen in hand, and begin reading.
Across the desk, I catch him glancing over, not at the file, but at me.Checking to see if I’m actually doing the work.I smile to myself.
“All right, I’m done.”I close the file and slide it across the desk toward Dr.Harrison.
He nods, one corner of his mouth twitching upward.“Okay, good.”
