Her chuckle was soft. “Let’s take a look.”
The appointment unfolded as I expected. Blood pressure, checking my heart, the routine rhythm of questions and answers I’d memorized by this point.
Once we finished, Dr. Marshall leaned back against the counter and crossed her arms lightly. “I’m glad you’re doing so well, Adele. Just promise me again—when you’re out on these hikes—that you have a way to get emergency support if you need it.”
“Of course I do,” I said automatically. “But I don’t need it anymore. Remember? I’m fine.”
“You aremostlyfine.”
“Right. Mostlyfine,” I echoed. My voice sounded small, and I chafed at the feeling rising. Doubts and anxiety started to swirl inside, creating a little hum of tension that made my chest feel tight. Being highly attuned to my chest and what went on behind my rib cage made that sense of tightness uncomfortable and unsettling.
“You’re done with surgery, and you really are in good physical condition, which makes a difference.” She paused before adding gently, “But your heart is always going to be a little tricky.”
“Tricky is one way to put it,” I replied.
“I know you’re careful. I trust you. I just have to say it—formypeace of mind,” she said.
“I understand.”
I took a quick breath, hesitated, and then asked, “Is Rowan around?”
“I told her you were here.” Dr. Marshall’s lips curled in a small smile. “Do you want to say hi?”
“I’d love to.” Pausing, I cleared my throat. “I know she’s busy, but, well, she’salwaysbusy. Just like you’re always busy.”
“She told me she’d be in her office—the paperwork one, not the patient one.”
I nodded. “Okay.”
After she left, I made my way down the hallway, my footsteps light as I approached Rowan’s office. The door was slightly ajar, so I knocked gently.
“Come in,” she called.
I pressed two fingertips against the cool door and stepped inside. “Hi.” My voice came out a little too squeaky, revealing my nerves.
Rowan looked up and smiled as she stood. “Adele.” She pulled me into a hug, firm and warm, squeezing my shoulders before stepping back.
“Dr. Marshall said my heart’s in good shape,” I said quickly.
Rowan tilted her head slightly. “You don’t have to report your health to me every time.”
“I know.” I shrugged. “You’re right. That’s probably annoying, huh?”
“It’s not annoying, Adele,” Rowan said softly. “I just don’t want you to feel like I expect it.”
Sometimes, when I looked at my sister, it was like looking in a mirror. We shared auburn hair, hazel eyes, and freckles scattered across our cheeks. She was a shade taller and, in my opinion, closed off. But then again, so was I. So maybe that was me projecting.
Overthink much?my inner cynic muttered.
“I’ll try not to report,” I teased, striving to find lightness in this moment.
“So, how long are you in the area?” she asked.
“I’m staying in Willow Brook while I get ready for a trip out to Katmai.”
“Nice.” Rowan’s expression softened.
“If you wanted, you could come visit me there,” I said hopefully.
