I hesitate.Then I nod.“I did.Somewhere in the middle of everything, when I wasn’t paying attention, this place started to feel like… home.”
And saying that out loud makes me pause and wonder.When did that happen?
She watches me closely.“So why go?”
I swirl the wine in my glass, thinking about going.“Because I have to try.This dream, I’ve had it for years.And even though I’ve been surprisingly happy here, I can’t ignore that this opportunity is rare.I’d regret not taking it.”
She reaches across and squeezes my hand.“I get it.I don’t like it, but I get it.”
“I need to be a little selfish,” I say.
“You’re not selfish.You’re brave.Don’t confuse the two.”
I swallow hard, blinking away the sting behind my eyes.“You’re a really good friend, you know that?”
“Yeah, well, don’t get all weepy on me.You still need to pack.”
I laugh and stand, finishing the last sip of wine.“Thanks for the wine.And the pep talk.And everything else.”
She walks me to the door, her arms tightening around me in one last squeeze.
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
And just like that, I step out into the cool night air, keys in hand, heart full and fractured all at once.Time to go home and pack.
Chapter 32
Regan
Is someone leaving more than just Pulse Point behind?
If you happened to be on the pediatric ward this week, you might have noticed Dr.Regan Thomas making her rounds with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.Sources say she’s accepted an early position in New York.A dream job, by all accounts.So why does it feel like she’s trying to convince herself?
New York’s gaining an exceptional pediatrician.But something tells this reporter she’s leaving more than just a job behind.
Dr.Whisperer.
Thenextmorning,Dad’salready in the kitchen when I come in.He’s sitting in his usual spot, coffee in one hand, the paper in the other.He’s already dressed for work.His suit collar ironed, laces tied, the kind of man who never leaves anything unfinished.Especially not goodbyes.
“Hey.Are you ready for your last day?”
I rub the back of my neck, trying to loosen the knot that’s been sitting there since yesterday.“I think so.”
He smiles faintly.“Well, I’m sure your mom will be excited to have you back.”
That hits me in the chest… in a good way.I can already see her waiting by the door, tears in her eyes, arms open, like she’s ready to wrap me up in love and comfort.She’ll cry first, then order takeout, then cry again.
“She’ll probably feed me for a week straight,” I say with a small laugh.
“She’ll love that.”He takes a long sip from his mug.“I’m sure she misses you.”
“I miss her too.”
There’s a pause.The kind that stretches, but not in a bad way.Just quiet.
“I didn’t think it would feel this strange,” Dad says after a moment.
