She waves a hand, but looks pleased.“With all the travel we’ve done, and the different specialists with Dusty… I just kept thinking, Pulse Point could be more.Our kids deserve better.Real care.Not outdated monitors and five-minute checkups.”
I nod.She’s right, though it’s hard not to compare it to where I came from.The hospital in the city had the best of everything.But here?I saw outdated monitors, cramped exam rooms, staff stretched too thin.“It’s going to change everything.”For a place like this, it really will.
“They’ve been keeping me updated,” she says, blowing on her tea, then taking a sip.“When it’s finished, there’s going to be a big ribbon cutting.The whole shebang, speeches, photos, probably too much food.”
I grin.“That sounds… very on brand.”I sip again, slower this time.“Okay, tell me… how’s Dusty doing?”
She exhales, tucking her hair behind her ear.“Up and down.They caught the defect early, but it’s been scary.Surgery helped, but now it’s all follow-ups and meds and scans.There’s always something.But he’s tough.I think kids are tougher than we give them credit for.”
My chest tightens as I look at Dusty, now sitting on the living room rug, playing with a plastic fire truck.
“I’m really glad he’s okay.”
“Technology’s incredible,” she says.“The pacemaker’s tiny.And our pediatric cardiologist is incredible.Honestly, that’s why the new ward matters so much.It could help so many kids like him.I feel like I owe it to other parents, you know?”
I smile softly, inspired by her.“You’re doing more than enough.”
She nods, looking down at her tea.“We’re lucky to be in a community like this.So supportive and close.”
“And your parents?”I ask, half-laughing.
She lights up.“Dying to see you.You have to come for dinner.They’ve been pestering me for days.When is Regan getting back?When is she coming over?”
I laugh, warmth blooming in my chest.“Tell them I’d love that.”
More welcome by other people’s parents than my own father.
It’s the enthusiasm that gets me, like her parents can’t wait to see me.Dad took the day off, sure, but it felt like an obligation, a box to check.This feels different.Like I’m wanted, not managed.
“So what’s going on with your dad?”she asks gently.
I roll the mug between my hands.“He’s...Dad.Quiet.”I pause, lips twitching.“Except when Harrison’s around.Then he’s suddenly cheerful.All praise and politeness.The second Harrison left the room, it was back to his usual.‘Make sure you pay attention’.”
She tilts her head.“Maybe he just wants to make sure you’re doing the right thing.”
I bite back my immediate reply.Scarlet’s always seen the best in people.It’s one of the things I love about her, but it’s also one of the things that reminds me how different our families are.
“Maybe,” I mutter.“It’s just… awkward.I’m avoiding going home unless I have to.I want a routine like I had in the city.Gym, friends, normal stuff.I can’t have him hovering every night.”
She nods, sipping.“Totally.That makes sense.”
“And when I am home, it’s...tense.He kind of ignores me.”
She reaches out and squeezes my hand.“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.Just hard.”I inhale slowly, like I’m bracing myself.“I told you I applied to another hospital in the city before I came here, didn’t I?”
She nods.“But you’re not leaving until after the residency, right?”
“Yeah.But I didn’t tell him.I just need something after my residency that isn’t his legacy.”
Her eyes are full of understanding.“It’ll go fast.You won’t even realize it.”
“I hope so,” I say, then smile.“Well, yes and no.I’m actually excited to be back.To see people like you.Eat food that doesn’t come from a vending machine.”
She laughs.“You’ve been spoiled already.”
I glance at my phone.I’ve been here almost forty-five minutes, and I should probably head back before Dad starts worrying or judging.
