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Usually.

Still.

It only takes a split second for your whole world to flip upside down.

And crime seems to be everywhere these days.

Especially with holes in the usual security caused by the big expansion project. I see plastic tarps and equipment strewn around in the distance.

There’s no ignoring the acrid smell of cement work and a fine layer of dust settled over all the cars.

That’s the least of my worries, though.

With fewer parking spaces and a strict first come, first serve policy for nurses, there’s no telling which ones will be available on any given day.

It’s a game of musical chairs, but with cars.

“And that’s why your car’s miles away,” I mutter, mentally congratulating myself on getting some extra steps in.

Happy thoughts.

You’ve got plenty. Focus on them.

And I do, all waiting for me once I drive out of this cave.

I have a hot dinner with my favorite old man in the world ahead.

I have the morning off, the first day in a while where I can sleep in. I decided to take an evening shift tomorrow since they needed someone to fill in.

Endless possibilities flash before my eyes.

Heavenly sleep.

Treating myself to a lavish breakfast at the new café that just opened down the street.

Going on a shopping spree at Target to restock the essentials.

But actually, I know the truth.

I’ll be spending it with Nonno.

And not just because I don’t have the extra cash to spare on a pack of gum.

Right now, nothing’s more important than making sure he gets his walks in. Doctor’s orders, and when they come from one of Everhart’s leading cardiologists, you listen.

Moving to Rivermont has its perks.

After my grandfather was diagnosed with heart disease, I was terrified. He’s all I have left after Dad dropped dead from the same problem.

At least in Nonno’s case, we have fair warning.

That’s why we’re here.

Even if it’s expensive for a smaller city, there’s no beating the healthcare. And it does wonders for Nonno, when he actually sticks to the program.

When.

Like most Italian men, he lives for food. The more indulgent pasta and succulent meat, the better. He’d totally rather park himself in front of a baseball game than walk a mile any given day.