Page 123 of Doctor's Bossy Match
He pulls back.“And hey, come visit.Seriously.We’ll keep your locker warm.”
I laugh, the sound barely held together.“Good.”
Then, with my heart in my throat, I walk out knowing I’ll miss working here, the people, the town, and the work.
I check Brant’s office once before I leave.One last time, because maybe he came back.Maybe he’s waiting there, ready to say goodbye properly.
It’s locked.
Empty.
No note.
No goodbye.
Just silence.
That night, I visit Scarlet, Dusty, and Greer for the last time, then head home to finish packing.I’m sitting cross-legged on my bedroom floor, surrounded by half-packed boxes and open drawers.
I didn’t bring much when I came here, just enough clothes, books, and toiletries.I never planned to stay past the twelve months to accumulate anything.But somehow, I did.
A framed photo Scarlet gave me of us tonight.A goodbye basket from the hospital.A mug from dad with a collage of old photos that we found in the box.
A soft knock rattles on my open doorway.“Need help?”
“I’m almost done.”I gesture at the boxes.“Didn’t realize I’d collected so much stuff.”
Dad surveys the room, hands in his pockets.“You can leave stuff here if you need.”
“It’ll all fit in the car.”
He nods slowly.“Alright.Well, I’ll let you finish up.Just wanted to check in.”He starts to turn around.
“Dad?”
He pauses.
“Thank you.For everything.”
His face softens with a grin.“Get some sleep.Big day tomorrow.”
After he leaves, I finish packing in silence.Then I text Liz.
Me:Leaving early tomorrow.
Her response is fast.
Liz:Call me when you get home.
After I finish packing, I climb into bed and lie awake in the dark, thinking about Brant, how he left the party without saying goodbye, and how this is really over.
I wake early.It’s still dark as I lie in bed a moment longer than I should, knowing the goodbye I’ve been dreading is finally happening.
Finally, I swing my legs over the side and stand, pulling on yesterday’s worn T-shirt.I stare at the room I swore I’d never get comfortable in.
When I first arrived here, I wanted to turn around and head back to the city.Now it’s become a place that’s so hard to leave.My fingers trace the edge of the new bedspread as a knot tightens in my throat.
Pushing those feelings down, I shower and eat breakfast before stepping outside and loading the car.
