Page 18 of Fourteen of a Kind

The room was decorated with balloons and a banner that said: Good Luck. We’ll Miss You.

“What’s all this?” I grinned.

“You didn’t think we’d let you leave without a proper goodbye, did you?” Dr. Bramley smiled, placing her hand on my shoulder. “Let’s cut the cake.”

I stood in the room with my coworkers and friends, eating cake and sharing the last of our time together.

“Thanks, everyone. I’m going to miss you guys.”

“We’ll miss you too, Graham. Good luck in California. You’re going to rock as a pediatric surgeon.” Brenden smiled.

Dr. Bramley walked over. “Dr. Christian Kind made the right decision hiring you. Dr. Ashley is one of the best pediatric surgeons in the country. You’re going to learn from the best.”

“Thanks, Dr. Bramley. I’m excited to learn all I can.”

When my shift ended, I walked out of the hospital and stared at it one last time. I spent years here between my internship and residency. Returning to California was a difficult decision, but I had no choice if I wanted to be the best pediatric surgeon.

Ella

When Shaun’s plane landed, Grandma Barb and I stepped off, and I saw Simon leaning against his car with his arms folded.

“There you are.” He smiled.

“Hello, darling.” Grandma Barb said. “Take my bag and put it in the trunk.”

“Hello, mother. Hi, sweetheart.”

“Hi, Simon. You didn’t have to pick us up.”

“Today’s my day off, so I told your dad I would.”

“Let’s go, Simon. I need to get home to my husband.”

Simon rolled his eyes. “Okay, Mom.”

After we dropped Grandma Barb off, Simon pulled into my driveway, climbed out, and grabbed my bag while I grabbed all the shopping bags. Unlocking the front door, we stepped inside.

“So, how was your trip? Did you have fun with my mother?” A smirk crossed his lips.

“It was nice.” I smiled, setting the bags down.

“Looks like you and Mom did a lot of shopping.”

“She wouldn’t take no for an answer.” I sighed. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course, sweetheart,” he said.

“Have you noticed your mom saying weird things lately?”

“She always says weird things.”

“I mean, like, forgetting things.”

“Who doesn’t? She’s older. It goes with the territory. I have to run.” He kissed my cheek. “I’m happy you’re back.”

“Thanks, Simon. It’s good to be home.”

He was right. Memory issues did come with age, but something was off with my Grandma Barb.

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