Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

CAITRONIA

I still can’t believe I finished two doctorates in six short years. For the last four years, I have been doing my internship at the local hospital. There are no new residencies on the east coast available and I keep turning down the offers I’ve been getting. I didn’t want to move west. However, if I don’t find a residency soon, I may have no other choice. The hospital just told me last night it’s time I move on.

Sitting at my kitchen island in my tiny little studio apartment looking through residencies once more, I am ecstatic when my phone rings. I swear the girl is psychic.

“Hey, Charlie. What's up? You don't usually call me this early in the day,” I say to her. I swear she always knows when I need her, even miles away.

“Hey, girl. Yeah, I know, but I have a bit of a problem. My Uncle Henry in North Carolina is really sick. He’s refusing to go to rehab, but he can't be home alone. So, I have to move to Grimsby to help take care of him.” I remember her uncle. He too is a vet.

“Oh girl, I'm so sorry. I'm still waiting to find out where my residency is going to be. As soon as I do and have time I promise to come visit,” I reassure her.

“This sucks. I just picked out a place to open my own coffee shop,” I hear her sigh. “I knew you'd understand, though.”

“I know it does, but maybe you'll find a place there that'll be perfect for what you want,” I suggest. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that nothing gets in Charlie’s way if she wants something bad enough. A coffee shop has been her dream since we were teens.

“Maybe. Anyway, I better go. I have to let Todd know I'm leaving. I hate the short notice, but it is what it is. Talk to you later,” she says, and we hang up.

Damn, I forgot to tell her I am officially jobless. Oh well, it’s probably for the best. She doesn't need my stress too, with everything going on. Looking at the time, I close my laptop and head for a shower. Once out, I put on my vet scrubs and make my way to the shelter. The hospital might not need me, but the shelter always needs a good vet.

Several weeks go by and my savings are dwindling fast. I have been at the animal shelter every day but on Sundays, since the hospital let me go. I’m just finishing up shots on a couple of new arrivals when the director comes in. “Hey Doc, can you come to my office when you're done?”

“Sure, just let me put her back and wash up. Be there in five,” I say and she nods, shutting the door as she leaves.

Tucking the little angel corgi into her cage, I then make my way to the restroom and wash up. Once finished, I grab my things and I make my way to Tina’s office. I’m off once we talk. Knocking, she answers with, “Come in Doc.” Making my way in, she motions to the chair across from her. This can’t be good. “You might want to sit.’

Once seated, she begins. “I’m just gonna be blunt, Doc. The county is shutting us down. All animals will go to Atlanta, so unfortunately…” She sighs and I see the tear roll down her cheek. “Friday will be your last day. I appreciate everything you've done and wish things were different.” She pulls out an envelope and holds it out to me. “My glowing review. I hope it helps you find a position you will thrive at.”

I’m in shock, but I stand and thank her. Before leaving, I give her a hug. “Thank you for everything, Tina. I will miss you.” Then I turn and make my way to my car, fighting tears until I shut the door and I can no longer hold them in.

Once I am all cried out, I head home. My decision has just been made for me. I must take a residency west. This sucks.