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Your Problem Arises (Niki Confronts Corey)
Chapter 45 As soon as I realize I’ve bumped into Corey, I turn to run back into the women’s restroom, but he caught me by the shoulders before I reached sanctuary. “Let go!” I hiss. A woman shoulders...
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Moving On (more changes)
Chapter 46 Taking Maddie and Kaylee out for dinner distracts me from the sadness of saying good-bye to Corey in the mall. We watch movies in the family room until I’m too tired to stay awake. In bed,...
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Rashes & Fevers (measles admission)
Chapter 47 Once I clock in, there isn’t time to contemplate Kris’s engagement, Simon’s remarriage, Amber’s pregnancy, or Corey’s move to Seattle with his family. As charge nurse, I took the call from...
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At The Raleigh (Niki & Gerald Go Out for Drinks)
Chapter 49 In an upscale restaurant overlooking Santa Monica Bay, I’m standing behind a long table. Every seat is filled with PICU nurses, and staff from other departments celebrating Kris’s bridal...
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Pink Hearts, Yellow Moons & Green Clovers (Maddie Acts Out)
Chapter 50 Simon and Amber were married. The baby is due soon. Maddie is silent regarding updates about the birth, however. Shortly after the wedding, she stopped talking about home life with her...
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I Hate This, All of It (Maddie Talks to Niki)
Chapter 51 “Maddie, open the door.” “Go away!” “Maddie, I know you’re upset, but we need to talk.” “I don’t want to talk. I hate you! And Amber, and Dad too!” “Maddie, I’ve heard Amber’s side of the...
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How to Sabotage a Shift (Niki Meets a Service Dog)
Chapter 56 Never, ever think your shift is easy and you may go home early. It’s the quickest way to sabotage it. The shift started well enough. I did vitals and passed meds for the two post-open heart...
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You Can’t Make This Stuff Up (Niki’s easy shift )
Chapter 57 One of my two post-open heart patients has discharge orders. The better part of an hour is spent reviewing the discharge instructions with her parents, and observing them practice drawing up...
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Bruises Not Scratches (Niki Discovers Something Unsettling)
Chapter 58 “Raquel, it was absolute mayhem. The little dog took off down the hall after the bunny, and then the charge nurse called Security to help round them up. Of course, Security didn’t have any...
View ArticleIt Will Be Good For All of Us
Chapter 77 Taking respite from these intense memories, I get up to refill my coffee mug. Through the kitchen window, I notice the tulip tree across the street is in bloom. Then, I notice my free hand...
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