Chapter Two: A Perfect Day

Sunlight sharpened every detail, down to a loose thread at his collar. Usually my stomach tightened when I entered this room. Today, there was only stillness. “An objective review. As requested.” “You exposed an internal matter to the union. You call that objective? I give you important shifts because I thought you could carry responsibility.” “Being capable doesn't mean I don't need rest. I won't sign another rota that violates hospital policy.” The kindness peeled off his face. “Your associate-chief application is still on my desk.” Yesterday that sentence would have cost me a night of sleep. Now it fell into me like rain into a lake, leaving no ripple.