15 years later

I wake up to my alarm. I go to the kitchen and pour myself coffee. I can't do anything unless I have my coffee. Then I go to my room and freshen up. I put on my tracksuit and went for a run. I have always loved running. However, nowadays I don't get much time. I go out for a run only on the days when I have morning shifts.

Oh yes, I am almost on my way to reaching my dream. I am in the last year of general surgery residency at North Shore University Hospital. So, there are morning shifts, night shifts, and sometimes double shifts. And not to forget, the surgeries that can sometimes take quite a few hours. It is pretty hectic and stressful. Sometimes all this becomes too much and I keep thinking why didn't I choose a different career. However, when I see the happy faces of the people after they know that their loved ones are safe, it all becomes worth it.

My grandmother passed away 2 years back. She had a heart attack and passed away in her sleep. The next day when I woke up, I saw that she was still sleeping. It was weird because she always wakes up before me. When I went to her room, I was shocked to see that she was dead. She was perfectly fine the night before. However, we never know what is going to happen next moment. Who knows that better than me? She was the coolest grandma ever. I loved her so much. She was always there for me. I am so glad that I had her after my parents' death.

I sold the house after her death because it felt too big for me to live alone. Moreover, too many memories were involved which made me even more lonely. She was the only family I had left. So, I shifted to an apartment that is a little closer to the hospital.

I was sad for a little time but then life goes on. Moreover, I have learned that very early in my life. Still, I hope that someday I will have a family of mine. A person who would love me and for whom I would be the one.

I had a boyfriend in high school. However, it didn't last long and also, we both wanted different things in life. In college too I had a boyfriend. It was good at first, but then due to our studies we couldn't spend more time and we drifted apart. Now, I occasionally go on dates because of my friend but I didn't like anyone.

I finished my run and came back home. My apartment is decently sized with two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen with a windowed dining area, and a private terrace. The living room is large and overlooks the terrace. The main bedroom is large, and has 2 closets. The second bedroom is not as big but of a good size. In the living room, I have a couch, TV, and a table. On the wall, I have pictures of my family and me.

I shower and get ready. I am wearing a soft pink full sleeved top and navy-blue pants. I style my hair in a ponytail. I have brown hair just like my mom. I look mostly like my mom except for my eyes. I got my green eyes from my dad.

I have some cereal for breakfast. I love food and love to cook. I learned it mostly from my grandma. She was a great cook. Her food was so delicious. However, lately because of my busy schedule, I don't have much time to cook most of the days. So, most of the days it is takeout, deliveries, or hospital food.

I went to the parking lot and got in my car and on my way to the hospital. At first, I was shit-scared to drive a car due to the accident but now I am comfortable driving. Moreover, it's easy this way if I have to go anywhere.

I reached the hospital after some time. It mostly takes me 20 minutes and a bit more if there is traffic. I see that Amanda and Jake are already there and kissing.

"Good morning Amanda. Good morning Jake", I clear my throat and wish them.

"Good morning Ava" they wish me back.

Jake had a night shift so he is ready to leave. Amanda and I have a morning shift this week.

"Any emergency surgeries last night?", I asked Jake

"No emergencies, it was a smooth night", he replied.

"Great, I don't want to hold you away from your sleep. Bye"

"Don't forget to eat your breakfast", Amanda told him

"Sure. Bye Amanda. Bye Ava", he kissed her

We were on our way to do the morning in-patient rounds. Right now, we assist in surgeries and take care of post-op and pre-op recoveries. We also do ward rounds and patient reviews, dressings, blood draws, and chart updating. We also check on out-patients and give the treatment if the ailments are minor, or send for investigations and admissions if requiring surgery or In-patient treatments.

"So how is everything going on with you and Jake", Jake and Amanda have been dating for the past 6 months and she recently moved in with him.

"It's going well, we are managing quite well even with all these residency shifts and hectic schedules. He even plans cute dates whenever possible", she grinned widely.

"I am happy for you", I smiled and she smiled back.

Her previous boyfriend was abusive. It took her some time to trust someone again. I am so happy that she found someone that loves her and cares for her. Jake had a crush on her for a long time. However, he never told her because she was already in a relationship. I am glad that he finally asked her out and things fell in place for those two.

On our way, I see Josh and I groan inwardly. He is doing residency in ER medicine. He has been hitting on me since my first year even though I have told him that I am not interested. He comes to us.

"Good morning Amanda", "Good morning Ava" he wishes us. I mask my irritation and wish him good morning with a tight smile and leave for my duty.

"You look beautiful today", he tells me.

I just ignore him and go for the ward rounds. I went to check on the patient who had surgery yesterday. I check his vitals and note them down in the chart before the senior doctor comes for the rounds. After that, I checked a few out-patients. Soon it was afternoon and I went for lunch. There I meet Amanda.

"Hey Ava, how is your day? ", she asked

"Nothing much just the routine", I replied

"What about you"

"Same here as well"

"How's the lunch today"

"It's the same without any flavor. God, I hate the food here. I don't know how patients eat this", I whine

"You are assisting a surgery after lunch, right?", she asked

"Yes, I better get going. Dr. Carter is a very grumpy man and he doesn't like any delays"

"You are right, can't handle him if he is in a bad mood. All the nurses are scared of him"

It is a pre-scheduled surgery for a fractured hip bone. The surgery has been done successfully and it took 4 hours. I then took care of the post-op. I am so tired by the end of my shift and happy to go home.

I check my phone and see a text from Ben,

Ben: Hey Ava, done with your shift?

Ava: Yes, I will leave in a few minutes.

Ben: Ok I am coming to your home. I will bring the dinner. Is pizza fine?

Ava: Yes, and come fast. I am starving

Dinner has been sorted. I thought of getting a take out on the way home but there is no need for that now. I keep my phone in my bag and then I get in my car and leave for home.