I watch for a moment as she positions the arm with utmost care, then slip out into the hallway and head to the emergency department coordination desk.
There I run into Ray, who tells me that he and his wife have found their dream house.
‘We’re signing the contract tomorrow.’ Everything about him radiates excitement.
‘Wow, that was fast, congrats.’ I clap him on the shoulder, and my thoughts briefly drift to Camee’s house—my house. ‘Let me know if you need help with the move.’
‘Thanks for the offer, I’ll definitely take you up on that.’ Ray raises a hand. ‘But I’ve got to run now, see you later.’
I say goodbye and turn to the transfer form for our patient. As I fill it out, my mind goes back to Lilly’s list and Nyla’s medical history.
You, too, have a past and a future, and no matter how much that scares you, both are part of you.
Even before Nyla said those words yesterday, I knew they were true. Now I dare to at least go through the list in my mind.
Adopt a dog from an animal shelter.
Get up in the middle of the night, hike up a mountain, and watch the sunrise.
Learn to dance tango.
Count the stars over Greenland.
Taste everything you’ve never eaten before.
Create the most beautiful garden in the world.
Walk across hot coals.
Could I experience these things for Camee? Keep my promise, draw close to her and to the memories of her?