+18
__________________________________________
Hazel is a medical student. Bachelor in science, who is constantly juggling between the demands for these studies and pressures for clinical rotations, she has learned to keep her head down and eyes for...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
I walked into the kitchen, still catching my breath from the morning run. I grabbed a towel, wiped the sweat from my forehead, and headed toward the coffee pot. But then I saw it—a guest list lying on the counter.
At first, I didn't think much of it. Christmas Eve dinner was tonight, so of course, there'd be a list. But then my eyes landed on one name that made my stomach flip.
Monica Sullivan.
I stopped mid-step, staring at the list as if it might change if I looked long enough.
Monica's parents—Marcus and Isabelle—worked at Dad's law firm. They were family lawyers, well respected, and close friends with my parents. But Monica? Monica was a whole different story. We had a past and not the kind you could brush under the rug. Things hadn't exactly ended smoothly between us.
I ran a hand through my hair, tension creeping into my chest. I hadn't expected to see her name, hadn't even thought she'd be here. I mean, sure, her parents were a given—they always showed up at these family dinners, never a Christmas dinner, but there was always a first time. I sighed, gripping the edge of the counter, staring down at the list as if their names were going to disappear miraculously. This wasn't how I'd planned for Christmas to go. And now, I had a mess to clean up before the evening even started.
I made my way toward the studio where I knew my parents would be. Sure enough, as I stepped into the room, Mom and Dad were sitting by the fireplace, casually talking over some paperwork. The scene felt calm and even ordinary, but I knew I needed to get some clarity before the night turned into something messy.
"Hey, Dad, Mom," I started, walking into the room. They both looked up, and Dad raised an eyebrow, already sensing something was on my mind.
"What's up, Chace?" Dad asked, his tone casual but focused. I didn't waste time.
"I saw the guest list for tonight," I said, glancing between them. "Monica's coming? I didn't realize she'd be here."
Mom exchanged a quick glance with Dad, but before she could say anything, Dad leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest.
"Yes, the Sullivans are coming. Marcus and Isabelle wanted to talk with me about a case we've been working on. It involves oncology, so we thought Hazel might be able to provide some insight.
"My brow furrowed as I processed his words.
"Oncology?" I repeated, not expecting that angle.
"What does Marcus need Hazel's help with?"
Dad shrugged lightly as if it wasn't a big deal.
"Marcus has been working on a case involving a family, and part of it connects to oncology treatments. They're curious about some medical details, and we thought Hazel could be helpful. It's just a discussion."
