Bound by the Waves

Chapter 6: Team Dinner

The morning light poured through my apartment window as I stood before my open suitcase. The realization that next week, I’d be on a plane bound for Aramora sat heavy in my chest. This wasn’t just another work trip; it was an escape, a chance to press pause on everything back home. But that meant packing was even more important—each item chosen with purpose.

First, I laid out the essentials. A lightweight, crisp white lab coat. Several scrubs in muted tones—easy to clean and comfortable for long hours. Next, a handful of sturdy tees and tanks to wear under the scrubs, along with some loose cotton shirts and durable cargo pants that could stand up to both the climate and the demands of the mission.

Then came the tropical must-haves. I packed a few pairs of shorts and linen pants, along with a light jacket for those rare cool evenings. I didn’t know what downtime would look like, but a couple of sundresses found their way into the suitcase, just in case. Aramora was a coastal paradise, after all—I might need something that didn’t scream "doctor on duty" for those rare, off-the-clock moments.

After clothing, it was time to tuck in the gear. I wrapped my stethoscope carefully in a soft cloth and set it between layers of clothing. A handful of essential medical tools joined it: a pocket-size notebook, gloves, and a basic first-aid kit. Just knowing I had my own basics covered, even as team leader, gave me a sense of calm.

My phone chimed just as I was double-checking my supplies. It was Kate.

“Hey, Dr. Alvarez! I was just checking in to see if you’re up for a team dinner tonight?” Kate’s voice was bright and lively, filling the room with a bit of warmth I hadn’t realized I needed. “Everyone’s meeting at this little restaurant down by the waterfront, and Dr. Reyes mentioned you’d be there.”

I smiled, a little surprised by her eagerness. “That sounds great, Kate. I could use a break from packing. What time are we meeting?”

“Around seven,” she replied, the excitement clear in her tone. “We figured we should all gather for one last night in the city—next week, we’re all on that plane, and then, well, mission mode.”

The reminder that we were leaving next week sent a jolt through me. It was becoming real. “Thanks for inviting me, Kate. I’ll see you all there.”

I hung up, and after a deep breath, continued packing, this time adding the smaller comforts. I slipped a small travel pillow into the suitcase’s pocket, along with my favorite lavender-scented balm, to calm any nerves during long nights. A few well-worn books and journals nestled beside my clothes, each representing a piece of home I couldn’t leave behind.

Finally, I threw in a few photos. One of me and my friends, Bella, Mia, Leya, and Cali, arms around each other, smiles wide. Another of my parents from a recent family gathering, both looking so much smaller than I remembered. As I tucked the photos in, the reality settled in: for the next three months, these faces would be my ties to home.

By the time the sun had set, I was ready, a mix of anticipation and nerves buzzing through me. Tonight’s dinner wasn’t just a team gathering; it was the start of a journey that would change everything.

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That evening, I made my way to the small restaurant by the waterfront, the warm lights inside promising a cozy escape from the nerves that had been building all day. As I stepped through the door, I saw Kate waving me over, her usual bright smile lighting up the room.

The team had already gathered around a large, round table near the window. Sophie and Marcus sat together, laughing over some shared joke. Mateo, a bit less clumsy in casual clothes, was chatting with Kate, who was guiding him through the menu options with an encouraging grin.

“Hey, Dr. Alvarez!” Kate called out, her voice a mix of enthusiasm and relief. “Glad you made it!”

“Please, just Sydney tonight,” I replied with a smile, taking the empty seat they’d saved for me.

As we settled in, the conversations started flowing, more relaxed than they’d been in the conference room. We talked about our backgrounds, shared a few stories about past work experiences, and laughed about the mishaps that had led each of us to this table.

About halfway through the meal, my phone chimed. I glanced at it—Dr. Reyes.

I excused myself and stepped aside to take the call. “Hi, Dr. Reyes. We missed you tonight.”

“Hi, Sydney,” Dr. Reyes’ voice sounded weaker than usual, which immediately put me on alert. “I’m sorry I couldn’t join you all, but my doctor has been on my case about taking it easy. Nothing serious,” he added quickly, as if sensing my concern. “Just… getting older.”

“I understand, doctors also get sick” I replied, though a pang of worry lingered. “We’ll miss having you with us, though.”

“Thanks, Sydney. But you’ll do well. You’re more than capable of leading this team,” he assured me. “Oh, and I wanted to let you know—there’ll be another medical team joining you from a different hospital. They’ll be handling some of the work in the adjacent region, but I imagine your teams will cross paths often. Thought you should know.”

A ripple of surprise ran through me at this news. “Another team? That’s… unexpected.”

“An additional team should help cover the workload,” he continued. “But I thought it might be better for you to find out now rather than in Aramora. I’ll send more details to your email.”

“Thank you for the heads-up,” I replied, absorbing the news. “And please, take care of yourself, Dr. Reyes.”

As I ended the call, I felt a new layer of uncertainty, but also a sense of relief that we’d have additional support. Returning to the table, I shared the news with the team.

“Another team?” Sophie raised an eyebrow, exchanging a glance with Marcus. “Well, that could be useful. We’ll have extra hands for sure.”

“I’m just hoping they’re as friendly as we are,” Mateo joked, earning a round of laughs.

The rest of the evening was spent in easy conversation, each story or joke peeling back another layer. Sophie recounted tales from her early days as a trauma surgeon, while Marcus shared a quieter, but equally compelling story about a patient who had changed his perspective on medicine. Even Mateo managed to tell a few endearing stories about his mishaps in nursing school, drawing laughter from all of us.

By the end of the evening, I felt a strange sense of camaraderie forming. This group wasn’t just a team; they were people I could rely on, each bringing something unique to the table. We were bound by a common goal, and though we were strangers just days ago, that goal was quickly turning us into a family of sorts.

As we stepped out into the cool night air, Kate looked up at me, her smile a little softer. “You know, Dr. Alvarez—Sydney—we’re lucky to have you leading us.”

Her words stayed with me as we said our goodbyes. Tomorrow might be a regular day, but next week, everything would change.