Fickle

Chpatet 22

Kulthum leaned back in her office chair, the weight of the day pressing down on her. The walls of her clinic office, usually a source of comfort, felt confining today. She ran her fingers through her hair, staring at the email glowing on her laptop screen.

It was an offer she couldn’t ignore—chief of cardiothoracic surgery at a prestigious hospital in Chicago. It was the kind of opportunity she had worked her entire career for, a position that promised not only professional recognition but also a substantial salary increase. Yet, the timing couldn’t have been worse.

Her phone buzzed, interrupting her thoughts. She glanced at the screen: it was a message from Jenna.

Jenna: Mama, Daddy said he’ll pick us up today. Is that okay?

Kulthum’s lips pressed into a thin line. Abdullah had been making an effort to spend time with the twins, especially Hudayfah, who remained distant. Though she appreciated his dedication, it added another layer of complexity to her already chaotic life.

Before she could respond to Jenna, a knock sounded on her office door.

“Come in,” she called, straightening in her chair.

Dr. Amy Wallace, one of her colleagues, entered with a folder in hand. “Kulthum, I’ve reviewed the transplant patient you mentioned. The surgery’s going to be tough, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s you.”

Kulthum nodded, accepting the folder. “Thanks, Amy. I’ll look over this tonight.”

Amy lingered, her expression curious. “You okay? You’ve been... distracted lately.”

Kulthum offered a faint smile. “Just a lot going on at home.”

Amy raised an eyebrow. “Does this have anything to do with that Chicago offer? Word travels fast, you know.”

Kulthum sighed. “It’s part of it. I haven’t made a decision yet.”

“Well, whatever you decide, you’ve got my support. But if I were you, I’d take it. Opportunities like that don’t come around every day.”

Amy left, leaving Kulthum alone with her thoughts once more. She stared at the email again, the cursor blinking as if mocking her indecision.

Her mind drifted to the twins. Jenna would likely adapt to the move with her usual enthusiasm, but Hudayfah? He was just beginning to accept Abdullah’s presence in their lives. Uprooting them now could undo the fragile progress they had made.

And then there was Abdullah. He hadn’t said it outright, but she knew he was hoping they could work toward rebuilding their relationship. A move to Chicago would put hundreds of miles between them, complicating any chance of reconciliation.

Her phone buzzed again, this time a call from her mentor, Dr. Ravi Patel.

“Kulthum, I heard about the Chicago offer,” Ravi said, skipping pleasantries. “I hope you’re seriously considering it. You’re one of the most talented surgeons I’ve ever worked with, and this is the kind of role you deserve.”

“I’m considering it,” she replied carefully.

“Good. But don’t wait too long to decide. They won’t keep the position open forever.”

After ending the call, Kulthum closed her laptop, the decision still unresolved. She gathered her things and left the clinic, her thoughts heavy as she drove to pick up the twins.

When she arrived, she found Abdullah waiting with the children outside their school. Jenna ran to her, her face glowing with excitement.

“Mama! Uncle Abdullah got us ice cream!” Jenna exclaimed, holding up her half-eaten cone.