Missing

Back to work

Jacob remained a firm hold on Connie's hand as they walked across the carpark in direction of the hospital. The click of Connie's heels echoed behind them, to which her feet were now becoming accustomed to once again.
The sliding doors began to open in front of them as they neared the entrance to reception. Jacob slowed his pace a little and turned to Connie beside him.
"If you don't feel completely ready yet...it's fine to wait a while longer before coming back you know." he said gently, giving her an understanding look.
Connie stopped walking, causing the pair to pause just before the entrance, and placed her free hand on top of their interlocked hands as she smiled up at him.
"Jacob. I'm fine, okay? I feel more than ready, I promise." She reassured him.
Jacob studied her face which had that confident, unfazed look on it, showing no fear at all. He took a deep breath before finally giving a nod.
It seemed that he was more nervous about Connie's first day back at work in the ED than she was herself. Of corse, he knew that Connie was ready and capable to begin work as a competent consultant again, having shadowed Dylan and Elle for the past two weeks to familiarise herself once again, but he was still worried about her return. Today was going to be her first shift back as an independent consultant, and while he didn't doubt that she still had her outstanding medical skill, Jacob was conscious of her coming back before she was ready.

Connie took a step forward, taking her just through the doors, pulling gently on Jacob's hand for him to follow her.
"Are you coming in then?" she asked with a smile. "I don't want to be late on my first day."
Jacob smiled at her calm and composed attitude as he followed her in.
He was always in admiration of Connie's ability to let nothing faze her; not even 5 years out of practice could dampen her enthusiasm.

It was a strange experience for Connie, walking into the staff room, the place where she would store her belonging while on shift. She didn't have the privilege of an office to keep these items in anymore, instead, a communal coat stand to hang her jacket on among rest of the staff's, and a small locker for herself.

Connie placed her bag into the locker and carefully pushed close the door, turning the key to secure her items. She checked that her blouse was tucked neatly into her black pencil skirt, before delicately placing her stethoscope around her neck.
She couldn't wait to get back into the department, it was where she belonged.

"Ready?" Jacob asked as Connie turned around and took a step towards him, tucking her brunette curls behind her ears, away from her face.
She looked towards the door and across the department floor, which was already thriving with patients. She held her head high and nodded.
"Ready." she smiled.