The Last Five Years

Drew

 Five long years had passed since I'd left my small town home of Raymond, Washington. Since then, I had graduated with both a degree in pre-medical biology and pre-pharmaceutical chemistry. I was lucky enough to get accepted into one of the top medical schools in the country. I was currently wrapping my first year of studies at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, studying under some of the most knowledgeable and skilled vascular surgeons.

Currently, I was in a cadaver lab. A pal of mine and I were studying the overall layout of veins within the body for a presentation we were going to be giving on behalf of our department of study at an important conference the upcoming Friday. In that same weekend, I had my five year high school reunion. I hadn't given much thought about going. I had far too much to get done here in Maryland. But my old best friend Peter had insisted I come in for a quick visit. I hadn't been home once since I graduated high school, and I knew I was due for a visit.

"So are you excited to be flying home Friday after the presentation?" Clayton glanced up at me from under his goggles, raising an eyebrow. "I'm sure it'll be nice to relax away from all of this for a day or two."

I shrugged, moving away from the table to scribble down some notes. "I don't know. I like the stress. I like always being busy. The little town I came from, there's never anything going on. Besides, I should be more focused on this presentation first. I can concern myself with the trip home afterward. I may not even go."

Clayton laughed, shaking his head. "Your dedication to study is almost inconceivable. You're going to make one hell of a surgeon, you know." He took off his latex gloves and tossed them in the trash. "But go home, Drew. Your family probably misses you like crazy."

I nodded, also taking my gloves off. "I hope I'm half the surgeon I always dreamed of being as a kid. But yes, I plan on visiting home. I'll only be there for a little over 24 hours, though. So we're still on to study Sunday afternoon?"

Clayton laughed, rubbing his forehead. "Sure, but only if you promise to take it easy while you're home. Don't take work with you."

I scrunched up my face, washing my hands vigorously with disinfecting soap. "I can't make that promise in good conscience." I dried my hands, laughing. "I'll see you tomorrow morning for the presentation. Make sure you sleep well and have a sufficient breakfast. We've got a tough crowd tomorrow." I smiled, tipping my head to Clayton as I left the lab to go home and pack.