Doctors Orders

the first day of the rest of your lives

Vanessa

*beep beep beep*

The sound of my alarm jolts me awake. I grunt as I grab and turn off the obnoxiously loud sounds blasting from my phone.

My first day in my surgical residency, the day I have been waiting for years.

I can do this... hopefully

These thoughts run through my head as I crawl out of bed and walk into the bathroom.

I cover my eyes as the bright lights flood through the tiny room. As my eyes adjust, I look at myself in the mirror.

Man, I'm a mess

I tie up my curly blonde hair into a messy bun as I open the lower cabinet with my foot. I could crouch down and use my hands, but, honestly, it's too early for that.  I grab my toothpaste and toothbrush out of the cabinet and brush my teeth.  After applying some light makeup, I walk back into my room.  Dodging the boxes scattered across the studio apartment, I head over to my dresser.

Dress to impress, my dear.  My lips curve slightly upward as my mother's words run through my head. Taking her advice into consideration, I throw on a clean white blouse and my nicest, and only, pair of dress pants. To finish it off, I decorate the look with the gold locket my mother gave me when I was eight.

"I doing this for you mom," I quietly mutter, "following our dreams."  I pause, almost as if I'm hoping that she'll somehow respond to me. But I know that can't happen.  Coming back to reality, I look up from the locket and take a breath.

I mean, how bad can my first day be?

Gaining confidence, I plaster a smile on my face and start walking towards the door.

"Shit!" I say as I suddenly fall to the ground.

I must have tripped over one of my stupid moving boxes... again. I groan as I stand up.

What a great start.

• • •

I put the car into park and turn off the ignition. My mouth opens slightly as I gape at the gigantic hospital awaiting me. I swear it must have tripled in size since the last time I saw it. 

I feel my heart beat faster and faster in my chest as my palms start to sweat. I look at my nervous hazel eyes in the rearview mirror.

"Ok, Vanessa, you can do this. You are a strong, independent woman. Breathe in and out. You worked your ass off throughout med school, and you are ready for this. Breathe in and out," I say, trying to reassure myself.

Finally, after some more breathing and confused glares from the people walking by, I am able to pull myself together. Glancing at the fading clock on the dashboard, my eyes widen as I realize the time.

"Shit!" I scramble out of my 2002 Toyota Corolla and head towards the hospital doors. My hand grabs the cold handle and I pull it open. Entering the foyer, my eyes flicker everywhere, trying to take it all in.

Wow, this place is just incredible.

Walking in, I'm greeted by an elegant reception desk. Above, there is a stunning walking pad that looks like it sparkles from the skylights above it. From the pad, I bet you'd be able to see most of Boston. If I had more time, I would've gazed for hours at my new workspace. But seeing I'm almost late, I don't think that would be the best idea. Besides, I have years to explore and ogle at this place.