Top 10 - Diversity
Vidhi Patel has spent a large part of her childhood immersed in the world of politics. Now, after graduating from medical school and becoming a pediatrician, she has to make life-changing decisions. Get married and go down the pat...
"Yes, mother. I packed up and checked everything. I'll be there in 3 hours." I told my mother for the 5th time. I cradled my phone against my shoulder as I grabbed my tea and purse.
"Bye." I ended, hanging up and slipping my phone into my purse. As I looked around my apartment, now ex-apartment, it dawned on me that I would be returning to my hometown for the first time in 3 years. Rotations had engulfed every second of my time these past few years, leaving me no time to do anything else.
I let the sad reality sit with me for a moment, before shaking myself out of those depressing thoughts. Instead, I think back to my graduation, the high point of this year. Walking up on the stage to accept my official stethoscope and degree. The moment I became a pediatrician. With that moment replaying in my brain, I walked out of the door, shutting it firmly behind me.
With one door closed in my past, I open the door to my future. Not really. Just my car, but same idea.
~~2.5 hours later...
I drive past the coffee shop I used to get my daily shot of caffeine from-Joe's Java-, surprised to see that there was still a line snaking around the side. Hmm...guess Starbucks hasn't completely taken over yet. After split second deliberation, I turn into the parking lot and grab the last empty spot.
Walking into the shop, I was hit with the cloud of chocolate and coffee, a delightful combination. I scan the shop interior as I wait in the line, I see that the shop hasn't changed much, apart from the previously peeling wallpaper to a fresh, coffee bean rainstorm print. When I push to the register, I order my usual,
"Good afternoon, I'll have a medium iced Machiatto and Brandon's Banana Muffins. Thank you!" When my eyes make eye contact with the barista, a spark of recognition shoots through me.
"Michelle? Michelle Pralo?" I ask, moving aside so that the others could get their order in.
She looks up from the paper bag as she places a muffin in and her eyes widen,
"Vidhi! When did you come back? None of us have seen you for years!" She finishes filling my order and comes around with it.
"Right now actually. Saw this place was still around and decided to stop by. Med school does that to a person. What have you been up to? I inquired, wondering why she was working here. She had always talked about graduating from the Institute of Culinary Education and opening her own restaurant here.
"Uh, life threw a lot of stuff at me after high school so ICE had to wait. I needed a job, so I figured this shop is the closest I'm gonna come to owning any food establishment." She told me sadly, untying her apron and hanging it up on a hook before standing next to me.
"Wait, are you the pediatrician opening up the new practice on Half Lake? Are you moving back with your parents?"
"Yes, that would be me. No, I rented an apartment in Maple Brooks." I answered, wondering why she wanted to know where I was living.
"Perfect! Maple Brooks is having its annual karaoke night at the Waterfall Diner. You should come! It's a great way to catch up and meet new people! I'll be there too." She excitedly told me, handing me a flyer from the ledge. I took the flyer and quickly skimmed it, seeing that it was a free event and anyone from Maple Brooks was welcome.
"I'll think about it," I replied, not too keen on getting up and singing in front of strangers.
"Alright. I'll let you leave, see you around Vidhi!"
We said goodbye and I walked back to my car, sipping on the drink, savoring the unique flavor of the coffee.
Next stop, my parents' house. Oh goody.
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