I felt my chest tighten with the weight of her words, but I refused to let her see me break.
Since I knew what Evelyn wanted. She wanted a reaction, wanted me to grovel and beg.
Without another word, I began gathering my belongings.
As I threw the last box into the trunk of my car, I turned to the front door one final time since I knew Evelyn was still standing there.
“One day, Liam will remember the truth,” I said firmly. “And when that day comes, he’ll see you for what you really are, Evelyn.”
Then, I got back into my car and drove away.
My thoughts turned to Theodore. “I hope Theo doesn’t mind his rabbit doll,” I muttered to myself. “He’s always slept with it since he was a baby.”
The thought of him going without his favorite toy made my heart ache, but there was no way I could fight Evelyn for it.
I stopped at a baby store on the way back to the hospital, picking up new clothes, toys, and essentials for Theodore.
It was exhausting, buying so much at once, but I refused to let Evelyn’s cruelty ruin Theodore’s comfort.
By the time I returned to Theodore’s ward, my body felt heavy with fatigue. I set the bags down in the corner and collapsed onto the sofa, too drained to do much else.
The next morning, as I finished getting ready for my ER shift, I glanced over and saw Nathaniel playing with Theodore. To my surprise, there was a pair of little bunny ears perched atop Nathaniel’s head.
I could not help but burst out laughing. “Nathan, did you even look in the mirror this morning?”
Nathaniel glanced at me, completely unfazed. “What do you know? Kids love this stuff. Isn’t that right, Theo?”
Theo babbled enthusiastically in agreement, making both of us smile.
It was then I noticed that Nathaniel and Theodore were wearing matching socks with bunny patterns. The sight sent a warm, comforting current through my heart, filling me with gratitude for Nathaniel’s genuine care.
He truly had a gift for connecting with children, as if they were his own. It was not hard to see why he had chosen pediatrics—it was as if he was made for it.
Seeing Nathaniel still focused on Theodore, gently chatting with him to keep him calm, I took the opportunity to ask, “Nathan, could you tell me more about the program you mentioned earlier? I think I’m interested in it.”
Nathaniel turned to me, his expression lighting up with cautious optimism. “It’s an offer to work at our branch hospital in the countryside,” he began, his tone both measured and encouraging.
“It’s a new hospital—just recently built—but they’re struggling to find applicants. They still have vacancies in the ER.”
I tilted my head, intrigued. “Why’s that? Are people hesitant because of the location?”
He nodded. “Exactly. ER positions are already hard to fill, even in big city hospitals, because of how demanding they are. Now imagine a small hospital in a remote area.
“The equipment might not be as advanced, the resources might be limited, but the trauma cases will be just as frequent, if not more so. It’s not an easy sell for most people.”
“What about you?” I asked, genuinely curious. “You’re not afraid of the challenge?”
Nathaniel’s expression softened, and his quiet passion shone through. “I’ve already applied for a position as a pediatrician there. From what I’ve researched, the area has a high number of malnourished children.
“They don’t have access to proper medical care, Amelia. I want to help them. They deserve the same level of care as anyone else.”
His words struck a chord with me, his sincerity stirring something deep within.
Nathaniel leaned forward slightly, his voice gentle but encouraging. “If you’re interested, I can help you apply. We could go together.
“And since it’s a branch hospital, it’s part of a doctor exchange program. If you decide it’s not for you after some time, you can always return to the main hospital.”
I mulled over his words, the possibilities swirling in my mind. That was my only opportunity to step away from the chaos and the suffocating toxicity of Liam and Evelyn.
“But…” I hesitated, glancing at him. “What about Theodore? Can you tell me more about the location? I’d need to bring him with me, and I want to make sure he’ll be okay there.”
Nathaniel’s expression softened further, as though he had anticipated my concern. “There’s a daycare near the hospital,” he said, his voice reassuring.
“It’s small, but it’s well-staffed and reliable. You wouldn’t have to worry about him. And from what I’ve heard, the area’s quiet and safe—perfect for raising a kid.”
Relief washed over me, and I felt my shoulders relax for the first time in hours. “Thank God,” I breathed, my voice laced with gratitude. “That sounds… perfect.”
Nathaniel chuckled, his familiar warmth bringing a smile to my face. “It does, doesn’t it? But first, you’ll need to talk to your professor. She’s one of your biggest supporters. I doubt she’ll be thrilled about you leaving, but she’ll understand if it’s what you need.”
I laughed softly, the sound foreign after such a difficult day.
“You’re probably right. I’ll stop by her office before heading back to the ER,” I said, leaning down to kiss Theodore’s forehead gently. “Be good for Dr. Nathaniel and the nurse, okay?”
“Yes!” Theo chirped happily, flashing me a wide grin.
Nathaniel, ever the playful teaser, grinned at me. “What, no kiss for me?”
Instead of indulging him, I playfully poked his forehead with my finger.
“Ouch!” Nathaniel exclaimed dramatically, pretending to be in pain.
The exaggerated act had Theodore giggling uncontrollably, his laughter filling the room and lifting my spirits.
After treating several patients in the ER, I finally found time to visit my professor’s office. She looked up from her desk, expecting a discussion about research, but her expression shifted when I told her my request.
“You want a transfer?” she asked, her tone a mix of surprise and disappointment.
