Page 46 of True Blue

“They told me to.”

“I’m telling you to donate these things⁠—”

“Theodore James, don’t take that tone with me⁠—”

I frown because Teddy didn’t raise his voice, didn’t even change his inflection. Teddy looks chagrined and nods immediately.

“Sorry, Mom.”

She pats her cheek, and he sighs, pecking it while she holds eye contact with me.

My stomach twists unpleasantly, it feels like I’m being purposefully left out, the way Dawn drags Teddy over to his closet to show him his old clothes.

I pull my phone out of my pocket, mostly for something to look at.

A couple of former patients have texted me Happy Thanksgiving. The work group chat shows that the ones who worked today were spoiled with donuts and coffee—much deserved.

Phoebe, who’s been informed about the Dawn situation over the last year, sends me a picture of her and her wife watching the movie Monster-In-Law.

Phoebe

Thought of you for some reason.

Don’t let her grind you down, kiddo.

Easier said than done.

Then I check my emails and freeze.

The top message, sent only hours ago.

Bluewater Cancer Center - Official Employment Offer - Dr. Indiana Miller.

With a shaky thumb, I open the email.

Dear Dr. Miller,

Following the conclusion of your interviews with Bluewater Cancer Center, we are pleased to formally offer you the role of Attending Physician...

“Holy shit…” I whisper.

Teddy and Dawn’s conversation stops and I can feel their eyes on me.

Dawn sighs, “Indie, we don’t use that kind of language in this house⁠—”

I don’t hear her.

Not with my eyes snagging on the offer.

“Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit! Teddy!”

Teddy rushes over to me, expression concerned.

“Honey?”

“Teddy,” I whisper, looking up to him. “I got it.”

He blinks a few times before murmuring, “Bluewater?”