Chapter 26
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The drive to the clinic was a quiet, meditative ritual that I cherished deeply. Lucas had kissed me softly at the door, handing me a travel mug filled with that dark roast coffee, his eyes crinkling at the corners in the morning light. The streets of the city were just beginning to wake up as I navigated my sedan through the familiar avenues. I rolled down the window, letting the crisp, cool morning air wash over my face. There was a time when my morning commute was filled with a suffocating dread, a tight knot of anxiety in my chest as I prepared to face the endless demands of my toxic family.
But those days were entirely gone.
I pulled into the private parking lot of Sovereign Physical Therapy. The building was a beautiful, modern structure of red brick and massive glass windows, completely surrounded by manicured garden beds that I had planted myself. I parked in the spot marked 'Director', turned off the engine, and took a deep, centering breath.
Walking up to the front doors, the heavy brass key slid perfectly into the lock. It turned with a satisfying, heavy click. I pushed the glass doors open, stepping into the serene, welcoming lobby. The air smelled faintly of eucalyptus and lavender, a deliberate choice to help soothe the nervous systems of my patients the moment they walked through the door.
"Good morning, Mrs. Vance," a bright voice called out.
I smiled as Sarah, my best friend and the absolute best clinic manager in the state, popped her head up from behind the polished reception desk.
"Good morning, Sarah," I replied, walking over to drop my bag in my office. "You're here early. And please, you know you don't have to call me that."
"Oh, I absolutely have to," Sarah laughed, her eyes sparkling. "You just got back from your honeymoon. I am going to milk the 'Mrs. Vance' title for at least another month. How was the first morning back in reality?"
May you like
"Peaceful," I said honestly, leaning against the doorframe. "Incredibly, unconditionally peaceful."
"Good," Sarah nodded, handing me a printed schedule. "Because you are completely booked today. Your first patient is here, and we have a walk-in waiting in room three."
