#Chapter 311 – Cora at Home

Cora

When I wake up it’s almost eight at night and I groan, realizing that my sleep schedule is

completely wrecked. I’m reminded, suddenly, of my years as a medical resident when this sort of thing was normal – sleeping all day, taking night shifts, living moment to moment rather than a steady, scheduled life.

And quite frankly, right now? That sounds really wonderful, compared against a whole night of empty hours in which I have nothing to do but… think.

Think about what I’m doing in my life, think about my career which has gone in a really weird direction, think about my relationship…s.

About a certain kiss in the woods.

About a sweet doctor who, apparently, wants to build a life with me.

I sigh and sit up, looking around at my sterile little apartment. I never really decorated, I realize as

I look around at the grey and beige furniture, the simple linens, the charmless curtains. Everything is functional and high quality but none of it is… me?

Or is it?

I frown at my space, thinking of Ella’s sweet home that – even though Sinclair picked out most of the furniture before she moved in – still sings Ella Ella Ella in every corner. It’s warm and sweet

and comfortable. What does my space say about me?

I mean, I’m an orphan – I never had any possessions or any control over the environments in

which I lived, so where would I have learned to decorate? I never had a mother to show me how

So where did Ella…

at myself, sick,

life. But sometimes she’s just so….perfect. That it makes me realize how

up the first thing I see is one of those relationships I’m trying to avoid leaving me an a*sortment of messages. I sigh

– how did the baptism

You

2

a text when you get up – I know you were up all night but I’m

haven’t heard from you.

I swipe the messages away and click through the rest of my

a peep. As I take a deep breath and check my email, another message from Hank

this is a little pathetic, but I’m outside. Can

your apartment door…

bit when I see that. Hank. He’s being so

space for Roger, one he doesn’t even want – despite what might have pa*sed between us last night, it doesn’t change anything. And there’s a

out of my bed and dash for the

get to it, I

jumps a little, his eyes going wide, accidentally dropping the large bag of Chinese on the

say, bright, cheerful – maybe too bright, too cheerful. “I’m so sorry,” I continue, smiling at him, “I just

says, giving me his rare, warm smile. “I get it –

in?” I ask, leaning against my door frame and gesturing

his lips turning up a

supplied chopsticks, Hank tells me all about his day. He held down the fort at the little free clinic we both

cases. I watch Hank closely as he tells me his story, my eyes

my stomach as I watch him, something that makes me…well, makes- me want to jump across the

making me blink and focus on him. “Did

little. I’m sorry, Hank,” I say, giving him an apologetic look. “I got….lost in my thoughts a little bit. Forgive me. Can you start

a bit before sitting back. “I was just curious if you think Ella would want to be

I respond instantly, looking down at my chicken with broccoli and picking up a morsel. “But she doesn’t have any medical experience. Would she really be helpful there? I think that she would do anything

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255