Chapter 1: Ready?

"Kay," Mona called.

"What's up, Mon?" asked the girl named Kayla.

"I've already registered for my clinical rotation in Country B. What about you?" Mona asked.

"I want to find something close by, but I think my dad wants me to do mine in Country A," Kayla said.

"So you'd be going back home, then," Mona said.

"I haven't been back in three years. That's probably why he wants me to do it there," Kayla said.

"That's fine, just do your rotation there. Besides, your dad will definitely find you a good hospital," Mona said.

"Ugh, but I don't want to go there. I like it better here," Kayla said.

"So what are you going to do?" Mona asked.

"That's the thing — I have no idea," Kayla answered.

"You need to decide soon. There's a registration deadline this year, and if you miss it, you'll have to wait for the next cycle. Plus you might get penalized," Mona said.

"That's why I'm so torn. What do you think — should I just go along with what my dad wants, or...?" Kayla asked.

"If you want my opinion, I'd say follow your dad's wishes," Mona suggested.

"I guess so. But that means we won't get to see each other," Kayla said.

"I'll definitely miss you. I'm leaving for Country B next week," Mona said.

"Wait, that soon?" Kayla asked.

"Yeah, I actually registered a while ago. But I only ran into you today, so I'm just telling you now," Mona said.

"Good luck out there. I hope your rotation goes smoothly and you get your license soon," Kayla said.

"Thanks, same to you. But seriously, you need to make a decision," Mona said.

"I know. I think I'll probably decide tomorrow, Mon. I just need more time to think. This is a really big deal for my future," Kayla said with a sigh.

Mona patted her shoulder gently. "Don't overthink it, Kay. Whatever you decide, I've got your back. Besides, Country A and Country B aren't that far apart. We can still video call," Mona reassured her with a smile.

Kayla gave a faint smile. "Thanks, Mon. You're the best."

"Alright, I've got to head out, Kay. I need to pack and get ready to go," Mona said, standing up.

"Be careful, Mon. Let me know when you get there," Kayla said.

"I will! See you again, Kay!" Mona called, waving as she walked away from the university cafeteria.

Kayla watched Mona until she disappeared around the corner, then sank back into her own thoughts — her father's words and her own feelings pulling in opposite directions. Country A was where she'd been born, where her family still lived. Doing her rotation there meant she could be with the people she'd only seen through a phone screen for three years. But she felt more comfortable and settled here in Country C. The hospitals here were also known for having excellent clinical programs.

That evening, while Kayla was in her apartment, the doorbell suddenly rang. She hurried to open it, and her jaw dropped when she saw her family standing there.

"Dad? What are you doing here?" Kayla asked, pulling her father into a hug.

"Your mom and I missed you," Demian said.

"But you were just here last month," Kayla said.

"What can I say — we miss our girl," he replied.

"How long are you staying?" Kayla asked.

"Maybe a week," Demian said, and Kayla nodded.

The usually quiet apartment filled with laughter and conversation as Demian and Anya settled in. Kayla's life had always been like this — a loving family, everything she needed provided for, never a real hardship to speak of. She was deeply grateful for all of it.

"Kayla," her father said.

"Yeah, Dad?"

"There's something I wanted to talk to you about," Demian said.

"What is it?"

"You know Uncle Bastian, right?" Demian asked.

"Yeah," Kayla answered.

"I'd like to introduce you to his son. His name is Arthur," Demian said.

"Uncle Bastian's son? I thought he only has Joana," Kayla said.

"He has another child — a boy. Joana's older brother. His name is Arthur," Demian said.

"We're just meeting him, right?" Kayla asked.

"Right, just a casual introduction," Demian assured her.

"Okay, I'm fine with that," Kayla said.

"Tomorrow we'll have dinner with them. It'll be a chance for you to get to know Arthur," Demian said.

"Wait — tomorrow? Isn't that kind of fast, Dad?"

"Not at all, sweetheart. The sooner the better," Demian said.

"I thought it would be after I started my rotation," Kayla said.

"It's fine. It's just an introduction," Demian said, and Kayla nodded.

.

The next day, Kayla was dressed and ready in a stylish two-piece outfit — a cropped collared blouse with short sleeves, oversized front buttons, and textured detailing on the shoulders, paired with a high-waisted A-line mini skirt that flared gently downward in a classic, feminine silhouette.

"Look at my beautiful girl," Anya said.

"Mom, are you just now realizing you have a daughter this gorgeous?" Kayla teased.

"Oh, you," her mother laughed. "Let's go. Your father's waiting in the car."

Kayla followed Anya out of the apartment to the car, where Demian was already behind the wheel.

"Ready?" he asked with a smile.

"Ready, Dad," Kayla answered, though a flutter of nerves crept into her voice.

She knew this was just an introduction, but for some reason it felt more like a high-stakes job interview.

The drive to the restaurant was short, filled with easy conversation between her parents. Kayla stayed mostly quiet, occasionally glancing out the window, her mind still drifting between choosing where to do her rotation and the meeting that lay ahead.

They arrived at an upscale restaurant that practically radiated class. Demian led the way, with Anya and Kayla following close behind. A server greeted them and escorted the family to a private dining room.

Inside, a well-dressed couple in their fifties rose to their feet the moment Kayla's family appeared.

"Demian! Anya! So glad you could make it," Uncle Bastian greeted them warmly, pulling Demian into a hug.

"We're happy to be here, Bas. It's been far too long since we've had dinner together," Demian replied.

Bastian shook Anya's hand, then his gaze landed on Kayla. "Well, this must be Kayla. Look at you — all grown up and gorgeous. Last time I saw you, you were still in middle school," he said.

"Good evening, Uncle Bastian, Aunt Emma," Kayla greeted them politely, shaking both their hands.

After the initial pleasantries, everyone sat down. Bastian and Emma were warm and personable, which kept the atmosphere from feeling too stiff.

"Arthur will be here any minute. He had something come up that he couldn't step away from," Emma explained.

.

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To be continued...

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