She was dismissed. “Effective?”

“Immediately. Dr. Hipstein has been called in to complete your rounds.”

Dr. Hipstein. A veteran doctor who was semiretired. Staff and patients loved his fun, uplifting demeanor. Standing, she said, “Okay, well, I’ll see you in two weeks.”

He nodded, not glancing up as she left the office and headed down the hall. She took the elevator to the fourth floor, leaning against the cool metal wall as she watched the numbers light up. Going into her own office, she closed the door, kicked off her heels and lay down on the uncomfortable cot she’d wheeled in to try to catch some sleep between patients. She stared at the dark stain on the ceiling tile above her and forced several deep breaths.

Two weeks.

It may as well be two years. What the hell was she going to do with herself?

She had no hobbies. She had no boyfriend. She had no friends besides colleagues, who were more acquaintances. She didn’t have a pet. Heck, even her houseplants were plastic.

Feeling her chest constrict, an anxiety attack looming, she forced another breath, but it barely made it past her throat. A vacation. She’d never been on one before. Ever. Not even as a child. Raised by her workaholic father, the farthest she’d ever gone was camping with Cassie and her family every summer...

Cassie.

She hadn’t seen her childhood best friend in years. They’d been inseparable growing up, but their lives and careers had gotten in the way of the friendship over time. Her free-spirited friend was an adventure tour guide, still living in their hometown of Wild River, while Erika worked herself into forced vacations at the hospital in the city. Fun and leisure activities had never found their way onto her priority list. A drive to succeed pushed away any desire to relax. Eventually, when she’d reached her career goals, she’d slow down a little...enjoy life, but for now, she was focused solely on her career.

Right now, she wouldn’t even know how to find fun if she had a direct map to it.

Sitting up, she glanced at her calendar on the wall. It was November 30 and the weather that fall would ensure great skiing conditions on the slopes. Not so great for mountain driving, though. She’d never admit it, but the close call on the one-way had her feeling a little nervous on the roads these days.

She bit her lip. She could take the train.

Going to her computer, she confirmed times to Wild River for the next day. Less than a two-hour ride. The mountains weren’t that far from the city.

Finding accommodations for that length of time proved to be challenging, though. Ski season was always booked well in advance, and with the village holiday activities starting that week, no hotel or B and B could accommodate the two-week stay.

Should have checked that first.

Opening Facebook, she went straight to Cassie’s page.

When was the last time they spoke? Actually spoke, not quick Facebook messages or a “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Birthday” text, but an actual conversation?