My biggest concern, the one that kept me awake at night, was Deanna. I’d tried to prepare her for what she’d learn, to tell her that her mother’s life had been far more difficult and painful than anyone had known. I’d offered to tell her everything months ago, sitting on my couch, and she refused.

“Let me read the book, Ronni, and experience it like everyone else. Then we’ll talk. I think it will be easier for me that way.” She’d looked at my face and smiled. “Honey, if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t know my mother at all. Nothing I find out can take that away from me.”

I’d smiled back and gulped my wine, hoping she’d feel the same way after learning about Chet and all he’d set in motion.

Kait, the only person at Fairfield who knew the real reason I was leaving, was crying with me in the break room after I’d kissed the last of my favorite patients and residents goodbye. Donna stuck her head in to tell me she’d be gone, too, in three more weeks. “Paul got a big promotion at Petsmart. They’re moving him to the corporate headquarters in Phoenix. I’m going to try to find a less stressful job there, like air traffic control.” I laughed and held out my arms to her for a hug. “You’ll be missed around here, Ronni. Come back and reapply when you get your degree. By then they’ll have a permanent director of nursing. It’s gonna be hard to replace moi.”

“I probably will, Donna. You know how much I love this place. I hope you’re happy in Arizona.”

We watched Donna walk out to the parking lot. Kait smiled and held me by my upper arms, wide-eyed. “Guess who’s interim director? And who’s determined to make it permanent?”

“No!” I gasped. “Really? Oh, gosh, Kait, you’d be perfect.”

“Perfect if you decide to come back, too,” she smiled and shook me a little. “You’re the best nurse we’ve ever had, Ronni. Well, when you’re working with me. And you changed all the names in the book, so I don’t think there’d be a problem. Even if old Herb decides to sue again, Fairfield will probably settle. You were trying to do what was best for your patient, and it was good for Chet.”

“That’s true. I hope you’re right. In the meantime, I am going to miss you more than I can say.” I hugged her tight and stepped back, afraid I’d break into sobs if I said any more.

“One more thing,” Kait said. “I want you to see something in Violet’s Activity Room Malt Shop Diner Bowling Alley Love Shack.”

I laughed and grabbed my purse, following her down the hall.