Chapter 23 - Katie

My heart still hammers against my chest, like it did when Brenda asked about my parents. Why did she have to ask me that question? I’m still not ready to tell her what happened. If I could, I would forget about it.

Thankfully, Mark changed the topic fast, but I know she won’t let me get away without filling her in on all the horrible details. If I’m lucky, she will give me more time before she asks again.

I leave Mark, Casper, and my friends and head back to work. Along the way, Dr. Morgan catches up to me and tentatively asks, “So, you are engaged?”

I smile and excitedly reply, “Yes. Actually, our wedding is in ten days.”

“Congratulations. Mark looks like a wonderful man.”

My smile grows even wider as I proudly respond, “Yes, he is.”

***

I collapse into my chair in the safety of my office. This afternoon has been rough. Several of the children I had to examine were fighting me the whole way. For one little girl, I had to pull out all of my tricks before I could get her cal