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She even wished me well, and I’ve spent all morning organizing the student medication files and stacking them neatly in a locked cabinet for my replacement.

It’s a small thing, but I feel accomplished. Being a school nurse was never my goal, but it wasn’t all bad.

At any rate, I feel like I’m moving in the right direction now.

Like I’m closing a door on one part of my life and maybe getting ready to open another.

I still don’t know what the future holds for me in terms of my career. If I even want to be a doctor anymore. It’s something to think about and to talk with Zeke about.

The idea of having someone to share my thoughts with. To confess my doubts and insecurities to, and also my hopes and dreams.

It’s more than I ever saw for myself and I am so grateful to have him in my life.

A lot of men might be threatened by a smart, career-oriented woman. But not Zeke. Something tells me that Dragon would only ever support any decision I make.

And isn’t that amazing?

He has all this innate power, and instead of using it to bully or cower me, he uses it to lift me up.

And he called himself a monster. Ha! Zeke isn’t a monster. Far from it.

He’s—well, he’s everything I ever wanted in a partner, in a mate.

I am so in love with that man, I can hardly believe it.

Checking the clock on the wall, I sigh as I realize three more hours till he comes to pick me up for the day.

A soft knock taps at the door before the admin assistant peeks in with an apologetic smile. “Hey, Casey. So sorry to bother you, but Mrs. Fuller had to leave early for a dentist emergency. Think you could cover fourth grade recess duty just this last time? The kids are already out there, and I’m running short.”

“Sure,” I say, standing and stretching. “Honestly, I could use some fresh air.”

She beams. “You’re a lifesaver. Just grab a safety vest and whistle from the bin by the side door.”

Two minutes later, I’m stepping out onto the back playground, the sun warm on my shoulders, birds chirping in the trees.

The students are scattered across the yard, their voices carrying on the breeze. It’s almost peaceful.

The fourth graders are fully immersed in a chaotic game of soccer, and I smile as I slip on the bright orange vest and wander over to the edge of the field to play side ref.

This.

This right here is why I didn’t want to leave without notice. These kids matter.

“Watch the ball, Amber!” one of the girls yells, just as it smacks into her shin.

She lets out a howl, but it’s laughter, not pain.

I laugh too. The simple joy of it settles over me, like a warm hug.

And then, someone screams.

It’s shrill. Panicked.

Not the kind that ends in giggles.

I pivot sharply, adrenaline spiking as I scan the field.

One of the boys, Jake, is pointing past the soccer goal. “Ms. Casey! There’s a man! He’s in the woods!”