promised me were coming when I was selected for a residency in the pediatric department of Mercy West Family Medicine differ greatly from what’s actually come to fruition.
I’m in no position to question the system, though. I am a resident who is hoping for a permanent spot with the hospital, preferably here at the clinic. So I keep my head down, I work long hours and pray that I am making a difference for all the little patients that I see.
I check the time on my phone and then slide it in my purse. I’m actually going to make it home early for once in three months. My fiancé, Troy, is going to be so excited to have dinner at a normal hour. We don’t technically live together but he spends a great deal of time at my apartment because we both work in New York City but he lives across the river in New Jersey, so it’s just easier for him to stay over my place a couple of nights a week.
“You have plans with that sweet fiancé of yours tonight?”
“Yeah, I’m going to cook him my famous chili but with vegetarian ingredients.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever had chili. It’s not something I grew up eating.”
“Well, most folks use ground beef, but I’m going to use the plant-based burger crumbles in mine. It’s still delicious and will have a sort of smokey flavor to it.”
“Aww, sounds yummy. I’m sure he’ll love that.”
“Yeah, he’s been so understanding about my work hours lately that it’s the least I can do.”
“I can’t imagine how hard it must be to be a resident here and also be in a relationship with someone.”
“I will not lie, there are definitely tough days, but I’m very committed to my work and to my relationship. Sometimes I have to compromise or make a hard decision about one over the other, but it all seems to work out in the end. Troy is a very understanding partner and most of all he’s my best friend.”
Penny sighs. “Maybe that’s why I’m still single. That’s a hard combination to find.”
“No, Penny, you’re only single because your Mr. Perfect has yet to reveal himself. He’s coming.”
“From your lips to God’s ears.” She chuckles.
“Trust me, I thought after my last relationship that I’d never find the right man, but falling in love with Troy has changed everything. I’m a genuine believer.”
“How did you meet him again?” she asks wistfully. “And what do I need to do to meet his doppelgänger? Join a new church? Get on a dating website? Sacrifice my first-born child?”
“I didn’t really have a strategy.” I smile. “I guess I was just lucky. We have a mutual friend who introduced us. He thought we’d be perfect together, and he was right.”
“You are so lucky. It’s hard out here for us single girls. Trust me when I tell you should hold on to that one you’ve got.”
I nod in agreement. “I will.”
Penny turns toward the file folder cabinet and says,“Have a good night with your Mr. Perfect. I don’t work for the next three days, so I’ll see you on my next day on.”
“Thanks, Penny. Good night.”
“Good night.”
I dash to the supermarket to pick up the fresh ingredients I need to make my chili. I don’t have time to soak the beans overnight like I normally would, so I settle for canned beans instead. Troy won’t know the difference. It’s all about the seasonings, anyway.
I decide to use my time in the store to check in on my mom. She’s been a widower for four years now, and I worry about her sometimes. She’s still quite young and could easily date again, but she’s just not motivated to meet anyone new. Even in death, she’s completely faithful to my father. In some ways, it’s a moving tribute of her commitment to him.
“Hi, mommy.”
“Hey, sweetie.”
“What are you doing?”
“Oh, I’m trying to replicate a recipe I pulled out of my women’s magazine.”
“What is it?”
“Nothing you would want. It’s for marinated lamb chops.”
“But you already make a great grilled lamb chop.”
“You and your father loved them grilled and practically burnt, but I never did. Just trying to see if I can prepare them a different way.”
“Hmm, I didn’t realize that you didn’t like your chops that way.”
“Not a big deal. I’m not that picky about my food.”
Huh.
“Right.”
“So where are you, sweetie?”
“I’m in the market picking up some things for dinner. I’m cooking tonight too.”
“Oh, that’s nice. What’s on the menu?”
“Vegetarian chili.”
“That sounds interesting.