Page 2 of Free to Fall

Finally, after an interminable wait, Doctors Brown, Israel, and Aydin make the center of the crowd. Doctor Brown is holding a megaphone.

One minute.

Doctor Brown’s voice carries over the substantial crowd. “Welcome to this year’s Yale School of Medicine Match Day!”

A raucous cheer erupts as she hands the microphone to Dr. Israel. He amps everyone up further. “You have accomplished so much and every person here is so very proud of you.”

He hands the microphone to Dr. Aydin. His voice makes my insides quiver because he seems to speak directly to me when he says, “We hope you have many fond memories of your years at Yale. No matter where you go, know you are a part of the Yale family.”

Doctor Brown takes the megaphone back. “Are you ready?”

Hands shaking, I lift my envelope.

I’ve prepared for this moment for four long years. I’ve dedicated my life to med school, worked harder than I ever expected, including being accepted into the Medical Coaching Experience. I’ve functioned on little to no sleep and graduated at the top of my class.

It means nothing as the crowd counts down. “Ten!”

“Nine!”

“Eight!”

“Seven!”

“Six!”

“Five!”

“Four!”

“Three!”

“Two!”

“One!”

“Zero!”

Then, the sound every medical student has been waiting for—the cow bell—rings.

My universe collapses to the white envelope in my hand. For the amount of time I take to inhale, I debate not opening it. Then, as shouts of joy and laughter penetrate through my fog, I slip my finger beneath the seal.

My family hovers anxiously, awaiting my reaction. My eyes burn with tears. I find my mother studying me. Her eyes turn diamond bright even as my smile erupts. I face my father, who’s wearing an identical expression of excitement. He demands, “Greenwich?” as if it’s a foregone conclusion.

I finally let out a war whoop as I throw my arms around both of them—for everything they were. For everything they are. For everything they gave to me so I could become Dr. Laura Lockwood.

Now, it’s time to pay that forward by becoming the newest resident in emergency medicine at Greenwich Hospital—my first choice.

I just hope they’re ready for me.

Chapter

One

PRESENT DAY

I’m chortling as I describe my shift, concluding with, “Needless to say, there are days when being the chief resident makes our family dinners nothing short of child’s play.”

My parents, Cassidy and Caleb Lockwood, both burst into laughter on the other side of our video call. My mother, who, if not for the threads of silver in her sable-colored hair, appears to not have aged a day, grins. “Be grateful your uncle hasn’t had any new ‘illnesses.’ He’s been moaning on and on about not seeing enough of you at the office.”

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