Page 31 of Brought to Light

I bit my lip, staring at the wreckage surrounding us. Maybe she had a point. But I wasn’t about to admit it.

“I’ll figure it out,” I mumbled. “I just need some time.”

Ellen sighed, shaking her head. She put a hand on my shoulder.

“Sweetie, you’re in over your head here. Let me lend a hand before this whole place falls apart.”

I chewed my lip, pride warring with common sense. The appointments had all been a resounding success, but if someone really was bent on destroying me and the clinic, then I would be stupid not to accept help.

Finally I slumped in defeat. “Alright,” I said quietly. “I could use the assistance.”

A grin lit up Ellen’s face. “Don’t you worry honey, I’ll whip this place into shape in no time!”

As she hurried off, already barking orders, I felt the tiniest flicker of hope. Maybe with Ellen’s help, I could get the clinic back on track. But even as the glass was cleaned up and locks changed, an uneasy feeling still twisted in my gut.

Something strange was going on here. And it was nowhere near over yet.

* * *

I watched Ellen flit around the clinic, scribbling notes and tidying up with efficient determination. Within an hour, the reception desk was organized, the paperwork was filed, and the exam rooms were restocked.

As much as I hated to admit it, the place already looked better. But despite Ellen’s improvements, doubts still nagged at me. I knew I should be grateful for the help, but part of me bristled. I wanted to prove to myself and everyone else that I could handle this on my own.

After all, this was my clinic now. My responsibility. If I couldn’t get it together, what right did I have running it in the first place?

Ellen noticed me brooding in the corner. She clucked her tongue and came over.

“What’s eating you, honey? You’ve been moping around here all morning.”

I crossed my arms. “I’m fine. Just thinking.”

Ellen gave me a knowing look. “You’re too proud for your own good. It’s okay to ask for help when you need it.”

I stayed silent, conflicted. She had a point. But it galled me to acknowledge it.

Ellen patted my shoulder. “No one expects you to do this alone. Let me help get this place on track. Once things settle down, you can take back the reins.”

I wavered, wanting to prove myself but also knowing she was right.

“You’re right,” I finally conceded.

Ellen grinned. “Of course I am, sweetie.”

I felt some of the tension ease from my shoulders. With Ellen’s aid, perhaps I could unravel the clinic’s mysteries. But I remained determined to show I was up to the task. This was my battle to fight.

* * *

Over the next few days, I began to see real improvements around the clinic. Paula was a great worker and a huge help, but when it came to administrative tasks, Ellen blew us both out of the water.

She tackled organizing our records and inventory with gusto. She implemented a new scheduling system that helped us see more patients efficiently. The exam rooms were cleaner, supplies better stocked. Even the animals seemed quieter with Ellen’s confident presence around.

I’ll admit, I was impressed by how quickly she transformed the previously chaotic workspace. The clinic ran much smoother under her firm direction. Appointments stayed on time, clients were happier. As much as I hated to relinquish control, her skilled leadership was just what we needed.

By the end of the first week, I had to admit Ellen’s help had been invaluable. The clinic was shaping up into the orderly, efficient business I had envisioned. I felt a huge sense of relief seeing things come together.

eighteen

HANNAH

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