Instead, I said, “I’ll ask for help before I answer.”
A few weeks later, the hospital completed its review.
They found no evidence that I’d deliberately exploited Alicia for financial gain. However, they concluded that I’d exercised poor professional judgment.
I was allowed to return under strict conditions: a formal reprimand, mandatory boundary training, and supervised clinical work.
I accepted.
I also completed the paperwork refusing Alicia’s inheritance. I still had my loans to repay, and I continued working Saturdays at my father’s shop.
On my first morning back at the hospital, I stood outside the ward with my new badge in hand. A loan payment reminder appeared on my phone, but I put it away.
My hand trembled as I held the badge to the reader.
