Chapter 11 - THE PRICE OF TELLING THE TRUTH
Mave's licensing review began in the spring.
She appeared before a professional panel with her attorney.
She admitted the inaccurate certification.
She explained the pressure within Thornfield.
And she provided evidence of her efforts to report the misconduct afterward.
The panel considered her conduct seriously.
It also considered the surrounding circumstances and her cooperation.
Ultimately, Mave received disciplinary conditions that required additional education, supervised practice, and continued compliance monitoring.
She was permitted to return to nursing under those conditions.
Mave accepted the decision.
She didn't celebrate.
But she was grateful for the opportunity to continue caring for patients.
She took a position at a nonprofit hospice organization.
The work was demanding.
The pay was modest.
And the patients needed her.
On her first day, she sat beside an elderly woman named Eleanor.
Eleanor had no family nearby.
She liked poetry.
She disliked hospital food.
And she was afraid of dying alone.
Mave held her hand.
"You won't be alone tonight."
Eleanor looked at her.
"Promise?"
Mave nodded.
"Promise."
She stayed until morning.
When she left the room, she found Rafe waiting in the hallway.
He held two cups of coffee.
"You didn't have to come," she said.
"I know."
She smiled.
He handed her a cup.
"How was your shift?"
Mave looked toward Eleanor's room.
"Hard."
Rafe nodded.
"Good hard?"
She considered.
"Yes."
They walked outside together.
The sun was rising.
Rafe looked at her.
"Would you have dinner with me?"
Mave laughed softly.
"We've had dinner."
"Not like this."
She studied him.
"Like what?"
He smiled.
"A date."
Mave looked at him for a long moment.
Then said:
"Yes."
Rafe's expression changed.
"Really?"
She laughed.
"Don't make me regret it."
May you like
He smiled.
"I'll try not to."
