Epilogue
It’s done. I’ve graduated. With honors, no less. It’s an accomplishment I still haven’t fully processed. An ending I don’t feel ready for.
As I wander up the steps of the stadium after my graduation, a little black folder symbolizing my diploma in hand, I trip over my gown.
I should have hemmed it, rather than letting it sit in the back of my closet untouched for weeks.
I didn’t even try it on until this morning. Yeah, I was in some deep denial.
It isn’t that I’m not excited to graduate.
I am. Kinda. But I feel untethered. After eight years of higher education, the thought of leaving my familiar routine of classes gives me hives.
Literally. I’ve been itchy all morning. My neck is all red and splotchy.
I had to use a shit ton of concealer to make it look half-normal.
Not that it matters. There’s no one paying all that much attention to me.
A few classmates congratulate me as I walk by.
We hug, and I move on alone. None of my family members are here.
My parents said they had to work shifts at the hospital, which is bullshit with the seniority they have.
My dad’s the lead surgeon at Mason Memorial Hospital, and my stepmom is head of the lab there.
Their absence is really a passive-aggressive punishment for not yet accepting the residency they offered.
My sister would have been here, but her heat hit unexpectedly early, so she couldn’t travel. And my stepbrother, well, he hates me, so it’s no surprise he didn’t show up.
I wedge my way past the families smiling happily, catching sight of Madi and her pack as they make their way toward me.
After hugs and congratulations, they make a quick exit, saying they have plans with Caspian’s family, who’s in town for the week.
Madi and I already have a brunch date to celebrate tomorrow, so I shouldn’t feel so left out, but as they walk away, I can’t help the sinking sense of loneliness I feel.
Madi’s still my best friend, but things have changed since she moved out and packed up. Between managing the Oceanus excavation and the merfolk she’s helping, she’s always busy these days. I miss her.
The walk back to my little apartment feels longer than normal. All I can think is, ‘What do I do now?’ It’s like the words echo with each footstep. What. Now. What. Now.
I haven’t had offers for any other residencies except the one with my dad. He made sure of that. He’s got that kind of power in his circles. It was always the plan for me to work with him at Mason Memorial once I finished med school. But I haven’t been able to say yes. And I’m not even sure why.
Whenever I think about leaving the bubble of the university and spending day after day with my dad and stepmom, every muscle in my body locks up. They’re not horrible people, they’re just… a lot.
When I open the door to the doctoral housing building, the first thing I see is a folded piece of paper taped to my apartment door. It’s probably another notice saying that I need to move out by the end of the week. Great.
A quick glance around reveals that none of the other doors have anything on them. Maybe everyone else has already moved out. I wouldn’t be surprised. Most people have been excited to graduate. Which just makes me feel even more like something is wrong with me.
I grab the paper at the same time as I slide my key into the lock with my other hand. But I freeze in place with the door still closed when I unfold it and see that it’s not another notice about packing up.
It’s a flyer.
I quickly scan it. Exciting opportunity for recent graduates… looking for… medical experience… small team… six-month commitment… travel… remote jungle… all expenses paid.
I glance around. Who left this here, and why haven’t I heard about this before?
However it ended up on my doorstep, it sounds perfect. Maybe a little too perfect, but I shake off that thought. I’m already dialing the phone number at the bottom. Maybe it’s impulsive, but right now, it seems a lot better than going to work for my dad.
“Hello,” I say when the phone stops ringing. “This is Evelyn Park. I’d like to apply for the expedition to Pleasure Island.”
* * *
Thank you so much for joining us on this adventure!