A loud knock sounded, and her secretary bounced into her office. Susanne was her best friend, a mix of perfection and crazy that drew people like a magnet. She kept her boss on track during the day and nagged her in the evening to get a life.
“Morning, Megan. Ready for another full day of setting patients free of mind-blowing delusions.”
Megan dangled the ornament by the string, and grinned. “Got one of my own, delivered straight from the North Pole.”
Suzanne’s professionalism took a back seat as she rushed to her friend’s side. “It’s gorgeous! The tiny colorful stones give it Christmas appeal, but the pearls scream wealth. I love it, but of course, you don’t even have a tree yet.”
“I don’t. Perhaps we can remedy that this weekend. You up for some fun? We can cut down our own tree just like I did when I was a kid and drag it home, decorate, drink hot cider – the whole nine-yards.”
“We could; or in keeping with the whole tiara concept, I have another idea.”
“Okay, shoot,” said Megan.
Suzanne ran out of the room and returned a minute later with a pamphlet. “This also came in the mail – not from the North Pole – but from Vacation Time Magazine. Edstrom Isle is one of their top picks for a great Christmas experience. Five stars! There’s even a palace there. How perfect is that? Surely we can find a real tiara for sale in the souvenir shops there.” She continued in a dreamy tone, which with every word grew more energized. “My dream is to take a spin around the island in one of those regal carriages. The ride includes this handsome driver in the fancy red suit.” She stuck the picture under Megan’s nose and pointed to the man perched on the front bench seat and gazing into the camera with those come-on eyes. Despite the silliness of the moment Megan felt herself relax.
“You look like the girl who just opened an early Christmas present.”
“I did! Of course, you’re the boss and in control of my fate. You can force your best friend and only employee to work straight through the 24th or you could say the word and shut down this place in a heartbeat. Just imagine it.” Suzanne began drawing lines in mid air to press her point. “We’ll hop the first plane out of here and enjoy the festive season in the kingdom of Edstrom, a magical island where anything can happen.”
“So, you’re all over Kurt – was that the name of your last romantic interest?”
“He’s yesterday’s news. I’m reaching higher this time – maybe a Prince – my very own Prince Charming.”
Megan wondered if everyone was reading her mind this morning. “Whatever would I do with all my appointments? We have patients scheduled for the two weeks prior to Christmas.” Meg placed the ornament back in the envelope and tucked it in her drawer. “Best get your head out of the clouds. We’ve work to do.”
“Promise me you’ll think about it. I’m so ready for a vacation.” The door to the outside waiting room opened and Suzanne groaned. “Duty calls.”
After she left, Megan stood and stretched. She grabbed her cup and moved into the adjoining area she’d set up with comfy chairs and a couch gathered around an electric fireplace. The walls were painted soft blue – the color of trust – and yellows and greens complemented the space to bring nature inside and create an atmosphere of hope. The accordion blinds were pushed up during working hours, allowing breathtaking views of rolling forested hills and the twisting Grand River to create an aura of peace. Sunlight filtered through the tinted glass windows of the room and she drank it in. With the remote she clicked the power on the hearth and an inviting blue flame arose from the fake logs.
The thought crossed her mind that her life had become much like that – artificial and pacifying. And this room, meant to bring comfort to her patients, suited her docile existence. At age twenty-seven, the years spent educating and building a successful practice, had swept along with the force of a forest fire leaving behind destruction and isolation, especially in the romance department. Suzanne’s plea for a long-overdue vacation sounded better by the minute. Megan would surely not survive another traditional Christmas home alone.
Suzanne tapped on the door leading into the waiting room and peeked in. “Your first appointment is here.”
“Send him in,” Megan said as she placed her notepad and pen on the glass-topped table next to her plush corduroy chair. She greeted her male patient with a big smile. “Good morning, Sammy. Ready to tackle those shadows today?”
When the last patient left at four-thirty, Megan returned to her desk and pushed the buzzer. Suzanne’s cheery voice answered. “Yes?”
“How can you sound like it’s the beginning of the day instead of the end?”
“Practise, my dear Dr. Fairchild. A happy patient twiddling his thumbs in my waiting room is well worth the effort.”
“Well, bring your magazine in here and two cups of hot chocolate. It’s time to put up our feet and plan.”
Megan cringed when the screech rang through the speakerphone. “Plan a holiday? Are you serious?”
“Better
