The scent of eucalyptus and chamomile lingered in the clinic's meeting room, a small but cozy space meant for private discussions with patients—now repurposed to address the future of the practice itself. The long wooden table was crowded with familiar faces, the people who had helped her build this clinic into what it has.
Some of them look concerned. Others, curious. A few were outright skeptical.
Isla took a steady breath and folded her hands in front of her. “I wanted to call this meeting to keep you all informed about what’s happening over the next few months. As some of you know, I’ve been offered an opportunity to take part in a research study, which means I’ll be stepping away from the clinic for a while.”
Murmurs ripple through the group, but it was Beth, her lead nurse, who sp
