The next day, I helped Darlene pack her things in the hospital room. It was a relief to see her well enough to be discharged, but I couldn't help but worry about her. Darlene was a dedicated dentist with her own clinic near her house, and she rarely took a break from work.
"Darlene," I said gently as I folded some clothes into a bag, "you really need to take some time off. Your health should be your priority right now."
Darlene looked at me with a tired but appreciative smile. "You're right, Marghie. I've been pushing myself too hard. I hate the thought of canceling appointments and letting my patients down, but I suppose I have no choice."
I nodded in agreement. "Your patients will understand, Darlene. And they'd want you to recover fully before you go back to work."
As we continued t
