Alexis pushed open the glass doors of Paw & Care Veterinary Hospital, the scent of freshly cleaned floors and mild antiseptics wrapping around her like a welcome hug. Morning light filtered through the windows, casting golden rays across the polished countertops and patient kennels.
She wore a soft blue coat over her scrubs, and her long blonde hair was tied into a loose braid that fell neatly over one shoulder. Her light green eyes scanned the waiting area out of habit, ensuring everything was in order. As she set her bag on the front counter, her phone buzzed.
The name "Grandma Ruth" lit up her screen.
A smile touched her lips as she answered. "Hi, Ma. I just opened the clinic."
"Good morning, baby," came the warm voice of her grandmother, slightly crackly through the phone but full of affection. "How are things in Texas?"
"Busy, as always," Alexis replied, walking into her office. "We already have some patients lined up from yesterday."
"That's good to hear," Grandma Ruth said. "But you work too hard. Don't forget to rest, okay?"
Alexis chuckled, leaning back in her chair. "I could say the same to you. How's your health? Everything okay over there in Foster City?"
"I'm alright," her grandmother replied. "Thanks to your daily checkups, Nurse Alexis."
"You need one," Alexis said with mock sternness. "You know how stubborn you can be when it comes to taking your meds. So you better take them every day—on time."
A warm laugh floated through the phone. "Oh, my lovely granddaughter. Thank God for you. You check on me like clockwork. I'm truly blessed."
"I really miss you, Grandma," Alexis said softly. "When will you come visit next?"
"That's what I should be asking you!" Grandma Ruth huffed. "You've finished university, started your own hospital, and you're still not talking about settling down!"
"Ugh, Grandma, please," Alexis sighed, already smiling.
"I'm serious! You're 22! You're a grown woman now. You have delicate hands—you need someone strong to hold them. Don't you want a partner? A little family of your own?"
Alexis groaned. "Grandma… not this again."
"Yes, this again!" her grandmother insisted. "You need to marry early. I want great-grandbabies before I leave this world."
"You're not going anywhere, Grandma. Don't talk like that," Alexis said gently. "You'll be around to bounce my future kids on your lap, okay?"
Just then, a nurse peeked in through the glass door. "Dr. Alexis? Some patients are already here—the ones from yesterday."
Alexis nodded and held up a finger. "Grandma, I have to go now. The patients are here."
"Alright, sweetheart," Grandma Ruth said. "But remember what I said."
"I'm pretending I didn't hear that. Goodbye, Grandma."
"Have a nice day!" her grandmother called. "And make sure to sleep well!"
"You too," Alexis said with a smile as she ended the call.
Tucking her phone into her pocket, she stood and smoothed her coat. The waiting room was already filled with soft animal sounds—meows, low barks, and tiny squeaks.
With a deep breath and a warm smile, Dr. Alexis began her day.