Chapter 0019
Janet’s Point of View
“Take care, sis,” Peter said, leaning across the car seat as I stepped out. My youngest brother’s smile was warm, his eyes crinkling at the corners just like mine do.
I waved as he drove away, then turned to face the building. Westside Clinic, My new workplace now.
I still couldn’t believe how fast everything happened. Just yesterday, Jasper promised he’d get me a job here. And this morning, I got a call saying they were expecting me today. No interview like he said and No endless paperwork. Just like that
I got a job like it’s nothing.
Is this how life works for normal people?* I wondered. Or just for people with brothers who can do anything for you?
The clinic wasn’t what I expected. From the name, I thought it would be small, maybe a little run–down. But the building in
front of me was modern, with big windows and a neat garden out front. The sign was simple but elegant: “Westside Clinic – Healing Minds, Restoring Lives.”
I took a deep breath and walked through the automatic doors. The inside was even nicer–clean white walls, comfortable-
looking chairs in the waiting area, and plants everywhere. It smelled good too, like lemons and something fresh, not like the
harsh cleaning chemicals most hospitals use.
As I walked down the corridor, looking for the office number I’d been given, I noticed how quiet it was. Peaceful. The kind of
place that makes you feel better just by being there.
Before I could reach the next hallway, a woman stepped out of a doorway. She was tall and thin, with silver–streaked black
hair pulled back in a neat bun. Her face lit up when she saw me.
“You must be Janet!” she said, walking toward me with her hand outstretched. “I’m Dr. Elena Martinez. I’ve been looking
forward to meeting you.”
I shook her hand, surprised by how warm and firm her grip was. “Yes, that’s me. It’s nice to meet you too.”
She smiled, her dark eyes studying me. “You’re exactly as Jasper described–though he didn’t mention you would be this punctual. You’re fifteen minutes early!”
I felt my cheeks warm at the mention of my brother. “I didn’t want to be late on my first day.”
“Perfect. Then we have time for a quick tour before I introduce you to everyone.” She gestured for me to follow her.
As we walked, Dr. Martinez pointed out different rooms–therapy offices, group session spaces, a small cafeteria for staff and patients. Everyone we passed smiled at her, and she greeted each person by name.
“We’re not a big facility,” she explained, “but we try to make up for it with quality care. Jasper’s investment has helped us upgrade a lot of our services recently.”
Finally, we reached a conference room where several people sat around a table with coffee cups and notepads.
“Everyone,” Dr. Martinez said as we entered, “this is Dr. Janet Beckett, our new counselor.”
Six faces turned to look at me. I felt my stomach tighten with nerves, but I managed a smile.
Janet, this is our team–Dr. Patel, Dr. Wong, Dr. Roberts, and our nurses, Sarah, Miguel, and Denise.”
They all said hello, their faces friendly and curious. I noticed that Dr. Martinez didn’t mention I was Jasper’s sister, or anything about my family. She introduced me like any other new doctor, and I felt grateful for that.
After a brief team meeting where they discussed current patients, Dr. Martinez took me to her office–a warm room with bookshelves and a view of the garden.
“I’m going to be honest with you, Janet,” she said, sitting behind her desk. “When Jasper reached out, we were running short
