The Resurrection of Aubrey Mill

Chapter Thirty-Six

Palmer: So, you gearing up for graduation?
Me: (Nods) I’m on track for May.
Palmer: Only a month left then?
Me: (Smiles) Yeah.
Palmer: And Kaeleb? He’s ready as well?
Me: Yep.
Palmer: (Grins) I hear you two are getting married. Congratulations, Aubrey. I’m very happy for both of you.
Me: (Laughs) And to think it all started with the Elements of Trust. Who knew you had mad match-making skills?
Palmer: (Chuckles and strokes his beard) I’m multi-talented, what can I say?
Me: You’re more than that, Doc. You’re a miracle worker.
Me: (Brows furrow) Why did you quit? Practicing I mean.
Palmer: (Laughs) It would seem that I never really did, wouldn’t you say? (Sighs) I do enjoy the teaching aspect, helping people learn to break through whatever issues they have with trusting others. But sometimes I guess there are just certain individuals who silently call to me for my guidance such as you and Kaeleb. I don’t need to get paid for it. I just do it because that’s what I feel that I’ve been put on Earth to do.
Me: (Nods) I understand completely. That’s why I’m going to med school, I think. To use my experiences to better others.
Palmer: That’s very admirable, Aubrey. I have no doubt that you will find yourself very satisfied with your chosen profession. That passion is unyielding and when you witness a complete transformation, such as I did with you, there is truly no greater reward.
Me: (Leans forward) I don’t think I could ever possibly convey how much you did for me, Doc. If it hadn’t been for you, I’m not sure I would be sitting here.
Palmer: You would be. I have no doubt. The strength that you possess can’t be taught. It’s inherent. As I’ve said before, you did all the work. With or without me, you would have found your way eventually.
Me: Well, I’m not so sure about that. (Laughs) But thank you.
Me: (Rises from couch) I guess that’s it, Doc. I just wanted to stop by and say thank you again, for everything. See you at graduation?
Palmer: Of course. (Stands) It’s been the utmost privilege to watch you grow over the last four years. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it. I hope that you will keep in touch in the future. I will…miss our chats.
Me: (Swallows back tears and punches him in the arm) Oh, Doc. You can’t get rid of me that easy. I’ve got your number, remember?
Palmer: (Laughs and opens door) Well then, I look forward to hearing from you. (Face falls serious) I’m very proud of you, Aubrey. You have overcome so much over our time together and I have no doubt that you will make a profound impact on your patients, no matter what area you choose to specialize in.
Me: (Jerks head back) Did I not tell you?
Palmer: I don’t think you mentioned it, no. I would have remembered.
Me: Oh. (Exhales) Well, since I had such an excellent mentor, I will obviously be pursuing Psychiatry. Working with children and adolescents specifically.
Palmer: (Grins Widely) I think that is an excellent choice.
Me: I thought you would. (Laughs) So you will most definitely be chatting with me a great deal in the future.
Palmer: (Dips his head) I can’t imagine a greater honor. Thank you, Aubrey.
Me: (Steps out of his office and turns with smile on face) No. Thank you, Doc
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