Free A Fighting Chance by Annalisa Nicole

words I expected to come out of Savvy’s mouth. My respect for her just shot through the roof, and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that her dreams will happen sooner than she expects.
    “What do I have whipped cream on my face or something?” she asks wiping at her chin.
    “No, you don’t. What happened next?” I ask pulling myself together.
    “The nurse kept all her promises. She gave her oxygen and administered pain meds. But it was her promise of not going anywhere that made the biggest impression on me. She sat there and held her hand until her very last breath. She held a grace about her, she was professional, but offered my mother the peace and strength she needed to let go. I watched my mother die. I stood in the doorway and cried as my aunt wailed out in the hallway. I couldn’t understand how the nurse could be so strong. She passed me in the doorway and put her hand on my shoulder and offered me a sympathetic smile. It wasn’t until she turned the corner and thought she was out of ear shot that I heard a very quiet sob. To care so deeply about your job and for strangers. To touch the lives of people who only have a short time left to live would be phenomenal. But what that nurse never realized is she touched my life. As hard and sad as a job as it seems, I want to wake up every morning with a smile and believe in what I do for a living.”
    “Savvy, that’s the most selfless thing I’ve ever heard. I’m proud of you. It takes a special person to be a hospice nurse. I think you’ll be amazing at it.”
    “You do?” she asks with a beaming smile. “That really means a lot to me, especially coming from you, thank you for saying that.”
    Savvy and I finished our coffees and I knew right then just what I was meant to do. I’m still here on this earth because I was meant to make a difference in Savvy’s life. I can make her dreams come true and financially support her schooling so she can go on and make a difference in so many other people’s lives. Not only for her patients, but their family’s that will never forget her kindness. Once I do this for her, then maybe I’ll have fulfilled some cosmic duty and my sorry existence can finally be over.
    I contacted one of the best nursing schools in Seattle. I told them I wanted to offer a private scholarship to an individual. When I told them her name, they told me that was funny because that person had just applied to the school this morning. I told them I wanted to offer a full ride anonymous scholarship for whatever she needs.
    I was left with an unrecognizable feeling in my heart, and for the first time in a long time, I was also left with a smile on my face.
    That quickly faded when my cell rang and I saw ‘Ava calling’. I’ve been ignoring all of her calls. I guess it’s time to touch base with her. I have to start my shift in a few minutes, so there’s my excuse to not talk to her long.
    “Hello,” I answer.
    “Gah, my God, Chloe, I didn’t actually expect for you to pick up. I’m glad I caught you! I thought for sure I’d have to leave a message then hunt you down. Look Adrian and Shay are celebrating their adoption, and we’re all getting together at this new restaurant called Jax. I’m not taking no for an answer. If I have to haul your sorry ass there by your hair, I will. I’m picking you up, where are you?”
    “Sorry. I’m just about to start my shift at the hospital. Maybe some other time,” I tell her as I walk into the doctor’s lounge.
    “Nice try. It’s all been arranged. Kyle is going to be there, too. He got you a replacement for your shift today, so meet me downstairs at the entrance. I’m already here and waiting for you. If you’re not down here in five minutes, I’m sending in a search party.”
    I sigh and hang up on her. I can’t afford to be taking days off. I have to work my way back up to where Kyle is. I still have a lot to make up for. Oh, what the hell does it matter anyway? I’ll