Carter took a deep breath before opening the lounge room door.
Bingo! There she was. Right where he needed her to be.
"Kerry, can I talk to you?"
"Sure" she said setting down her coffee cup and smiling at him.
"Well – you see" he started.
"Oh, by the way, I heard about your little adventure last week. You know, you really can't just go AWOL during a shift. It's bad for patient care and discipline. However, I know that Kem means a lot to you, and I understand what losing a loved one is like." She paused for a moment, obviously think of Sandy...and perhaps even Kim. "I am willing to overlook your temporary lapse and judgement.
"Thanks, Kerry" said Carter quietly.
"I trust it won't happen again?"
"Actually, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. The thing is, when I was in Paris last week, Kem and I...decided to – um – give it another shot. Actually, I turned up at her house soaking wet and begged her to take me back."
So, what are you saying Carter."
"I'm saying... that I am moving back to Africa to be with Kem. She won't come here – too many bad memories – but I can go to her. I'm getting on a plane tonight to Africa and I'm not coming back. So, as you have probably guessed, I'm leaving County general..."
Kerry was stunned. "Well, I don't know what to say Carter. What about your tenure?"
"Well, I don't think there's much call for professors out in the Congo, but you never know...I might come back one day. I know I'm leaving you an attending short Kerry, but this something I really have to do. I really love Kem and I don't want to lose her again. This place has been like my home for the past 11 years, and you guys have been like my second family. It's gonna be hard leaving, but it's time for a change.
Kerry just nodded. "Well, I can't argue with that. I'll miss you, Carter. You've always been a good friend to me." She gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. When they broke apart, there were tears in both sets of eyes.
"Thank you Kerry. I'll miss you too. I will never forget any of you, or our dear friend Mark." Carter filled up again, thinking about Dr Mark Greene.
Kerry smiled. "I'll try to see you later, before you go for your plane."
"Thanks. I better go now. I should tell other people I'm leaving now, or I'll never go. Take care, Kerry, all the best." said Carter as he walked out the door.