Chapter 19

Mamoru was so busy with his internship that all of June flew by without him realizing it. He had already gotten his final grades for school, maintaining his 4.0 GPA. He felt it was proof to his Usako that he really hard worked hard while here, and had learned a lot from the experience. Now he was chomping at the bit for the time to end so he could go home to his Usako. He had already filed all of his paperwork to transfer back to Tokyo Uni, and contacted Tokyo General Hospital about interning there in the coming school year. He was more than ready to return to his life, where he belonged. He knew America held no more from him. Only a month and a half to go, and he'd be done here. Just as he thought that, his phone rang. Looking at it he saw that it was the school calling him.

"Hello? Mamoru Chiba speaking." He answered politely.

"Mr. Chiba? Hello. This is the dean. I was hoping to meet with you today. Are you available to meet in say an hour at my office?" A calm, but stern voice said on the other end of the line.

"Um. Yes sir. I'll be there." Mamoru said then hung up.

An hour later he found himself sitting in the deans office. He found himself wondering what this was all about, and worried a little bit. He only worried for a moment before he was called into the dean's office who looked up as he entered.

"Oh Mr. Chiba, thank you for coming. Please have a seat." Mr. Smith said pointing to the dark leather chairs in front of his desk.

"Good afternoon Mr. Smith." Mamoru respond, sitting at the edge of the chair.

"I'll get right to the point. I was reviewing your transcripts, and must say I am very impressed. You have done exceedingly well in our program."

"Thank you sir."

"You're very welcome. Your professors speak very highly of you, as well as your supervisor at the clinic, and one of our board members. It is not often we have students of your caliber in our school."

"Thank you sir. Not to be rude, but is there something you wanted to ask of me?"

"Actually yes young man. The board, your professors, and I have discussed this at length, and have come to an agreement. We would like for you for to continue on in our program in the coming year, to graduate from here. This will open you up to entrance to many medical schools, including our program, here in the states. We would like to see you succeed in your goal here, with us. The medical program here is already prepared to grant you entrance as soon as you graduate."

Mamoru sat back in his chair, shocked by what the man said. As much as he appreciated it, his only thought was another five years away from his Usako, his home, his life. He thought of five more years away, and could not stomach it. He was all prepared to go home. His grades, and experience here already granting him early admission to medical school in Japan. He would finish under grad at Tokyo Uni in December to start medical school in January. While Mr. Smith offered a nice opportunity, it would put him a full six months behind where he would be in Japan. The cost of schools in America were also a great deal more expensive. Yes he had a sizable inheritance from the parents he didn't remember, but that was for more than just school which was what most of it would become if he stayed. That money was also meant to help build his life and his future. A home, stability, and a life he wanted. Considering all of this, there was no way he could or would accept this offer. He knew Usagi may be disappointed in giving up this opportunity, but he knew that the opportunity was not for him. It would put him behind educationally, professionally, financially, and emotionally. She would have to understand or he would make her. He was not staying.

"While I appreciate the offer Mr. Smith, I must decline." Mamoru finally stated.

"It's a great opportunity Mr. Chiba. It will get you very far life. I think you should think it over some more before you decide. There is so much to gain from this Mr. Chiba. Please don't make any hasty decisions."

"You see Mr. Smith, I am not. What you are offering me would actually put me behind educationally, professionally, and financially than where I would be if I returned to Tokyo."

"I very much doubt that Mr. Chiba. There is no program or offer better. Any where."

"That is where you are wrong Mr. Smith. You see, Tokyo Uni has already accepted me back. With my grades and internship experience, I am scheduled to graduate their under grad program there in December, and will begin their Medical School program with a major in neurology and trauma beginning January. The internship I am scheduled to start in September is in the neurology department at Tokyo General Hospital which is closely tied to the school. The two entities being tied together, with my internship there vastly decreases my tuition expenses. The neurology department at Tokyo General, and Tokyo Uni are also far superior to any of those here. It is also a more advanced program. All of that combined puts me much further ahead than if I were to stay here. I am sorry sir, but I am going to decline your offer."

"I am sorry son, but I do not believe there is any program in the world superior to Harvard. It is one of the top medical schools in the country."

"Yes, the country, second only to John's Hopkins, which I might add, has ties to Tokyo Uni, but not the world sir. Educationally, professionally, and financially speaking, sir, Harvard is the wrong long term move for me. I appreciate the offer, and the opportunity, but I must decline."

"What if I can try to move up your graduation date, so you would be on the same timeline? It would mean having to start summer classes now, and weekend classes, but we could make it work."

"At what cost to me financially, and professionally? The neurology department here is behind Tokyo Uni."

"I highly doubt that young man. As far as financially, well yes it would cost more, but you would gain a lot educationally. Besides I see you being more of a private physician for say Mr. Bradcliff or myself than a neurologist."

At that moment Mamoru saw exactly what was happening. They wanted his money in their school, and wanted him in service to them. Rich idiots who saw only dollar signs.

"I am sorry sir, but neurology has been my focus since childhood. That has not and will never change. I have no desire to give that up to be a personal physician for anyone."

"It just doesn't suit you."

"I'm sorry sir, but you know nothing of what suits me. I will not become a rich mans personal doctor, when I can help many others with brain injuries, trauma, and memory loss caused by injury and loss. I will be returning to Tokyo in August. I thank you for the opportunity to study here, but I never planned to stay. That will not change with your offer or YOUR plans for me."

"I think you are making a mistake."

"I am sorry you feel that way sir, but I know that I am not. I am going home to my life, and all that is waiting for me."

"I hope you change your mind before it's too late. Being a personal physician pays very well."

"It's not about the pay sir. It never has been. It's about helping people. Unless you have experienced memory loss due to brain injury or trauma, as well as see beyond money, you'll never understand." Mamoru shook his head.

"Money makes the world go round."

"No sir. People do. Have a good day sir." With that Mamoru got up, and walked out of the office, back to his room. He got back just in time for his video chat with Usagi to watch her open her birthday gift from him.

As soon as he sat down he called Usagi. His heart leapt at the sight of her beautiful face.

"Happy Birthday Usako!" Mamoru beamed.

"Thank you Mamo!" Usagi replied happily.

"So tell me what your birthday has consisted of so far?"

"Mom made me breakfast in bed. Bunny head shaped pancakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon. Shingo actually didn't use all of the hot water so I could take a hot shower. Oh and daddy even let me watch a show I wanted on TV instead of the news. Motoki and Reika took me to lunch. They got me new manga for my birthday, and a gift card to play games at the arcade. Mrs. Mizino stopped by to give me a book on the body, and all it's systems."

"That sounds like a nice start to your day."

"It has been. All of the girls will be here soon for the party they're throwing for me. I'm excited. Can I open your present now, before they get here?"

"Of course." He watched as she delicately unwrapped the present, and open the box. He got her a bracelet that looked like a star shooting around her wrist.

"Oh Mamo! It's so beautiful! It matches my necklace! I love it!" she quickly put it on with the help of her mom.

"I'm so glad you love it Usako." No sooner had he said that when he heard her door open, and the voices of her friends arriving.

"Ah. The crowd arrives " he laughed.

"Yup. You're not going to hang up are you? I thought you could celebrate with us."

"I had already planned to stay on to be included. Matt and Nate should actually be here soon to join in too." He heard his door open, and the guys call out, at that moment. After arranging both tablets so everyone could be seen on both screens, Mamoru was ready to enjoy Usagi's birthday with her.

He spent hours watching, chatting, joking, and laughing. All the while looking forward to actually being there to celebrate next year. Next year would be better, amazing.