Chapter 20

The following day Mamoru knew he needed to tell Usagi about the conversation with Mr. Smith. He had to make sure he explained to her why it would not be a good idea in a way that she would not think he turned it down just for her. If she thought that, he knew she would argue with his decision. He just hoped she would understand. As soon as his alarm sounded he called Usagi. Her beautiful face lightimg up his screen instantly.

"Hi Mamo!" Usagi singsonged.

"Hi Usako. How are you?" he asked with a smile.

"I'm wonderful. It's a beautiful day. The girls and I spent time at the park, flying kites today."

"That sounds like an enjoyable activity."

"Oh it really was. How are you?"

"I'm doing fairly well. I was looking for apartments, and found a nice two bedroom with a study, and nice balcony. I applied for it. I'm hoping to hear back quickly. It's located nicely between school and the arcade."

"Sounds nice. Will you stay with Motoki if it doesn't work out?"

"Probably, but only until I find something."

"He'll love having you there."

"I'm sure. I also got the last of my paperwork to finalize my transfer back to Tokyo Uni, and for my internship at Tokyo General."

"So you'll be all set to start as soon as you get back?"

"I'll have two weeks between when I get home, and school starts."

"That's enough time to get settled back. I'm so glad."

"I am too. I did want to let you know what happened yesterday, before I called you."

"Oh? Is everything ok?"

"It is now. I was frustrated at first."

"What happened?"

"Well the dean, Mr. Smith, called me into his office to talk to me about extending my stay here."

"Oh? For how long?"

"Until I graduate medical school."

"OH?"

"I turned it down."

"Why? If it's a good opportunity, you shouldn't pass it up."

"It's not though Usako."

"How could it not be? It's a good school."

"Hear me out before you argue, ok?"

"Ok."

"If I come back, and continue my education at Tokyo Uni, I would finish the under grad program in December, without needing new classes, and start medical school in January. If I stayed at Harvard, I wouldn't finish under grad until June, and wouldn't start med school until September. The only way to change that is if I had taken summer classes, and then weekend classes throughout the fall semester. I would not be able to do an internship in a neurology department here like I am in Tokyo. The neurology department in Tokyo is also a great deal better than here in America. On top of that, school is a great deal more expense than there. I would be behind educationally, professionally, and financially if I stayed here. It makes no sense."

"Are you sure Mamo? You know it's not a good opportunity?"

"I am positive Usako. I researched it all. The only real reason for the offer was because the school wants my money, as well as Mr. Smith and a few board members wanting me as a personal physician. They cared nothing about my desire to be a neurologist. I won't give up my dream for rich, jerks who want things their way."

"I just don't want you to miss an opportunity."

"Believe me, Usako, this is not an opportunity that will benefit me."

"As long as you're sure."

"I'm sure."

"Ok." Mamoru and Usagi spent another hour chatting before she had to get to bed.