2 weeks later, and Carter could be found at Abby's apartment preparing himself for his first day back at work.
"Does this tie look alright?" he asked Abby, holding the tie up against his shirt.
"Yes, John, it looks fine." Abby laughed. "Don't worry, Weaver won't kill you on your first day back..."
"I know, I know. I just don't think she's very happy with the way I left.
Abby kissed him. "You'll be fine."
He smirked at her.
"I'd better be going. Don't want to be late. See you tonight" and with that he kissed her, grabbed his car keys and ran out the door.
Abby had the day off, so Carter walked through the ambulance bay doors alone.
Immediately, He was met by a cluster of nurses who all hugged him, welcomed him back and commented on how well he was looking.
"Thank you, it's great to be back" he announced and they dispersed.
"Welcome back, John" said Kerry Weaver, popping her head out of the lounge room door. "Can you come in here a minute? I need to talk to you."
Carter followed her into the lounge, an ominous feeling in the pit of his stomach. "Kerry, i'm sorry about going to Africa and not telling you about it, but –"
"I don't care about that" Kerry interrupted him. "I'm just glad you're safe. I actually wanted to talk to you about your position here."
"Oh" was all Carter could say.
"As you know, you're chief residency is only supposed to last a minimum of two years, unless I or the other attending think you shouldn't progress."
"Yeah" said Carter slowly. He was sensing a "but" – maybe Kerry thought he was doing such a bad job that she wanted to take the chief residency away from him.
"However, you have shown remarkable progress. So from here onward John Carter, you will be an attending.
"Wow. I don't know what to say Kerry. Thank you so much."
Kerry beamed. "You're welcome. Make me proud."
Carter left the room quickly and went to phone Abby, before his shift began.