John has spent the summer at Sandhurst for officer training. He's been stretched to his physical and mental limits – night exercises with little sleep and twenty-mile runs carrying his huge pack through the mud. When he got done with one of the longest days he'd ever had, it was back to base for an interview with three Army doctors to see if he was worthy of the coveted cadetship. A medical cadetship means free tuition and a stipend, and the end of John's financial worries, at least until graduation. If he doesn't get chosen… well, he'd rather not contemplate that.
The day before officer training ends, John's commanding officer calls him into a meeting.
"Watson! Good news: the RAMC has decided to award you a medical cadetship. Do you accept?"
"Yes… yes, of course!" John stammers.
The commanding officer shakes his hand. "Every doctor who interviewed you said that you are a promising young man. I'm sure you shall make us proud."
"Thank you, sir."
John isn't accustomed to authority figures actually believing in him. His greatest fear is that he'll let them down.