Sam decided to heed Jack's suggestions, but before she made another appointment with her doctor, she needed more answers about what was going on with her body.
Sam sat in the waiting room of Dr. Emily Harris's office, her mind a swirl of thoughts and worries. The hormone replacement therapy had helped with some of her symptoms, but she was still struggling with a profound, pervasive exhaustion that seemed to seep into every aspect of her life. She glanced around the room, trying to calm her nerves while waiting for her name.
"General Carter, Dr. Harris will see you now," the nurse announced with a warm smile.
Sam stood up, smoothing her dress blues as she entered the doctor's office. Emily greeted her with a reassuring smile, gesturing for her to take a seat.
"Good to see you, Samantha. How have you been feeling since starting the hormone replacement therapy?" Emily asked, her tone professional but compassionate.
Sam sighed, settling into the chair. "It's been a bit of a mixed bag, honestly. The night sweats and hot flashes have improved, but I'm still exhausted. I'm constantly tired, affecting my work and everything else. Is this normal? Is it something that's going to continue through perimenopause?"
Dr. Harris nodded thoughtfully, taking notes. "Fatigue can certainly be a part of perimenopause, and it can be quite challenging. Hormonal changes can disrupt sleep and overall energy levels. However, it's important to consider other factors that might also contribute to your exhaustion."
Sam looked down, her hands fidgeting in her lap.
"I've also been thinking about retirement. I wonder if this exhaustion is my body telling me it's time to slow down or if it's something more temporary."
Dr. Harris leaned forward, her expression empathetic.
"Retirement is a significant decision; understandably, you're considering it given how you feel. Medically speaking, hormone replacement therapy can help alleviate some symptoms, but it's not a cure-all. We might need to consider adjusting your treatment or exploring other ways to manage your fatigue. Are you sleeping well, Samantha?" Emily Harris inquired gently, pen poised over her chart.
"I sleep better, yes," Samantha replied with a small, relieved smile.
Dr. Harris made a quick note on her chart, her expression thoughtful. "That is an improvement," she acknowledged warmly.
Samantha shifted in her seat, feeling a sense of validation in Emily's words. It had been a road adjusting to the hormone replacement therapy and dealing with the rollercoaster of symptoms that came with perimenopause. Better sleep was a small victory but significant in her journey towards reclaiming her well-being.
Emily looked up from her notes, meeting Sam's eyes with understanding.
"Remember, Samantha, progress is often gradual. Celebrate each step forward, no matter how small. But you were talking about retirement," she said, returning to the topic she sensed had brought her friend and patient there today.
Sam nodded, absorbing the information. "I just don't want to make a rash decision based on my feelings. But it's hard to see past the tiredness and the stress."
Emily smiled gently.
"I understand, Samantha. It's important to address your symptoms and ensure we manage them as best. But it's also crucial to look inward and consider what you want in your life despite the changes in your body. What brings you joy? What are your passions?"
Sam took a deep breath, reflecting on the questions.
"I love my work, but it's demanding. My career has been demanding, but I don't regret it. It was a choice. However, I miss having time for myself, Jack, now with kids away, for hobbies, and just relaxing without feeling guilty."
Emily nodded.
"Balancing work and personal time is key. Maybe it's not about retiring completely but finding a way to reduce stress and carve out more time for yourself. It might be worth exploring flexible work options or delegating more responsibilities."
Sam's eyes brightened a bit.
"I hadn't thought about that. I've always been all or nothing when it comes to my career. Maybe finding a middle ground is the answer."
This time, Emly smiled.
"Exactly. It's about finding what works for you, not just from a medical standpoint but from a personal and emotional one. Let's continue to monitor your symptoms and adjust your treatment as needed. And in the meantime, think about what changes you can make to bring more balance and joy into your life."
Sam felt a sense of relief wash over her. "Thank you, Emily. This helps a lot. I feel like I have a bit more clarity now."
Emily stood up, offering a reassuring pat on Sam's shoulder. "You're welcome, Sam. Remember, this is a journey, and taking it one step at a time is okay. We'll work through this together."
As Sam left the office, she felt a renewed sense of hope. She knew there were challenges ahead, but with Emily's guidance and determination, she was ready to find a path that honored her health and her happiness.
So, as she entered her office, the first thing she did was to reach out to Cameron, conveying that she needed some time to sort out some last details and that the mission to PW6-998 was no longer a top priority. She subtly requested him to stall it discreetly. Cam grasped the message and assured her not to worry. He had just received a crucial message from an ally requiring an SG team for a reconnaissance mission of utmost importance. SG-15 would be redirected from exploring PW6-998. Sam expressed her gratitude, and they ended the call.
After a brief interval, Sam texted her daughter, inquiring if she was free for a visit this weekend. Grace's immediate response questioned, 'Why? Is everything okay?' Sam couldn't help but smile; Grace knew her parents well. She replied that they missed her dearly and couldn't wait to see her. After a few minutes, she received a concise 'Okay. Come.' Grace was as brief as Jack. Sam sighed with relief and told Jack they were heading to Cambridge, Massachusetts, this weekend to visit their daughter. The thought of seeing Grace again filled Sam's heart with warmth. Without surprise, Jack was overjoyed at the idea of the upcoming family reunion.
As the day of their journey approached, Sam and Jack were filled with eager anticipation for their trip to visit Grace at MIT. The morning sun bathed their home in a warm glow as they packed their bags, the excitement of the upcoming reunion palpable. Jack immediately started planning for the trip. He began listing everything they could do together in Cambridge, from visiting the Harvard Art Museums to walking along the Charles River. Sam chuckled as she watched him get excited, his eyes lighting up at the thought of spending quality time with Grace. The anticipation of the family reunion, a moment they had been looking forward to for so long, was building up, making the journey even more exciting.
"Jack, don't forget your toothbrush this time. We don't want a repeat of the last trip."
'Hey, I'm getting better at this packing thing. I even folded my socks,' Jack said, grinning, his playful nature shining through.
They carefully selected clothes, toiletries, and personal items, weaving through shared memories and discussing their plans for the visit. Sam also decided to pack a book Grace had mentioned wanting to read. Loaded with carry-ons, Sam and Jack embarked on the journey to Washington Dulles International Airport, the car filled with the anticipation of family moments. The packing process was not just about the physical items but also about the memories and anticipation they carried with them, making the journey more meaningful.
"Remember when the kids used to be so excited about going on trips? Now we're the ones visiting one of them", Jack said with a bit of nostalgia.
Jack hummed along to one of Grace's favorite songs, and Sam felt a warm, comforting nostalgia.
Whenever they had the opportunity, Sam and Jack eagerly whisked their children away on road trips, cherishing the moments they could spend together as a family of five. The boys and Grace adored their cabin retreats, where Jack patiently taught them how to fish, even though Sam knew there were no fish in that lake. They cherished these times spent on the deck with their Dad, sporting fishing hats and wielding a small rod.
They also ventured to various cities to explore and appreciate their home country, as Grace had never shown much interest in other worlds, and the boys weren't cleared to go off-world. Initially, their favorite destination was Orlando, enchanted by the magic of Disney World. However, as they grew older, their preferences shifted towards natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls. Theo became fixated on experiencing Route 66 and persistently urged Cameron to take him, but he wisely deferred to his parents. Jake wanted to go to the Florida Keys and drive the Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West. As for Grace, she got fixated on Savannah, Georgia, and the charm of the historic district and riverfront.
The trips were still under debate in the Carter-O'Neill household.
Sam and Jack arrived at Dulles International Airport, their excitement palpable as they navigated through the bustling terminal. With their boarding passes in hand, they approached the security checkpoint. Jack, ever the efficient traveler and eager to get over with the commercial flight, had everything neatly organized while Sam took in the surroundings, her eyes alight with anticipation.
"Remember the last time we flew to Boston?" Jack asked, his voice tinged with nostalgia.
"Of course," Sam replied, smiling. "Grace was just starting her first semester. Seems like yesterday."
After passing through security, they made their way to the gate, the familiar hum of the airport filling the air. Jack spotted an open seat and guided Sam towards it. They settled in, and Jack pulled out a travel guidebook he had picked up for the trip.
"Look at this," he said, pointing to a section on the Boston Common. "We should take a walk there. It's beautiful this time of year."
Sam nodded, glancing at the pictures. "We can if we have time, Jack. Remember, we are going there to see Grace."
Their flight was soon called for boarding, and they joined the line, chatting excitedly about their plans. As they walked down the jet bridge, Jack turned to Sam, his eyes twinkling. "You know, these trips never get old. I still get excited every time. Although I much rather be the one in the cockpit," he said with a wink.
Sam laughed softly. "Me too. There's something special about visiting Grace and exploring the city together. I just wished Jake and Theo were also here with us."
They found their seats on the plane, and Jack stowed their carry-ons in the overhead bin. As they buckled in, Sam leaned her head against Jack's shoulder. "I can't wait to see her," she said softly.
Jack squeezed her hand. "Me neither."
The plane taxied and soon took off, ascending into the clear blue sky. Sam gazed out the window, watching as the landscape below became a patchwork quilt of greens and browns. Jack flipped through his guidebook, occasionally pointing out interesting facts to Sam.
As they reached cruising altitude, the flight attendant came by with refreshments. Jack ordered a coffee, while Sam opted for a tea. They clinked their plastic cups together in a small toast.
"To the family," Jack said, his voice warm.
"To the family," Sam echoed, smiling.
The flight was smooth, and the couple spent the next hour and a half discussing their plans in more detail. They reminisced about past trips and shared stories about the kids' childhood, their laughter mingling with the quiet hum of the plane's engines.
Fortunately, since she had started her hormone replacement therapy, Sam felt much better. Not yet entirely her old self, but the hot flashes were practically gone; she was sleeping better, their sex life had resumed its natural course, and she was more active now and, in part, due to some bottles of lube that Jack found amusing and highly erotic. Her mood changes were more infrequent, and following Emily's advice, Sam had started to work out more, resuming running and watching her diet.
As the plane descended into Boston Logan International Airport, the city's skyline came into view, and she pointed it out to Jack.
"Look, there's the Prudential Tower," she said.
Jack peered out the window. "And there's Fenway Park. Maybe we can catch a game while we're here."
Sam just rolled her eyes and avoided any comment. He husband sometimes didn't have the sense of time.
The plane touched down smoothly, and soon, they were disembarking and walking through Logan Airport's familiar corridors. As they collected their luggage, Jack turned to Sam.
"Ready for another adventure?" he asked, his eyes bright with anticipation.
"Always," Sam replied, her smile widening.
Touching at Boston Logan International Airport, the couple disembarked and retrieved their luggage. After that, Sam and Jack followed the signs for the car rental counters at the airport, which was bustling with travelers, each on their journey. But Sam and Jack moved with purpose, eager to start their visit.
As they approached the row of car rental counters, Jack glanced at Sam. "Which company did we book with again?" he asked, adjusting the holder of his carry-on.
"Enterprise," Sam replied, checking her phone. "I have the confirmation email right here."
They found the Enterprise counter and were greeted by a friendly agent. "Good afternoon! How can I help you today?" the agent asked with a warm smile.
"Hi, we have a reservation for an SUV," Sam said, handing over her ID and the confirmation number.
The agent typed quickly into the computer. "Let me pull up your reservation. Ah, here it is. We'll need you to sign a few forms, and I'll get you set up with your vehicle."
As they completed the paperwork, Jack glanced around the rental area. "I hope they have something comfortable," he said, imagining the drives they would take around Cambridge and Boston.
The agent handed them the keys with a smile. "You're all set! We've got a Ford Explorer ready for you. It's parked in spot C12. Just head straight through those doors and to the right."
"Great, thank you," Sam said, taking the keys.
They walked towards the parking area, the cool breeze of the airport's air conditioning giving way to the warmer air outside. As they approached spot C12, they spotted the gleaming black SUV.
"Looks perfect," Jack said, giving Sam a reassuring nod.
Sam unlocked the vehicle, and they started loading their luggage into the spacious trunk. "Plenty of room for all our stuff and anything Grace might want to bring along," she said, closing the trunk with satisfaction.
Sam got into the driver's seat, adjusting it to her liking, while Jack settled into the passenger seat. "Nice and roomy," he said, exploring the car's features. "This will make our trips around the city much more comfortable."
Sam started the engine, and they both enjoyed the smooth purr of the vehicle. "Ready to go?" she asked, glancing over at Jack.
"Absolutely," he replied, smiling.
They exited the rental lot and merged onto the highway, the city of Boston spreading out before them. As they drove, Jack pointed out landmarks and familiar sights. "There's the Zakim Bridge," he said. "Always impressive to see."
Sam nodded, her eyes taking in the view. "It's a nice city."
Jack tapped the GPS screen. "First stop, Grace's apartment. Let's see what adventures she has in store for us."
The SUV provided a smooth and comfortable ride as they navigated the city streets. Sam took full advantage of the air conditioning as her body temperature changed. The excitement of the trip was palpable, and both Sam and Jack felt a renewed sense of energy. The drive through Boston to Cambridge was filled with laughter and shared memories.
"Remember the time we got lost trying to find that little diner? Best pancakes we ever had," Jack said with a dreaming expression.
"You were driving, if my memory serves me correctly," Sam said with a little smile.
Jack cleared his throat.
"I got distracted looking at your legs," he said.
Sam couldn't help but laugh. Arriving at MIT, they parked near Simmons, eager to embrace Grace and embark on a weekend filled with family, exploration, and the joy of being together.
"Here we are. I'm going to call her", Sam said, dialing her number.
Grace was already outside, so she spotted them from a distance as she answered.
"Mom?"
"Hi honey, we just parked. Where are you?" Sam asked.
Grace started walking.
"Look to your right," she said.
Sam turned her head as she got outside the SUV. Jack was already out stretching. Sam saw their daughter walking towards them. God, it was like looking at a mirror many years ago. Grace was Sam at the Academy years but with longer hair. Jack was already smiling.
"Hi, kiddo," he said as she embraced him since he had moved faster.
"Hi, Dad," Grace said, her arms around his neck. She was almost as tall as he was. And she was only sixteen.
Their kids were going to be tall ones. Sam stood beside the SUV, watching with joy and emotion as Jack embraced their daughter. A big knot in her throat surfaced a familiar feeling that appeared whenever she witnessed the genuine happiness between Jack and Grace. Father and daughter shared a deep connection, evident in the adoration shining in Grace's eyes as she greeted her father. She knew Jack loved all his children, but he adored Grace.
"Hi, Mom," Grace said, smiling as they approached Sam.
"Hey, honey," Sam replied, hugging Grace tightly. "I missed you," she added, gently caressing Grace's long blonde hair.
"Okay, don't get smoochy with me," Grace teased, playfully trying to ease out of Sam's arms. It was a routine that hadn't changed since Grace was little; she wasn't one for too many hugs or overt displays of affection, much like her mother. Unlike Jack, who always sought cuddles and kisses whenever he could. Grace tolerated it to a certain extent. Jake was the cuddler in the family, and Theo would get and give them when he was in the mood.
"So, how was your trip?" she asked, changing the subject.
"We flew commercial, so boring," Jack said, waving his hands dismissively.
Grace smiled; she knew her father's disdain for commercial flights, while her mother, though sharing the sentiment, rarely complained. Glancing at the parked SUV, Grace inquired about their accommodation plans.
"We've booked a room at a hotel in town," Sam answered, keeping it nearby.
"Okay. Do you want to go to my room or have anything planned?" Grace asked, looking at her parents.
"Whatever you want, honey. We're here to see you and spend some time with you," Jack said, his eyes beaming with a wide smile. He thought it was best not to mention all the museums and places he had marked on his map.
Grace checked her watch and shared some news.
"Alexa, my roommate, is away this weekend. She went somewhere with her boyfriend, so I have the room myself."
Jack raised an eyebrow, but Sam quickly shot him a warning glance. Grace was younger than her roommate, and Sam insisted she have a roommate to avoid isolation. Over time, Grace formed a bond with Alexa Sparks, a tall, dark-haired mathematics major who was eighteen. Sam had met Alexa's brother, Tom, a senior at MIT studying Physics—an impressive candidate for the Stargate Program, but that was a conversation for another time. Right now, Sam wanted to cherish the moments with her daughter.
"Okay, let's see your room. What have you done since the last time we were here?" Sam asked as they started to walk towards Simmons's entrance.
Grace's dorm room welcomed them with two extra-long twin beds, a dresser, a wardrobe, two desks, two chairs, and bookshelves filled to the brim. On Grace's side, a Darwinian Theory of Evolution poster adorned the wall, while her roommate's space featured a Fibonacci Sequence poster—an intriguing mix of decor. A colorful rug in reddish and orange tones adorned the center, injecting a burst of warmth and vibrancy into the room—a detail Sam hadn't noticed during their last visit. There was also a black bean bag chair on Alexa's side.
Grace threw herself onto her bed, Jack leaned against the wall, and Sam sat on a chair facing a desk overflowing with biology books.
"So, do you like it?" Grace asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Yep, it's cozy," Jack replied, glancing at a photo on Grace's nightstand—a captured moment from a vacation in Italy when he retired and had taken the entire family abroad.
"Do you need anything?" Sam inquired, perusing through the books.
"I need some good noise-canceling headphones," Grace admitted, a blush coloring her cheeks.
Jack, ever the protective father, immediately questioned, "Why?"
"Calm down, Dad. Sometimes, I need quiet to concentrate and study, and the girls next door are a little loud. They like to party," Grace explained.
"Sure, I'll send you some," Sam offered.
"Thanks, Mom," Grace said, expressing her gratitude.
"I also need to go to Target," Grace added, raising an eyebrow.
Jack responded with a questioning look.
"Groceries, Dad," she clarified.
"Okay, whatever you need," he agreed.
"It's a little difficult on my bike," Grace mentioned. "And the grocery shuttle doesn't go there."
"Fine, we'll go to Target," Jack decided.
"I want to try to find a mood lamp, Mom," Grace admitted, biting her lip.
Sam, slightly confused, asked, "What, honey?"
"Some girls here have it. It's a lamp that simulates golden hour, sunset, or sunrise, you know..." Grace explained slowly.
"Oh," Sam responded, starting to understand. "Sure, we can look for it."
Jack, unfolding his arms, suggested, "I think we need to make a list."
Both Grace and Sam glanced at him simultaneously.
"No need, Dad. I remember everything," Grace assured, and Jack nodded, realizing that sometimes he forgot who he was speaking to—Carter, a younger version.
The trio left MIT and headed to Target, their SUV navigating the streets of Cambridge. The atmosphere in the car was light, filled with the easy banter and shared laughter that characterized their family dynamic.
Grace, seated in the back, couldn't help but marvel at the familiar sights of Cambridge as they drove.
"I've missed this," she admitted, looking out the window.
Jack, glancing at her through the rearview mirror, grinned.
"Missed the city or us?"
"Both," Grace replied with a smirk.
While navigating the bustling streets quickly, Sam said, "It's always nice to be back. Have you talked to your brothers?"
"We talked yesterday. Jake was studying for an exam, and Theo was working out", she said.
Jack sighed. "I swear that boy will get bigger than Teal'c," he said.
Sam bit her lip to avoid a laugh.
Arriving at Target, they entered the store, their shopping cart quickly filling with groceries and dorm room essentials. Grace led the way, her eyes lighting up as she spotted various items.
"Okay, first stop, snacks. I need my study fuel", Grace said.
Jack grabbed a bag of chips. "How about these? Classic."
Grace rolled her eyes.
"Dad, you're not helping my healthy study habits."
Jack looked at her with curiosity. Grace was like her mother. Food was not an essential thing in her life.
"Since when have you had healthy study habits?" he asked, leaving the bag on the shelf.
Grace shrugged her shoulder.
"Alexa has been giving me some interesting ideas. She usually handles the food. I tag along", she said, looking down at her sneakers.
Sam smirked.
"Maybe a mix of healthy and indulgent snacks?"
Grace smiled, grateful for her mother's help.
"Yeah… Now, let's get some fruit. Alexa bought it the last time. I'm owning her some."
As they moved through the aisles, Jack couldn't resist the temptation of the electronics section.
"Grace, you said something about noise-canceling headphones, right?" Jack asked.
"Yeah, but I prefer that Mom would send me later. Let's focus on groceries for now."
Sam nodded.
"Agreed. We can look for your mood lamp later."
Grace also nodded, and they continued their journey through Target, the cart now brimming with nutritious and indulgent snacks, fruits, and other essentials.
"Oh, I almost forgot about laundry detergent," Grace said, looking at the cart.
"Good catch. Let's swing by the household section." Sam said, trying to place herself in the supermarket.
Jack sighed.
"I remember my college days. Laundry was always an adventure."
Grace laughed.
"Dad, I'm pretty sure it's still an adventure for you."
Jack shrugged his shoulders.
"Some things never change."
As they made their way to the checkout, Sam surveyed the items in the cart.
"I think we've got everything. Ready to head back?"
"Yep. Thanks, everyone. This was fun." Grace said, grateful.
Jack put a hand over her shoulders.
"Anytime, kiddo. Now, let's get all this back to your dorm."
The checkout process was swift, and they exited Target with bags in tow, ready to return to MIT. The car was filled with the rustle of plastic bags and the chatter of a family enjoying a simple yet memorable outing together.
After a productive day of shopping at Target and dropping off groceries at Grace's dorm room, Jack, Sam, and Grace decided to treat themselves to a relaxing dinner at a nearby restaurant in Cambridge. The trio walked down the well-trodden streets, the glow of streetlights casting a warm ambiance as they approached their chosen spot.
Entering a quaint restaurant with a mix of modern and rustic decor, they were promptly seated at a cozy booth. Grace took the initiative to start the conversation.
"Thanks for helping me with the groceries, everyone. I can't believe I'm already halfway through my semester."
Jack grinned, "Time flies. Soon, you'll be acing those exams and telling us about all the incredible things you're learning."
The waiter approached with menus, and after some playful banter about who would pick the best dish, they began perusing the selections.
With a chuckle, Grace said, "I've been craving some comfort food lately. How about we start with some loaded nachos?"
Sam nodded in agreement, "Sounds like a great choice. And for the main course, I think I'll go for the steak. What about you, Jack?"
"I can never resist a good burger," Jack smiled.
The waiter, a young and enthusiastic server, noted their orders and disappeared into the kitchen. As they waited, the family chatted about Grace's latest classes, dorm life, and the challenges and joys of college.
When the loaded nachos arrived, the trio dove in, each trying to snag their favorite toppings. Amidst the crunching of chips and the laughter that ensued, Grace mentioned, "I've met some cool people in my dorm. Besides Alexa, we like to hang around and discuss stuff."
"That sounds good, honey," Sam said. "You're making the most out of your college experience."
She had been worried that Grace would feel displaced due to her age and that she would no longer have the backup of her brothers, but fortunately, Grace had more social skills than she did. Thank God for the O'Neill genes.
Their main courses arrived, and the table was soon filled with the savory aroma of steak and burgers.
Grace raised her glass, "To the family, good food, and making memories together."
They clinked glasses, enjoying the delicious meal and each other's company. The restaurant was lively as they savored their desserts, sharing bites and stories. The evening concluded with satisfied smiles, full stomachs, and the warmth of family bonds strengthened over a delightful dinner in Cambridge.