The paintbrush dragged across the canvas as Poppy jumped, leaving a black streak across her newest project. She swore as she ran to go find her ringing phone.

"Hello?" She answered breathlessly, messy bun drooping as hair fell from the band restraining it. "Poppy Heyes speaking?"

"Yes, Poppy. My name is Marcy Heathers. I'm calling about your recent interview with the Gordon pediatrician's office. We've reviewed your resume and we'd like to hire you."

Poppy silently fist-pumped. "Yes!" She paused, "I mean, yes, thank you for this opportunity, Mz. Heathers."

"Please, it's Marcy. Can you start this Monday?"

Poppy checked her watch, realized that it only told her the time, and then checked the calendar on her fridge. "Uh, yes. This Monday will work!"

"Perfect. We will provide you with medical tools and a laptop, but you must buy your own scrubs. I look forward to working with you, and I will see you on Monday."

Marcy hung up as Poppy jumped for joy, nearly landing on and knocking over her newest project: a portrait of her mother. The painting was meant to be in the style of Van Gogh, her inspiration, but with the black streak across her mother's eyes that dripped paint, it looked more like something out of a horror film. "Ugh, that's going to take ages to fix!"

...

Grabbing her purse, Poppy ran for the door. She was going to be late on the first day and all because she lost track of time painting. The scrubs she wore were itchy, but at least they were her favorite color. She reached the pediatrician's office, breathless from running there, and, with three minutes to spare, checked in for the day.

"Hi, I'm Poppy Heyes, the new pediatric nurse?"

"Ah yes, Poppy! Come right this way, we'll get you set up." The woman at the front desk stood and shook Poppy's hand. "I'm Marcy, the woman you spoke to over the phone." She motioned to a doorway. "Shall we?"

Poppy walked through and Marcy walked over to a cabinet. "Here's your laptop! So with every child that comes in for an appointment, you'll take their height and weight and ask the parent these questions," she handed Poppy a paper, "as well as taking their temperature."

"Alright!"

"Here's the scale, it's a little different from most. You just press this button here and have the child step on. This part measures their height." The rather tall woman turned to Poppy. "Because it's your first day, we'll start you off easy. You'll only have one appointment today. Any questions?"

"No, I don't think so!"

"Great. You'll be working with Doctor Holland. He's our youngest doctor here, and he's quite new too. You can get to know him on your off time. I'll introduce you."

Marcy led Poppy down a hallway lined with check-up rooms. She peered into a few and saw decorations on the walls. One was decorated like and aquarium, one was Disney princess themed, and her personal favorite was the one with puppies all over the walls. They all had paintings hanging, which poppy appreciated. They reached the room at the end of the hall and Poppy looked in to see blank walls. There wasn't a single fish, dog or princess in sight.

"This is the room I'm working in?"

"Yes, is something wrong?" Marcy asked.

"No, no! It's just... it's so bland compared to the others." Poppy said, trying not to be rude.

"I don't think Doctor Holland is much of a decorator." A door opened to their left and a man walked out. "Speak of the devil! Poppy, this is Doctor Elliot Holland. Doctor Holland, this is Poppy Heyes."

"How many times have I told you to just call me Elliot, Marcy?" His voice was soft and smooth, but he seemed anxious and agitated.

Poppy stared for a second, then caught herself. She could have sworn she'd seen him before. Everything about him– his dark hair and eyes, his glasses, heck, even his nose– seemed familiar.

"Is something wrong, Miss Heyes?"

"Uh, um no! Sorry, call me Poppy, please." She looked at him for a second. "Do I know you?"

"No, I don't believe so," he said. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe I have some work to get done."

"Ah, yes. Before you do that, though, would you be so kind as to show Poppy her new office?" Marcy asked.

Doctor Holland checked his watch and his forehead creased worriedly. "Yes, I suppose, but I really must get this work done quickly. We have a patient coming in in twenty minutes. Come, it's just over here."

The room next door was just as bland as the last. How does he work in this environment? She thought. Everything is so... empty.

"This is your desk over here, and this one's mine." He sat down. "Feel free to look around. Our first patient comes in in," he checked his watch again, "seventeen minutes."

Wow, she thought, a bad decorator and extremely time conscious. Great.