The house was pitch black when I pulled into the gravel driveway at exactly 5:48 in the morning.

I walked into the administrative wing of Mercy General, wearing a sharp cream-colored suit instead of my usual scrubs.

The Chief of Medicine, Dr. Aris, was waiting for me in his corner office.

"Dr. Thorne—or should I say, Dr. Vance now?" he smiled warmly, gesturing to the chair across from him. I had legally taken back my maiden name.

"Dr. Vance is perfect," I said, sitting down.

"Evelyn, your work over the last three years in the trauma bay has been nothing short of exemplary. You have held this department together through staffing shortages, crises, and, as I understand it, immense personal turmoil."

"I thrive under pressure," I replied smoothly.

"Which is exactly why the board has unanimously agreed to offer you the position of Head of Emergency Medicine," Dr. Aris said, sliding a thick contract across the desk. "It comes with a significant pay increase, full administrative authority, and most importantly..."

He paused, a knowing smile on his face.

"...Daytime hours. No more graveyard shifts, Evelyn. You'll be home for dinner every night."

Tears pricked my eyes, but they were tears of profound joy. No more dark houses. No more hoping someone left a light on for me. I would be the light for my daughter.

"I accept," I said, signing the contract with a flourish.

I left the hospital feeling like I was floating. I drove straight to Maya’s elementary school. I signed her out early, to the surprise of her teacher.

When Maya saw me in the hallway, she dropped her backpack and ran into my arms.

"Mommy! Why are you here? Is it a special day?"

"It is the most special day, sweetie," I said, kissing her cheeks. "Mommy has a new job. I'm going to be home with you every single night from now on."