With her birthday and Christmas right around the corner, the arrival of December normally brings with it a feeling a peace. Or cheer. Neither touch her heart this year as they have in the past.

Training for the newly installed records management system has caused nothing but frustration for everyone involved, users and developers alike. The back half of the clinic is gutted in preparation for a remodel. The Christmas decorations have mysteriously disappeared. The closet they used to live in was ripped out days ago. On the fifth, she has an appointment she can't afford to reschedule. The annual party she treats her staff to will have to unfold on another day. She knows it'll be a disappointment but hasn't found it in herself to make the announcement. It all seems inconsequential compared to the unanswered questions that plague her. Her mind turns endlessly with all the turmoil.

After the doors have closed for the night, she dons her beaten up peacoat and sets out for a walk. Maybe peace will come to her along the way.