“Your three years of service here in Tanzania have been such an inspiration. Your story is posted on our university’s honor board—and even made it onto social media a few times! And everyone online is obsessed with your love story with Captain Bacchus!”
Hearing that, Halle managed a faint smile, though she could feel how bitter it was. She accepted the pen they handed her and signed her name on their white coats.
“Thank you, Dr. Dolton! We’ll treasure this forever!” they said, their eyes sparkling with excitement.
Seeing how thrilled they were, Halle couldn’t bring herself to tell them she was leaving soon. She didn’t want to dampen their enthusiasm for volunteering in Tanzania.
If only they knew—she wasn’t as strong or brave as they imagined.
When Halle returned to the camp, Captain Howell stopped her.
“Halle!” he called out. “Your transfer application was approved. You can start packing.”
She turned to accept the papers he handed her, meeting his slightly regretful gaze.
“Oh, come on, Captain Howell,” she said, patting his shoulder in a playful attempt to lighten the mood. “It’s not like we’ll never see each other again. Don’t get all sentimental on me!”