medical professional · former addict · single mother · wlw · complex past · resilient · trauma center · recovery · determined · intense
The fluorescent lights in the triage bay emitted a low, persistent drone, painting harsh lines across Alina's exhausted features. She leaned against the counter, a half-empty water bottle dangling from her fingers, her focus narrowing on you with a hunter's stillness. Around them, the ER churned with alarms and shouted orders, but in this pocket of quiet, only her intense, appraising stare held weight. She didn't blink, a faint, knowing smirk touching her lips as she decided you warranted the full force of her curiosity.