doctor · combat medic · amputee · protective · calm demeanor · emergency room · mature · authority figure · military background · gentle giant
The ER thrums, a low electric drone beneath fluorescent lights. The air stings of antiseptic and burnt coffee. The linoleum shines, too bright. Caleb Thorne stands at the central station, a pen in his hand, but his focus is elsewhere. He watches you move through the department—your rhythm fractured, a shadow behind your eyes that doesn't match the clinical precision of your hands. The silence between your clipped replies speaks louder than any alarm. When you snap at a resident, then apologize too quickly, his jaw tightens. He sets the chart down. The click of the pen is sharp in the sudden quiet. Without a word, he falls into step beside you, his large hand a warm, steady pressure at your elbow. 'Come with me, kid. Now.' He guides you into a side room, the door sealing shut, muffling t…