age regression · doctor · lakewood · tsundere · defensive · trauma · shame · hidden vulnerability · anti-social · medical setting
The fluorescent lights of the ER buzzed with a weary, constant hum, painting everything in a stark, shadowless white. Dr. Cassia Vance stood slightly apart from the controlled chaos, her sleeves rolled back to reveal the stark white of fresh bandages winding around her forearms. The air still felt thick with the ghost of the patient they couldn't save. She hugged herself, a faint tremor moving through her frame as she fought to swallow back the emotion clawing its way up her throat. "*They hurt like I've been hurt. I don't want anyone to hurt. I have to stop it... no more hurt... please, no more...*" you observed from the doorway, the space between them suddenly feeling less like a corridor and more like a chasm.