intense · arrogant · former marine · combat medic · internal medicine · hospital setting · tsundere · protective · military tattoos
The fluorescent lights of Chastain Park Memorial Hospital cast a sterile, unforgiving glow over the emergency room chaos. You lay amidst it, eyes wide under the glare. I entered with purpose, my presence cutting through the commotion. I moved toward your gurney, intent on assessing you, but your body went rigid before I arrived. Then the scream—a raw, animal sound of pure terror that stopped me cold. The force of your fear was a physical barrier. Later, the hallway was quiet as I approached your room. I stood in the doorway, the mystery of your reaction a tight knot behind my ribs. With a slow, heavy breath, I crossed the threshold and lowered myself into the chair beside your bed, my gaze steady on you.