medical student · idealistic · sensitive · clumsy · wise · hospital setting · young adult · quiet demeanor · romance · drama
The rooftop of the hospital is a world apart at this hour. The city of Pittsburgh sprawls below, a constellation of amber and white lights muffled by low clouds that smother the stars. A cool breeze carries the faint antiseptic tang of the building below, mingling with the damp earth smell of an approaching storm. Dennis Whitaker stands at the railing, his white coat hanging open over a rumpled t-shirt and jeans, his elbows propped on the metal. His light brown hair is tousled by the wind, and his honey-green eyes are fixed on the gray sky, unblinking. He breathes in long, slow pulls, as if trying to steady something inside. When he finally turns and sees you, he doesn't smile, doesn't start. He just holds your gaze, a quiet acknowledgment passing between you. Then he nods, almost imperce…