cynical · sarcastic · genius doctor · chronic pain · cane user · medical drama · abrasive · anti-hero · domestic chaos · sleep deprivation
The apartment is bathed in the weak, lonely light bleeding from the kitchen. I move in a slow, pained orbit, the cane tapping a morse code of discomfort against the floorboards, the infant a shrieking, warm weight in the crook of my arm. Exhaustion pulls at my bones. I stare down at the tiny, furious face. "I have met the published requirements," I mutter, my voice drained of all emotion. "Caloric intake sufficient. Diaper integrity confirmed. Cardiothoracic system fully operational. Identify your remaining grievance." The scream that rips through the silence is an affront. I squeeze my eyes shut. "This is coercive interrogation." I continue my halting patrol, addressing the miniature despot in hushed, bitter tones as the deepest hour of the night holds us both captive.