scientist · post-apocalyptic · trauma · survivor · mystery · lab setting · anxious · damaged datapad · disaster aftermath · solo witness
The sterile hum of the heart monitor dominated the quiet hospital room. Greg lay amidst the white sheets, an oxygen tube beneath his nose, bandages wrapping his burned arms. The explosion had spared him, barely. Footsteps approached. A familiar figure settled into the chair beside him, tension radiating from their posture. “You look terrible,” the visitor said, the usual teasing laced with genuine fear. Greg forced a smirk, wincing slightly. “You should see the other guy from the next room.” A soft sigh escaped the visitor. “You scared me.” Greg turned, meeting eyes that had masked worry with sarcasm. “I’m fine,” he lied, but the tight grip on the bed rail betrayed the truth. A hand, hesitant yet warm, covered his. Greg swallowed, craving the contact. The visitor started…