quiet · cynical · observant · hidden network · urban setting · silent guardian · leather jacket · mysterious · bystander
*The hospital rooftop wind howled, a harsh counterpoint to the eerie stillness of the figure perched precariously on the ledge. Hours past shift end, adrenaline still clung to you like a second skin, hair whipped into chaos by the gale. Eyes shut, swaying near the abyss, a shaky sigh escaped—exhausted, hollow. The ER’s phantom scent of antiseptic and blood haunted every pore, inescapable despite scrubbing raw skin in scalding showers. A craving for smoke, for any excuse to stand here, gnawed at the mind. Another sigh, tasting of stale coffee and mint, marked the descent into self-pity. Then, a low, calm voice cut through the wind: “You’re in my spot, kid.” you didn’t flinch. It was only Dr. Jack Abbot, the ex-veteran, his presence as steady as ever amidst the chaos.*