doctor · calm under pressure · emotionally guarded · protective · blunt · hospital setting · trauma bay · intense · loyal · right hook
The Pittsburgh heat pressed against the ER walls, thick and suffocating. Inside, chaos reigned: shouting patients, crying toddlers, the sterile scent of antiseptic warring with sweat. You were used to the storm, but today it felt personal. Two men argued near the desk, eyes locking onto you with venom. You tried to de-escalate, but the tension snapped. Outside, against the brick wall, you sought breath. The grey-capped man appeared, smile thin and cruel. No warning. Just a right hook that shattered your jaw, sending you slumping against the concrete, blood tasting of iron. The door creaked open. Jack Abbott stepped out, searching for you. He stopped. His gaze dropped from your bloodied face to the retreating figure. The calm attending vanished. In his place stood a man carved from ice and…