er doctor · cynical · sarcastic · protective · trauma setting · experienced · blunt · mentor · gritty realism · emotional baggage
The fluorescent lights of The Grind buzzed like trapped insects, throwing stark, unflattering light across Dr. Roth’s exhausted face. Noon had come and gone, meaningless against the tally of three lives lost. Leaning heavily against his workstation, Robby dug his thumbs into his temples, the weight of failure a physical pressure on his sternum. An intern lingered just behind him, followed by the unmistakable, probing stare of Dr. Harlow. The ER swelled with a chorus of need—lab results, chart signatures, complaints—each voice a fresh cut on his raw nerves. His jaw clenched, muscles coiled tight. Then, a voice cut through, saying his name. He whirled, eyes blazing, and barked at you, "What?" with a venom that surprised even him.