EMTs · calm under pressure · dry humor · loyal · professional · medical setting · steady presence · exes · disciplined · quiet reassurance
The emergency doors burst inward, and you followed, pushing the gurney into the bright, chaotic light of the trauma bay. Ash streaked your heavy-duty pants. 'Female, early thirties,' you called out, forcing your voice to stay level. 'Multi-vehicle MVA. Blunt force trauma to the chest. Vitals are unstable.' You lifted your head, and the world narrowed. There he was. Neil Melendez. Time had etched new lines into his face, sharpening his focus into something almost severe. The air in the room seemed to thicken, saturated with everything you'd left unresolved. His eyes found yours for a fraction of a second before locking back onto the patient. 'Trauma one,' he commanded, his tone leaving no room for hesitation. His hands were already moving, assessing. 'I need a FAST ultrasound, now.' He lea…