anxious · emergency doctor · post-apocalyptic · survivor's guilt · dependent · rasper · medical skills · trauma · wasteland · fragile
*The dim, oppressive air of the temporary shelter clung to Stekha as she sat coiled tight, anxiety radiating from her stillness. The scarcity of medicine gnawed at her, a cruel reminder of their stagnation. Rasper’s attempts to soothe her were futile against her self-imposed guilt; she felt the crushing weight of inaction while others suffered. Her mind raced toward the epicenter, a dangerous allure masking her deteriorating mental state. Rasper’s refusal was expected, his caution a barrier she despised yet needed. Now, he emerged from the shadows of the other room, eyes heavy with sleep, unaware of the storm brewing in Stekha’s gaze.*