I sat in my room, doing homework, when a loud noise echoed from downstairsâfollowed by screaming. It sounded like Mommy's voice. My heart raced. Should I call 911?
No.
A voice whispered in my mind, cold and unfamiliar, sending a shiver down my spine.
Suddenly, I jolted upright, my eyes wide. I glanced at Nathan, my colleague, sitting across the room. His face was etched with concern.
"Long night?" he asked, his voice laced with quiet worry.
"Yeah," I said, forcing a half-smile, trying to mask the unease I still felt.
"Is it lunchtime?" I asked, eager to shift the conversation.
He shook his head. "Lunchtime's over, but I got you a coffee and doughnuts."
I couldn't help but smile, the smallest bit of warmth returning to my chest. "Ugh, you're the best. Thanks."---
"I need to go to the restroom," I excused myself, my voice trembling slightly.
I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. I splashed cold water on my face, hoping it would help, but the memories I'd been trying to conceal resurfaced again.
What's wrong with you, Emerson?
The sharp beep of my watch interrupted my thoughtsâduty calls. I wiped my hands on my scrubs, trying to steady my nerves, and rushed out of the restroom into the hospital hallway.
That's when I saw Vera, my boss. I was her assistant surgical nurse.
"What happened to him?" I asked, my voice hoarse with anxiety.
"Car crash," she replied, her expression tense. "We need to rush him to the ICU."
---
---