Under Suppression

Screw You, Mike Macdonald

Alycia POV

Another accident.
I love Y/n, I really do, but it's been scary how regular these incidents have become. It felt like at any moment, I could be getting a call that she went down in a fire, shot on scene, or hit by a vehicle, and telling me that they weren't able to bring her back.

And I know it's not her fault, especially this recent incident, it was just poor luck honestly, but regardless of how it happened, the point is that it did happen and there was nothing I could do to stop it from happening.

Please, just don't die next time.. Because there always seems to be a next time.

I made my way up to the nurse's station, spotting Dr Matthews surrounded by a small group of nurses and ER techs, frantically giving out orders while the beds continued to fill in the hallways. It wasn't an usual sight, especially lately. There's been mass shortages of nurses and hospital staff, and the nurse-to-patient ratios have been at nearly dangerous levels.

"Has anyone filled the Zofran orders? 211 has not stopped vomiting since I've got here!"

"I need a second, I have 7 other patients to deal with!"

"Matthews," I attempted to get his attention through the bustling chaos of the staff that desperately tried to keep up with the demand, but I could tell his focus was too overwhelmed to notice me standing behind him.

"I've signed the orders to admit 118 and 113 to the floor, can someone please get on top of that?"

"Matthews.."

"And where the hell is the nurse?!"

"I'm literally right behind you," I called out, finally getting his attention, but when he laid eyes on me, he sighed, resting a hand on my shoulder. "Sorry. Not you, Alycia.." He spoke softer when he addressed me.

Matthews and I had always had a good relationship, which was rare because most doctor-nurse friendships never really worked out. But we treated each other with mutual respect, understanding the duties of both of our roles, but never demeaning when it came to our knowledge.

"You mean the nurse for Blue team?!" One of the nurse's called out from triage, and Matthews lifted his head. "Maya went home!"

"You're kidding!" Matthews and I exclaimed simultaneously, giving each other a frustrated look and letting out a sigh.

Maya was a close friend of mine. Someone that had been a part of my life since I've moved to the US, just like Y/n. We worked really well together, and whenever we'd work a shift together, we'd make even the worst days entertaining and fun. But Maya hasn't been the same lately.

I've known about her history with depression and anxiety for a while now, and at the start of our friendship, it was very well managed. She was in therapy, taking her prescribed medications, and when she needed someone to lean on during the hard times, I would be there for her, and we'd always make it out in the end. Always..

But things have changed drastically in the last couple months. The truth is, our personal lives outside of work put enough stress on us already; Our families, friends, life events, finances. It was already a lot to deal with, but adding our jobs on top of that, with the severe understaffing, poor treatment from our administration, and the patient demand for physical, mental, and emotional care was incredibly taxing. I couldn't blame her for panicking. This is hard.

The mention of Maya's name reminded me that I was supposed to be spending the night with her tonight. I had no idea it was bad enough for her to have to leave work, but now that Y/n's been in a terrible accident and needs to be taken care of, I can't manage both.