Against the clock

18.

Cristina's pov

'Why are we being called to the main hall?' I questioned Alex, my footsteps echoing in the hallway as we made our way towards the gathering. 'I don't know,' he replied, his uncertainty matching my own. As we approached, the sight that greeted us was unusual. Hundreds of students were seated, their hushed conversations and worried glances creating an atmosphere of shared concern. A meeting had been called a few weeks ago, to find support in the search for Meredith and Dr. Shepherd, but this was different. The chief was standing at the microphone, ready to speech. It had been three weeks since they vanished, and the void left in their absence was palpable. Neuro classes had been canceled, leaving a noticeable gap in our routine. According to Izzie, Dr. Montgomery, was completely falling apart. To be honest, I couldn't shake off the same sense of disquiet. Despite my relentless search for Meredith, she remained lost, leaving behind an emptiness that echoed in the spaces where she used to be.

'Good morning, everyone,' Dr. Webber began, his voice carrying across the assembled crowd. A murmur of greetings rippled through the room as we acknowledged our mentor. 'I've gathered you here because we have some updates on student Meredith Grey and Doctor Derek Shepherd,' he continued, capturing the attention of every individual present. An air of anticipation filled the room as he spoke. What news could he possibly have? 'As you might know, they have been missing for a couple of weeks now,' he acknowledged, his words hanging in the air like an unresolved chord. A collective gasp swept through the crowd, the gravity of their disappearance looming over us all. 'We've all been very concerned and looking for them. However, some letters were found, intercepted by the police before they could reach the intended recipients.'

Dr. Webber paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. The room held its breath, yearning for the revelation that would follow. 'Meredith and Dr. Shepherd both have written letters to their dear ones,' he finally disclosed, the atmosphere tensing with a mixture of anxiety and curiosity. Dr. Webber took a deep breath, his gaze scanning the room as he prepared to share the contents of the letters. 'The messages we've received indicate that Meredith Grey and Dr. Derek Shepherd have a romantic relationship and they have decided to leave together,' he revealed, the words hanging heavily in the air. A collective gasp and murmurs of disbelief swept through the crowd, as the revelation left us all stunned. 'That's utter nonsense,' Alex whispered to me, his voice barely audible in the stifling tension of the room. 'This can't be true. Meredith would have told me,' I asserted, my disbelief mirroring the disbelief etched across Alex's face.

'This is absurd,' Alex reiterated, his frustration mounting. 'She wouldn't just run away,' he added with a mix of incredulity and concern, the weight of the situation palpable in the air. In the midst of the unsettling revelation, I interjected with a somber reflection, 'She would never give up surgery.' As the initial shock settled, Dr. Webber continued, 'I understand that this news comes as a shock to many of you. Both Meredith and Dr. Shepherd expressed in their letters that they believe pursuing a romantic relationship is the right course for them.' His tone conveyed a mix of disappointment and concern, addressing the complex dynamics that had unfolded under his watch. He took a moment, allowing the gravity of the situation to sink in before launching into a speech that addressed the implications of student-teacher relationships. 'Now, I want to address why a student-teacher relationship is inherently problematic,' he began, his words measured and resonant. He elaborated on the power imbalances, ethical concerns, and the potential damage to the academic environment that such relationships could inflict. Dr. Webber stressed the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and the potential consequences for both individuals involved and the educational institution as a whole.

'As educators and mentors, it is our responsibility to create a safe and conducive learning environment for all students. Any breach of trust in the form of romantic entanglements between students and teachers undermines the very foundation of this institution,' he asserted, his words echoing in the hushed room. 'He was her mentor,' I remarked, casting a glance at Alex. In response, he shook his head and uttered, 'But still, this can't be true. This is bullshit!' Alex replied. Pondering the implications, I questioned, 'Does this mean they are going to stop looking for them?' Alex, visibly agitated, stood up and declared, 'We have to talk to the chief.' The urgency in his voice hinted at the need to seek answers and clarity amid the unsettling revelations. Ignoring the hushed whispers around us, we swiftly made our way to the front, driven by a sense of urgency. 'Why are they making this public without even verifying the information?' I muttered to Alex as we approached the front.