𝙇𝙊𝙑𝙀 𝙂𝙊𝙀𝙎-ˡᵘᵏᵉ ᵃˡᵛᵉᶻ

ten

SADIE SAT IN BED, FEELING OVERWHELMED with frustration. She couldn't shake off the feeling of defeat from the failed mission, and the idea of being put on probation didn't sit well with her. The case had drained her physically and emotionally, and she couldn't bear to be alone with her thoughts.

She stared at the wall blankly, trying to distract herself from the thoughts that were circling in her mind.

Just a few minutes ago, Sadie's mind was blank. Now, it was racing with thoughts she wished would vanish.

Sadie's eyes fell on the nightstand where her painkillers sat. She reached for the bottle, trying to alleviate the constant headache that had been plaguing her. But no matter how many pills she took, the pain never seemed to lessen. She rubbed her temples, trying to soothe the dull ache. But it only served to remind her of the helplessness she felt during the case.

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She knew she needed to take care of herself, but she didn't know where to start. She felt trapped in her own mind, unable to escape the memories of the case.

Sadie held the bottle of painkillers tightly, her mind consumed with the throbbing ache in her head. The pills were supposed to relieve her pain, but they didn't seem to have any effect. She clenched her jaw, frustration building inside her. She wanted to go back to the hospital, but the thought of facing her failure and the disappointment from her team was too much to bear. She didn't want to be a burden, so she tried to bury her emotions and push through the pain.

She heard a soft knock on the door, followed by a familiar voice. She was surprised to see Spencer standing there at 1 am. "Spence?" she said, her confusion evident in her voice.

"I hope I didn't wake you up," Spencer said softly as he stepped inside. "No, I was awake," Sadie replied, her voice filled with uncertainty. "Are you okay?" she asked, trying to hide her own turmoil.

"I am," Spencer replied, but his eyes betrayed his concern. "Are you sure?" Sadie asked, sitting down beside him on the couch. "I know you're not," he said, his voice gentle but firm. Sadie felt a lump form in her throat as she tried to hold back her tears. Spencer wrapped an arm around her, offering her silent comfort.

"I just... I couldn't save her," Sadie whispered, her voice barely audible. She remembered Francesca's screams. "It's not your fault, Sadie," Spencer said, his tone soothing. "I should have done more," Sadie said, her voice trembling with emotion.

"It's not your fault," Spencer repeated, his voice unwavering. "We did everything we could. You did everything you could. Sometimes, things just don't go our way." Sadie nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She knew Spencer was right, but the guilt and sadness still lingered. "Thank you, Spence," Sadie said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Spencer's smile broadened. "You're my best friend, Sadie," he said, his tone earnest. Sadie felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. "Do you want to stay the night?" she asked, hoping to spend more time with him.

Spencer nodded. "I'd like that," he said, his eyes reflecting his genuine affection for her. Sadie felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. She knew she could count on Spencer to be there for her, no matter what. "I know you didn't come all the way to check up on me," she said, her voice soft. "So what's up?" she asked, wanting to hear his thoughts.

"I did actually," Spencer began, his gaze unwavering. "Luke noticed that you've been taking a lot of painkillers lately, and he's worried about you."

Sadie's heart skipped a beat at Spencer's words. She hadn't realized that Luke had noticed, let alone, voiced his concern. She felt a mix of embarrassment and defensiveness rising within her."What does he know?" Sadie asked, her voice tinged with frustration. "I don't need him prying into my personal life."