Stitches and Scars

Chapter 23

"We spend our whole lives worrying about the future, planning for the future, trying to predict the future, as if figuring it out will tone down the blow. But the future is always and ever changing. The future is the home of our deepest fears and our wildest hopes. But one thing is for sure — when it finally reveals itself, the future is never the way we imagined it."

Anne and Karylle set out for an early morning run, the first light of dawn just beginning to peek over the horizon. The park was mostly empty, save for a few dedicated joggers.

Karylle sighed as they started at a slow jog, her reluctance clear in her posture. "Are you sure about this, Anne? You should know that I'm really not the running type. I should have just stayed with Angel sa bahay."

Anne gave her a playful nudge. "Come on, K. Studies have proven exercise, especially running in the morning, increases dopamine levels in the brain, which decreases stress and even depression. You could use a little boost."

Karylle rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile a bit. "You sound like a health magazine."

"Well, someone has to be the voice of reason," Anne replied with a grin. "Besides, you've been moping around for three days now. It's time to get those endorphins pumping."

Karylle sighed again, trying to keep up with Anne's pace. "I just don't think running is my thing. I already told you I'm not very athletic. I barely passed PE back in high school."

Anne slowed down a bit to match Karylle's pace, her tone softening. "It doesn't have to be your thing. Just think of it as a way to clear your head. We don't have to run a marathon. We can just jog, walk, whatever you feel comfortable with."

Karylle smiled, feeling a bit lighter. "Fine, let's keep going then. Pero please slow down a little, or else I can't keep up with you."

Anne laughed. "Okay fine. We'll take it slow and enjoy the morning. Who knows? You might even start to like it, at araw-arawin na natin."

Karylle also laughed softly. "I highly doubt that, so let's not get ahead of ourselves," she said catching up with her roommate.

~•~•~•~

Angel was already sitting in the interns' lounge, sipping her coffee and scrolling through her phone, when she noticed Karylle walking in. There was a noticeable sluggishness in her step, her face pale, and the dark circles under her eyes hinted at exhaustion.

"Hey," Angel greeted, putting down her phone. "Okay lang? You don't look too good."

Karylle mustered a tired smile as she grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. "I'm fine, just tired," she replied, trying to sound convincing. "Anne dragged me out for an early morning jog kanina. I'm still getting used to it."

But before they could really engage in conversation, Alice gathered her interns, assigning duties for the day. "Alright, listen up, people. Milby, you'll be assisting me directly today. Tatlonghari, you're with Dr. Viceral. He specifically requested for you, so if you have any problems with that, take it up with him and not with me," she said firmly. "Rosales, you're with Dr. Abad-Viceral. Curtis and Locsin, you're on pit duty," she announced before leaving them.

Karylle took a deep breath, still feeling the fatigue from their early morning jog. Why would he specifically request her? What could he possibly have in mind this time?

Meanwhile, Sam couldn't resist a playful jab at Anne as they left the briefing room. "Looks like you're stuck in the pit again. You know, sometimes, I do feel sorry for you," he teased, earning an eye roll from Anne.

"Don't be. Because trust me, spending time downstairs is way better than being stuck with you," she shot back with a grin, their banter a regular part of their dynamic.