The fluorescent lights of the Shortland Street hospital flickered as Meredith and Annie set up the game board in the break room. Caroline and Laura arrived, their laughter echoing down the corridor. It was a rare evening off for the doctors, and they'd decided to unwind with a game night.
"Monopoly?" Annie suggested, laying out the colorful bills and tiny houses.
Caroline wrinkled her nose. "Too cutthroat. How about Scrabble?"
Laura perched on the edge of the table. "I vote for charades."
Meredith, always the peacemaker, smiled. "Why not all three? We'll rotate."
And so, the game night began.
Round 1: Monopoly
Annie was ruthless. She bankrupted Caroline within minutes, leaving her with only a single pink property. Laura, the silent strategist, built hotels on every corner. Meredith, caught in the crossfire, tried to negotiate peace treaties.
"Trade me Park Place," she pleaded with Annie. "I'll give you Baltic Avenue."
Annie raised an eyebrow. "Baltic Avenue? Seriously?"
Caroline, nursing her wounded pride, sipped her coffee. "I'll be the banker."
Round 2: Scrabble
Laura spread the tiles across the table. Caroline, the wordsmith, formed "epidemiology" for a triple-word score. Annie, ever competitive, spelled "stethoscope" with a flourish. Meredith, secretly in love with Laura's brain, managed "neurology."
"Triple-letter for 'love,'" Meredith said, pointing to the board.
Laura blushed. "You're cheating."
Round 3: Charades
They gathered in a circle, acting out medical terms and TV show titles. Caroline flapped her arms for "Grey's Anatomy." Annie mimed a heart attack. Laura did a spot-on impression of Dr. Ropata.
Meredith's turn came. She stood up, her face serious. She pointed at Caroline, then made a heart shape with her hands.
"Cardiology!" Laura shouted.
Meredith grinned. "Close. Cardiovascular surgery."
As the night wore on, they laughed, teased, and shared stories. The hospital dramas faded into the background, replaced by the warmth of friendship. Caroline and Laura cuddled on the couch, their legs tangled. Annie rested her head on Meredith's shoulder, and Meredith's heart skipped a beat.
"Who knew game night could be this fun?" Caroline said, her eyes soft.
Laura kissed her temple. "Best prescription ever."
Annie yawned. "I'm officially terrible at charades."
Meredith leaned closer to her. "But you're amazing at stealing my heart."
