𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐞 𝐆𝐨 (𝐮𝐡 𝐨𝐡)

26. Miscommunication

Kimoni's POV

Time skip 3 months

Man, mornings in our house are like a damn circus. I'm trying to sip on this weak-ass coffee while keeping an eye on Joelle, who's more interested in playing with her cereal than actually eating it. Ray's in the bathroom, probably cussing out his tie under his breath like he does every morning. The news is droning on in the background, but I can't focus on that. My mind's already in the OR, running through today's schedule like it's some kind of mental marathon.

I glance at the clock and then at my phone. No texts, no calls-no last-minute drama yet. But today feels off. Ray and I didn't even finish our conversation last night, and I'm still salty about it. Something's up with him, but hell if I know what. He's been distant, like his mind's somewhere else, and I can't figure out where.

"Ray, you calling Renee right?" I call out, trying to sound calm even though I'm low-key stressed.

"Yeah, I got it," he replies, stepping out of the bathroom, looking all sharp but stressed as hell. He's got that look on his face, the one that says he's dealing with something but ain't ready to talk about it.

I wanna ask him what's wrong, but who's got time for deep convos when you're both rushing out the door? Renee walked in and got Joelle "Alright, see you tonight," I say, leaning in for a quick kiss, but it's more habit than anything. I feel like we're on autopilot-no time to dig into whatever's been hanging between us.

He nods, gives Joelle a quick hug, and then he's gone. "Be good today, baby girl," he says to her, trying to sound normal, but I can hear the strain in his voice.

As the door clicks shut behind him, I take a deep breath, trying to push down the unease that's creeping up on me. There's no time for that. I drain my coffee, give Joelle a quick kiss, and hustle out the door. The hospital's waiting, and I already know today's gonna be a rough one.

-

The hospital's buzzing like a damn hive when I get there. Soon as I walk in, I can feel the energy-chaotic, urgent, just on the edge of tipping over. There's no easing into the day; it hits you full force.

I barely make it to the locker room before my phone buzzes in my pocket. It's Ray, texting me just as I'm pulling my scrubs on.

Ray💋:We still need to talk. I got some stuff going on at work.

Me: Yeah, I know. Tell me.

I shove the phone back into my pocket, already feeling the pressure build up. But there's no time to dwell on it. The ER's in full swing, and I'm thrown into the mix. It's one trauma after another, like the universe decided today was the day to test my patience and my skills.

By the time I get a breather, it's hours later, and I'm running on fumes. I pull out my phone to check in with Ray, and of course, there's a missed call. Figures.

I hit redial, hoping he picks up so we can at least get on the same page. He answers on the second ring.

"Hey, what's up?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady even though I'm exhausted.

"Not much. Just dealing with some bullshit at work," he replies, sounding just as tired as I feel. "I don't even know where to start."

And here it comes-the real talk we didn't have time for this morning. I lean against the wall, trying to block out the noise of the hospital around me. "What's going on, Ray? You've been off lately."

He hesitates, like he's not sure how much to say. "It's just... work's been crazy. I've got this case, and nothing's going right. Feels like I'm the only one pulling weight, and it's messing with my head. I feel like I'm drowning."