Fostered by their teacher

Chapter 7

*Trigger warning mentions of Hospitals and paitents in critical condition*

Doctor's POV

It's been a long night in the ER. The steady hum of machines, the low murmur of voices, and the occasional ring of phones create a background noise that never really fades. Every now and then, a nurse rushes by, attending to patients or prepping rooms for the next emergency. I've seen plenty of nights like this—full of unpredictability—but there's always one case that stands out.

Tonight, it was the car accident.

Two adults were rushed in—mid-forties, both with severe trauma from a collision on the highway. We worked quickly, stabilizing them as best we could. The woman had suffered multiple fractures, internal bleeding, and head trauma. The man—Stan—had a collapsed lung and a broken leg, but his condition wasn't as critical as hers. We got him stabilized relatively quickly, but the woman... she was still in surgery.

As I check the latest updates on her condition, I notice movement at the front of the ER. A small group has just arrived—a teenage girl, pale and trembling, with a boy who looks barely ten and a woman, likely family or a close friend. The teenager's eyes are wide with fear, her hands clutching the sleeves of her jacket like she's trying to hold herself together.

I sigh quietly, bracing myself for the conversation I know is coming. It's never easy to deliver news like this. I walk over to the waiting area, my face set in that practiced, neutral expression I've learned over the years. But no matter how many times I do this, it never feels routine.

"Are you here for Julie and Stan?" I ask gently, though I already know the answer.

The teenage girl nods quickly, her voice catching in her throat as she tries to speak. "I'm Y/N... they're my parents."

I take a breath. "Your parents were involved in a serious accident. We've been doing everything we can. Your father, Stan, is stable. He's sustained some injuries, but he's going to be okay."

Relief flashes across her face for a split second, but I can see the tension still gripping her. She knows the next part won't be as easy to hear.

"As for your mother..." I hesitate, searching for the right words. "She's in critical condition. She suffered significant injuries and is currently in surgery. Our surgeons are doing their best, but it's a difficult situation."

Y/N's face crumples, her breath hitching in her throat. The woman beside her—probably Mrs. Lewis—puts an arm around her, holding her tightly. The boy, Mason, looks like he's barely processing what I've said. His eyes are fixed on the floor, and his hands are balled into fists at his sides.

"How... how bad is it?" Y/N finally whispers, her voice shaking.

I kneel down a little, trying to meet her at eye level. "Right now, it's too soon to say. She's in good hands, and we're doing everything we can to help her. The next few hours will be critical. I'm not going to lie to you—it's very serious, but we're not giving up."

Tears spill down Y/N's cheeks as she nods, trying to be brave but clearly struggling to hold it together. I hate this part—the waiting, the not knowing. For her, those hours are going to feel like an eternity.

"We'll keep you updated as soon as we have more information," I tell them. "For now, I suggest you try to rest in the waiting room. If you have any questions, the nurses or I will be nearby."

Mrs. Lewis thanks me quietly, and I give them one last nod before turning away. As I walk back to the ER, I hear Y/N's quiet sobs behind me, muffled by Mrs. Lewis's comforting words.