WOULD YOU RESCUE ME?

16.Between Cheers and Shadows

A few weeks had slipped by since Vanessa's bike accident, each day seeming to strengthen the bond between her and Astra. Weekends became their special retreat, their unspoken tradition where they'd escape the noise of the city to find quiet corners of town, hike into secluded spots, or simply curl up at Astra's apartment. There, the two swapped stories over takeout and tea, delving deeper into each other's personalities. Vanessa had learned about Astra's passion for hiking and her secret talent for painting landscapes, Astra's way of processing the world. Astra, in turn, discovered Vanessa's love for thriller novels and how beneath her confident, assertive exterior, Vanessa held onto certain vulnerabilities, especially when it came to her relationships.

During these weeks, Vanessa's recovery was gradual, but her dedication never wavered. As soon as she could, she threw herself back into the rigors of her medical training and commitments with the university's E.R. student team. Her shifts at the hospital were as demanding as ever. Nights would blend together in a haze of cases, adrenaline, and life-or-death decisions that kept her on her toes. But no matter how tired she was, she always made time for Astra. Balancing their relationship with her medical duties became second nature to Vanessa.

One night, in the middle of her shift, Vanessa was called to assist with a young student who had suffered a severe allergic reaction after consuming shellfish. The patient's face was swollen, their breathing labored and desperate. Vanessa's hands moved with steady confidence as she directed the team to administer epinephrine, all while keeping a close eye on the patient's vitals. The tension in the air was palpable, but Vanessa's calm demeanor reassured both the patient and the team. As the epinephrine took effect and the patient's airways began to open, Vanessa allowed herself a brief moment of relief. Her ability to manage high-stakes situations had grown exponentially since joining the E.R. team, and moments like this reminded her of why she was pursuing medicine in the first place.

Another evening, the team received a trauma case—a victim from a severe car accident who had sustained a broken femur and possible internal bleeding. Vanessa's role was critical in stabilizing the patient for transport to surgery. She helped manage fluid transfusions and monitored the patient's vitals, assisting with the rapid assessment of injuries. Every movement had to be precise, every decision quick but calculated. The attending physician later commended Vanessa on her ability to maintain focus under pressure, noting how well she integrated the team's directives while offering thoughtful insights. It was moments like these that sharpened Vanessa's skills and built her confidence, even in the most chaotic situations.

Another challenging case involved a middle-aged woman who presented with confusion and slurred speech. Vanessa immediately suspected a stroke and worked quickly to perform a neurological assessment with her team. The patient was rushed for a CT scan, and Vanessa's instincts were proven correct, a clot had formed, blocking blood flow to part of the brain. Thanks to their quick response, the patient received clot-busting medication within the critical window. It was a success, and though exhausted, Vanessa's pride in the team's accomplishment kept her spirits high.

Despite the physically and emotionally draining nature of her E.R. shifts, Vanessa always found herself drawn back to Astra's warmth. Some nights, after finishing at the hospital, she would barely take the time to shower before heading straight to the bar where Astra worked. If Astra was still on shift, Vanessa would slip into a quiet corner, ordering a drink and watching her from afar, trying not to distract her from her job. The way Astra moved behind the bar, her easy charm with customers, and the natural way she handled the evening's chaos reminded Vanessa of why she felt so grounded around her. Astra was her balance.

Even on nights when Vanessa was too tired to stay out, she still made time for Astra. After Astra's shift, Vanessa would wait outside the bar, leaning against her bike under the streetlights. The cool night air was like a gentle reset, washing away the hospital's exhaustion. When Astra finally emerged, Vanessa's smile would brighten, and the two would drive to the sea, just like on their first date. They would sit on the sand, letting the rhythmic sound of the waves drown out the day's noise. It became their quiet ritual, a space for just the two of them to reconnect after hours spent apart.