Bound by the Waves

Chapter 15

The storm raged on outside, the hospital bustling with activity as we prepared for the next wave of emergencies. I had just finished charting the drowning victim’s progress when my phone buzzed in my pocket. The caller ID made me pause. Mom.

I hesitated for a moment before stepping out into the hallway, away from the chaos. The fluorescent lights buzzed faintly overhead as I pressed the phone to my ear.

“Mom?” I said softly, bracing myself.

“Sydney! Oh my God, are you alright? I just saw the news about the storm,” she said, her voice trembling with concern. “Why didn’t you call me earlier? You know how dangerous these coastal storms can be.”

I sighed, leaning against the wall. “I’m fine, Mom. We’re all fine. The hospital is prepared, and we’re doing everything we can to help the patients.”

“Prepared or not, you’re still in the middle of a storm!” she exclaimed. “This is exactly why I didn’t want you going so far from home. If you had just stayed—”

“Mom,” I interrupted, keeping my voice even. “I’m not leaving the mission. I’m a doctor. This is what I signed up for.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line. When she spoke again, her tone was softer but no less worried. “I just wish you didn’t have to take these kinds of risks. You’re all I have, Sydney.”

Her words hit a nerve, and I closed my eyes, taking a steadying breath. “I know, Mom. But this is important to me. I promise I’ll call as soon as the storm passes, okay?”

There was silence for a beat before she spoke again, her voice hesitant. “And... what about Xaviel? Is he there? Have you two been working together?”

I froze, her question catching me off guard. “Mom, now’s not the time to talk about that,” I said, lowering my voice.

“Sydney,” she pressed, her tone turning knowing. “I know you don’t want to talk about it, but you’re going to have to face this sooner or later. You two are engaged. You can’t avoid him forever.”

My grip on the phone tightened, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “We’re just colleagues here, Mom. That’s it. Let’s leave it at that.”

Before she could respond, I heard footsteps approaching. I turned to see Kate rounding the corner, clipboard in hand. Her wide-eyed expression told me she’d caught more of the conversation than she should have.

“Mom, I have to go,” I said quickly, trying to keep my voice calm. “I’ll call you later.”

“Be safe, Sydney. And... think about what I said,” she replied before hanging up.

I slipped my phone back into my pocket, turning to Kate, who was now standing awkwardly a few feet away.

“Uh, sorry,” she stammered, clearly trying to act like she hadn’t overheard. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I was just looking for you to sign off on the drowning case, and then... well, I kind of heard a little bit.”

I raised an eyebrow. “A little bit?”

She winced, giving me a sheepish smile. “Okay, a lot. So... you and Dr. Salvador are engaged?”

I felt heat rise to my cheeks. “It’s... complicated.”

I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Kate. Stop.”

“Oh, come on! Don’t leave me hanging!” she teased, practically bouncing on her heels. “You’re both ridiculously good-looking, you argue like you’re in some rom-com, and now this? This is the best drama I’ve heard all week.”