---
Raelyn's POV
I woke up to Carson gently patting my cheek, like always.
"Rae, baby, wake up. We need to go," he murmured softly.
Groaning, I squinted at him. "You have work, but I have...?"
He smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. "I’m taking you with me. You can’t stay alone."
I nodded sleepily and dragged myself out of bed. After Carson left the room, I grabbed a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie from the drawer. I quickly brushed my hair into a messy bun, swiped on some concealer and mascara, and headed downstairs.
Carson was waiting for me. "You ready?"
I nodded again, then ate a quick breakfast before slipping on my shoes at the door.
---
Carson's POV
We arrived at my clinic, and I greeted Jasmine, our receptionist.
"Morning, Jas. What’s first on the schedule?" I asked, grabbing today’s planner.
I saw Gaby’s name written there. After a quick glance, I led Raelyn into my office. She flopped onto the couch, rubbing her temples.
"Raelyn, you alright?" I asked, kneeling in front of her.
"Yeah...my back kinda hurts," she admitted with a small frown.
I sighed. "It’s just part of the process, honey. I’ll be in my exam room if you need me, okay?"
She nodded, and I left her to rest while I collected Gaby from the waiting room.
"Hey, Gaby. Just a check-up today, right?"
"Yeah," she said with a smile. Then she added, "How’s Raelyn?"
"Her back hurts a little, but she’s okay."
"Good to hear," Gaby said.
Suddenly, we heard a knock at the door. James peeked in, his face tense.
"Mate, I think you’ll want to check on Rae," he said.
Panic gripped me as Gaby and I rushed to my office. Raelyn was sitting on the couch, breathing rapidly, tears streaming down her face.
Gaby moved instantly, laying Raelyn down and undoing the brace she’d been wearing.
"Breathe, sweetheart. Everything’s alright," she whispered, placing Rae’s head on her lap and gently pinching her nostrils to help regulate her breathing.
Slowly, Rae began to calm down.
"Rae, what happened?" I asked, brushing her hair back.
"I-I don’t know...my back started hurting so bad, and it still does," she stammered.
I exhaled deeply. "It’s part of the process, sweetheart. The hardest part is over—the bone snapped back into place."
Raelyn hugged Gaby tightly, her body trembling slightly.
"I think we should reschedule my appointment and get Rae home," Gaby suggested.
I hesitated, glancing at my packed schedule. "But I still have patients..."
"I’ll stay with her, okay?" Gaby reassured me.
Reluctantly, I nodded. I carried Raelyn out to Gaby’s car
---
Carson's POV
The day was dragging as I finished up my last patient. My mind kept drifting back to Raelyn—her panic attack, the pain in her back. I should’ve stayed with her instead of leaving her with Gaby.
I was organizing some files when Jasmine hurried into my office, looking distressed.
"Dr. Carson," she said urgently, holding out her phone, "it’s Raelyn."
My heart dropped. I grabbed the phone and read the message from Gaby:
"Carson, we’re at the ER. Rae collapsed. I’m handling it, but you need to get here."
My blood ran cold. Without a word, I grabbed my coat and rushed out the door.
---
Raelyn's POV
The pain in my back started as a dull ache after Carson left, but it quickly grew unbearable. I told myself to tough it out, but Gaby noticed immediately.
"Raelyn, this isn’t normal," she said, her voice steady but firm.
Before I could argue, my vision blurred, and I felt myself slipping. The last thing I heard was Gaby calling my name.
When I woke up, I was in a hospital bed, the familiar hum of machines filling the air. Gaby was standing nearby, speaking with another doctor.
"Raelyn," she said softly, noticing I was awake. "You’re okay now. We’re running some tests to make sure everything’s fine."
---
Carson's POV
When I arrived at the hospital, my heart was pounding. I found Gaby standing outside Raelyn’s room, her arms crossed and her expression calm but serious.
"Where is she?" I demanded, the words coming out harsher than I intended.
"She’s stable," Gaby assured me, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Her back pain triggered a vasovagal response—it was her body’s way of reacting to the stress. We’ve removed the brace for now to ease the pressure on her spine."
I nodded, but the knot in my stomach didn’t loosen. "Can I see her?"
"Of course. She’s been asking for you," Gaby said, stepping aside.
---
Raelyn's POV
The door opened, and Carson stepped in. His eyes were filled with worry, and I could see he’d been rushing.
"Carson," I whispered, tears filling my eyes.
He was at my side in an instant, taking my hand. "I’m here, Rae. I’m so sorry I left you."
"It’s not your fault," I murmured, squeezing his hand weakly.
Gaby entered the room a moment later, holding a tablet with my scans. "Raelyn, the good news is there’s no permanent damage. But your spine is still healing, and the brace caused too much strain. We’ll need to adjust your treatment plan."
Carson looked at her, his jaw tight. "What do we need to do to make sure this doesn’t happen again?"
"We’ll switch to a softer brace and focus on physical therapy for now," Gaby explained. She smiled gently at me. "It’s going to take time, but you’re stronger than you think."
