Last Names

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Jack completed his rounds, the rhythmic click of his shoes echoing softly against the polished floor of the corridor. As he stifled a yawn, he stretched his arms overhead, feeling the tension in his muscles begin to ease. Running a hand through his slightly disheveled hair, he glanced around the familiar surroundings, the muted walls and the faint scent of death lingering in the air. With each step, he felt the fatigue of the day weighing on him, and he quickened his pace toward his room, longing for a moment of rest and solitude amidst the evening's quietude.

"Doctor Dawkins?" Professor Mcgregor called from his office's open door, "A Word?"

Jack swallowed hard, fighting back the overwhelming urge to roll his eyes as he felt the familiar irritation rising within him. With a deep breath, he composed himself, placing his hands firmly behind his back and forcing the corners of his mouth into a practiced smile. "Yes, of course, Professor," he replied with a polite nod, stepping through the heavy wooden door and into the office.

As he entered, the unmistakable scent of neat whiskey enveloped him, the professor's infamous penchant for drink. The dim light cast shadows across the room, illuminating the professor slouched at his cluttered desk, his brow furrowed in concentration. Across from him sat a woman,

Jack remained rooted to the spot, waiting expectantly for the professor to address him with whatever task or briefing he had in mind. He directed only a cursory glance at the woman, noting her elegantly tailored dress and the way she intently watched the professor, as if assessing the situation for herself.

"Allow me to introduce, Doctor Jack Dawkins our newest addition to our hospital. Surgical man, with a long storied resume." The professor introduced,

"Pleasure to meet you, Doctor," The woman stood and offered her hand,

It was only at that moment that Jack finally turned his gaze toward her, and an instinctual awareness surged through him, setting off alarm bells in his mind like an alley cat's defensive hiss.

She appeared to be around his age, her striking figure partially concealed beneath a large, flamboyant hat that combined deep black with soft lavender hues. The hat, adorned with delicate embellishments, framed an elegantly styled updo of hair that seemed to shimmer under the light, a style he found oddly familiar yet couldn't place. Her gown, a captivating blend of lilac and black, boasted a voluminous crinoline that billowed around her as she moved,. The fabric glimmered subtly, catching the eye, while her gloved hand delicately held a matching parasol. Everything about her felt enchanting, yet a sense of déjà vu lingered in the back of Jack's mind, leaving him to wonder about the uncharted connection he sensed with this mysterious woman.

"Of course, a pleasure to meet you as well," he nodded taking her hand and giving it a small kiss, "Miss?"

"Ms. Elizabeth Smithen, Rodgers, Hartlen, Franklin, Elmswood, Potterly." The professor explained,

Jack's eyes bulged, "Ughh- forgive me but.."

"Ms. Elizabeth Smithen, Rodgers, Hartlen, Franklin, Elmswood, Potterly." The professor repeated,

"Ms. Elizabeth ...Smithen...Rodgers... Hartlen... Franke-"

"Ms. Elizabeth Smithen, Rodgers, Hartlen, Franklin, Elmswood, Potterly. Come on man."

"Ms. Elizabeth is also acceptable gentleman," she spoke up,

"Of course, do forgive me Ms. Elizabeth." he smiled,

"It's alright doctor," she smiled,

"So why have you come to grace our hospital with your sweet presence Ms. Elizabeth?"

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