The past hits

What?

Derek rushed through the hospital doors, holding Ellie tightly in his arms. His mind was racing. Meredith's condition was bad. The blood, the gash on her forehead, the blade—he couldn't shake the image.

Everyone stared at him as he walked in. His presence was a shock. He hadn't been here in two years. Meredith's colleagues—Bailey, Alex, Cristina—they all knew about the rift. They knew Meredith hated him. And now, she was unconscious.

"What the hell happened?" Bailey asked, her eyes flicking to Ellie in Derek's arms.

"I found her at home. Unconscious. She's bleeding pretty badly," Derek said quickly, looking around for help.

Alex stepped forward, his expression dark. "She's... she's self-harming again?"

Derek nodded, unable to find words. He couldn't speak past the lump in his throat. He wanted to focus on Meredith, but Ellie was in his arms. He had to make sure she was okay too.

Cristina and Bailey exchanged glances. They were all thinking the same thing. Meredith's situation was urgent. Derek knew it too. But they couldn't forget Ellie.

Alex stepped closer to Derek. "Wait- why the hell do you have Ellie. You can't just-."

"No," Derek snapped, his voice tight. "Focus on Meredith. I'll take car of her." His eyes were wild with panic. "I can't just—"

Derek took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He glanced at Ellie, who was now playing with her stuffed bear in his arms, oblivious to the gravity of the situation. He turned back to his colleagues, his heart heavy with guilt.

"Fine," he said, his voice strained. "But I'm not leaving her side. I'll stay with her. I need to be here."

Bailey nodded. "Good. Let's get Meredith to trauma. We'll handle everything from here."

Derek handed Ellie off to Cristina, his hands lingering for a moment. He hated this—hated that he wasn't in control. But he had to trust them. Meredith needed help now.

As they wheeled Meredith to the trauma room, Derek followed closely, his thoughts consumed with worry. Ellie was safe for now, but what about Meredith? He couldn't lose her. Not like this.

(I have no idea about surgery and so, so I won't write it and if it's wrong I'm sorry)

The team moved quickly, getting Meredith stabilized. Derek watched, his breath held tight in his chest. They confirmed the concussion. The bleeding was serious, but they were working fast. He didn't leave the room. Not for a second.

He stood by her side, feeling the weight of everything that had led to this. His mistakes, his absence, his failure. Meredith had been alone all this time. And now, when she needed him, he was here. But was it too late?

"Is she going to be okay?" Derek asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Bailey met his gaze, her expression unreadable. "We'll do everything we can."

Derek nodded, trying to breathe. He couldn't focus on anything but Meredith. Everything else, including Ellie, had to wait.