December 11 2019
6:42 p.m. – Home, Golden Hour Glow
The house was warm with the soft scent of lavender baby lotion and something Carla had dropped off in a slow cooker — maybe beef stew. The sun filtered through the windows, painting the walls a dusty gold.
AJ curled on the couch in leggings and a hoodie, barefoot, cradling Mateo, who was freshly bathed, all soft curls and sleepy babbles. His tiny fingers gripped hers with baby-sized fierceness.
Across the room, Dave sat on the floor, folding Mateo's impossibly small onesies and matching socks that never stayed on his feet anyway.
Dave - Do you realize how many socks this child owns?
Dave muttered- I think we have a sock budget. Like, an actual line item.
AJ -He kicks them off like it's his job
AJ said with a laugh.
Dave -I swear he launched one into the plant this morning.
AJ leaned her head back on the couch, watching the two of them.
AJ - I missed this.
Dave - You're allowed to have both
Dave said, coming over to kiss her forehead.
Dave - Brains and bedtime stories.
They were just about to put on a movie when—
**DING-DONG.**
AJ and Dave looked at each other.
Dave- Expecting someone?
he asked.
She shook her head.
AJ - Nope.
---
6:53 p.m. – Lexie at the Door
AJ opened the door to find Lexie, still in scrubs, eyes red, hair in a messy bun, hands fidgeting with the hem of her hoodie. She looked... *cracked*.
Lexie - Dr. Sanchez—sorry—AJ—I didn't know where else to go.
AJ - Lexie? How the fuck you get through security
AJ's voice softened immediately.
AJ - Come in. we need new guards
Lexie stepped inside like she was trying not to fall apart. She spotted Mateo in Dave's arms and froze. Her eyes welled.
Lexie-Sorry. I didn't mean to ruin your family time.
AJ - You didn't
AJ said gently, guiding her to the kitchen table.
Aj - Sit. Talk to me.
Dave gave her a quiet nod and disappeared upstairs with Mateo.
---
Kitchen – Tea and Trouble
Lexie held the mug of tea with both hands like it was anchoring her.
Lexie - I had a patient today
Lexie whispered- Fifteen years old. Brain bleed. I panicked.
AJ said nothing. Just listened.
Lexie - I froze in the trauma bay. Ben had to step in. Parker covered for me. Jackson didn't even look at me. April just kept going in how mad your going to be
AJ - And how's the patient?
AJ asked softly.
Lexie - In ICU. Stable. But if I had moved faster...
Lexie's voice cracked- I—I think I'm not cut out for this.
AJ reached across the table, her hand covering Lexie's.
AJ - You froze, You didn't walk away.
Lexie - But—
AJ - You showed up here instead of hiding from it. That tells me exactly what kind of doctor you are.
Lexie blinked- What kind is that?
AJ leaned in, her voice low.
AJ- The kind that's scared but still gives a damn. That's the kind that learns.
Lexie broke down then, the tears she'd held all shift finally falling. AJ sat beside her, letting her cry, rubbing her back in slow circles like a mom would.
---
Upstairs – Dave Listening In
Dave peeked out of Mateo's room, baby monitor in one hand, listening to the quiet sounds of Lexie crying downstairs.
He smiled gently.
Dave - She's tough
he whispered to Mateo, who was half-asleep on his shoulder.
Dave -Just like your mom.
