February 10 2020
SURGERY WAITING ROOM — MORNING**
The hospital buzzed with energy, but for AJ, it felt like the calm before the storm.
Her head throbbed, and her shoulder still ached from the crash, but her eyes burned with determination.
She adjusted her surgical mask and scrub cap, smoothing the fabric over her hair.
Dave stood beside her for a moment, concern flickering in his eyes.
Dave-You don't have to rush back
he said softly.
AJ smiled faintly- I have to. They need me.
---
OPERATING ROOM 3 — 8:00 AM
The OR was tense. Nurses, techs, and her interns — April, Lexie, Jackson, Ben, and Parker— all waiting for AJ.
Lexie swallowed hard but straightened when AJ walked in, steady and commanding despite everything.
AJ - Morning, guys
AJ said, voice calm but sharp.
Aj - We've got a complex trauma case — gunshot wound to the abdomen, unstable vitals. This is what we trained for.
Jackson nodded.
Jackson - We've got this.
AJ caught his eye.
AJ - No. *We* got this."
---
DURING SURGERY
The OR lights blazed as AJ's hands moved with precision.
She guided her interns through the steps — controlling bleeding, repairing damaged organs.
At one point, Jackson hesitated on a critical suture.
AJ's voice was firm but encouraging:
Jackson- Confidence, Jackson. You know this. Trust your hands.
Lexie and Parker coordinated the instruments seamlessly, while Ben monitored vitals and communicated with anesthesia.
Sweat beaded on AJ's brow, but she never faltered.
---
AFTER SURGERY — LOCKER ROOM
Exhausted but triumphant, AJ peeled off her gloves.
Lexie approached, voice low,
Lexie- Thank you. For pushing us... and for coming back.
AJ met her eyes.
AJ - You all kept the neuro department running when I was down. I'm proud of you.
She paused.
AJ - But this? This is only the beginning.
