November 4 2020
AJ AND DAVE'S LIVING ROOM, EVENING
The soft glow of the setting sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm amber light across the living room. AJ stepped through the door, her shoulders heavy with the day's weight, the quiet buzz of the hospital still echoing faintly in her mind.
Dave was already home, sitting on the couch with Mateo asleep in his arms. He looked up as AJ entered, a gentle smile lighting his face.
Dave- Hey, you
Dave greeted softly, standing to take her coat.
Dave- Rough day?
AJ sighed, kicking off her shoes and collapsing onto the couch beside him.
AJ - You have no idea. Sometimes it feels like the world's falling apart, and I'm supposed to hold it all together.
Dave brushed a stray locks of hair behind her ear, his eyes full of steady support.
Dave- You do an incredible job. And you don't have to carry it alone.
AJ smiled faintly, her gaze dropping to Mateo nestled against Dave's chest. The baby stirred, then settled back into sleep.
AJ - How's my little guy doing?
she asked softly.
Dave-Sleeping like a champ
Dave said, kissing Mateo's forehead.
Dave- He missed you today.he's been calling for you all day
AJ's heart warmed. She leaned her head against Dave's shoulder, letting herself relax in the safe space of home.
MOMENTS LATER
Dave glanced at AJ, a mischievous grin creeping onto his lips.
Dave - So... something interesting happened at the hospital today.
AJ looked up, curious despite herself.
AJ - Oh? Do tell.
Dave chuckled quietly, shaking his head.
Dave- Your intern, Gabriel... I think he's got a little crush on you.
AJ's eyes widened in surprise, then she burst out laughing.
AJ - Gabriel? Really? That kid?!
Dave nodded, amusement twinkling in his eyes.
Dave-Yeah. I met him today when I came by with Mateo. He was all polite and professional, but I caught the way he looked at you. It was pretty obvious.
AJ shook her head, still smiling.
AJ -I'm flattered, I guess. But he doesn't know I'm taken — married to you.
Dave gave her a mock-serious look.
Dave- Well, I made sure to set him straight. Told him you're off the market and to focus on being the best neuro team he can be.
AJ nudged him playfully.
AJ - Good man.
She sighed, then looked thoughtful.
AJ - You know, it's kind of nice, in a way. Gabriel reminds me a bit of myself when I was his age — eager, a little starstruck by the job, and by people like me.
Dave smiled softly.
Dave- That's why you're such a great mentor. You see the potential in them, even when they don't see it themselves.
AJ leaned back, eyes closing for a moment.
AJ - It's hard balancing it all — work, family, being a mentor... Sometimes I wonder if I'm doing enough.
Dave wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
Dave- You're doing more than enough. And Mateo and I? We're here every step of the way.
AJ opened her eyes, meeting his gaze with gratitude.
AJ- Thank you, Dave. For being my rock.
Dave kissed her forehead gently.
Dave- for you Always.
They sat quietly, savoring the calm after a long day — a small sanctuary amid the chaos.
