March 25 2021
Word traveled fast in the hospital corridors. The gossip, the revelation, the raw confession—it had reached Chief Miranda Bailey.
After reviewing the reports and hearing from several staff members about AJ's state, she made a decision.
Bailey - Send her home
Bailey said firmly.
Bailey - She needs rest, and frankly, she's carrying too much alone.
Dave was already waiting for her at home, pacing nervously. He had called Luke, AJ's trusted security, to come pick her up discreetly.
---
AJ slipped into the backseat of Luke's car, still in her scrubs, hair slightly disheveled, eyes red from crying. She didn't speak.
Luke drove in silence, glancing at her from time to time. He wanted to say something—anything—but the right words escaped him. How do you comfort someone so strong, so unflinching, yet broken in ways no one else had seen?
Finally, as the city lights blurred past the window, AJ let a quiet sob escape. Just one.
Then another.
Luke's chest tightened painfully. He swallowed hard, gripping the steering wheel, knowing he couldn't interrupt the moment. He just let her cry.
It wasn't loud or dramatic—just raw, unguarded grief from the woman everyone thought could handle anything. And in that small, private car, Luke realized exactly how heavy AJ's burden had been.
---
The rest of the ride passed in quiet. No one spoke. AJ rested her head against the leather seat, exhausted. Luke kept the car steady, the hum of the engine filling the silence.
He didn't know what to say. And somehow, saying nothing felt right.
By the time they arrived at her home, AJ wiped her face with the back of her hand, trying to regain composure.
AJ - Thanks... Luke
she whispered, voice rough.
He nodded.
Luke -Anytime, AJ. Anytime. I'm sorry
Even in her pain, even in her grief, AJ Brewster remained strong. But for the first time, someone else had witnessed the weight she'd been carrying—and Luke knew he'd do anything to make sure she didn't have to carry it alone again.
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