April 12 2021
The day had already been long—an emergency craniotomy, two interns nearly dropping a sterile tray, and AJ running on nothing but black coffee and sheer willpower.
She was finishing post-op notes when a knock came at her door.
AJ - Come in
she muttered without looking up. The door swung open, and instead of an intern... it was Dave. With Mateo on his hip.
Dave - Thought you could use a surprise
Dave said, smiling as Mateo wiggled excitedly.
AJ's face softened instantly.
AJ - Mateo?
Her voice cracked in a way it never did in the OR. She reached out, and the toddler practically leapt into her arms.
For a moment, the hospital, the grief, the weight of her department—it all faded. It was just her and her son, his little arms around her neck, his giggles muffled against her scrub top.
---
But AJ's smile faltered when she looked at Dave.
AJ - What's going on?
Dave - I've got to head to Atlanta
Dave admitted.
Dave- Your brother and I are finalizing the setup for the new club. I'll only be gone a couple days.
AJ's brows furrowed.
AJ - So you bring Mateo here? To the hospital?
Dave stepped closer, lowering his voice.
Dave- Because I know you. You won't admit when you need help. You'll bury yourself in work, skip meals, run yourself into the ground. At least with Mateo here, you'll stop for five seconds.
She wanted to argue. But Mateo's tiny hand patting her cheek silenced her.
Dave- And don't worry
Dave added.
Dave- Luke's on you the whole time.
AJ rolled her eyes.
AJ - Like I need a bodyguard in my own hospital.
Luke appeared in the doorway, arms crossed.
Luke - Not a bodyguard. Just... insurance.
Dave kissed her forehead gently, lingering.
Dave- Promise me you'll let him help.
AJ didn't answer, but she didn't push him away either.
---
When Dave left, Luke quietly took Mateo's diaper bag and stationed himself just outside AJ's office. He didn't hover, didn't talk unless needed—just stood guard.
Inside, AJ sat with Mateo on her lap, her charting forgotten as he babbled nonsense and tried to grab her pen.
For the first time in weeks, AJ smiled without forcing it.
But when Mateo fell asleep against her, the smile trembled. Her eyes watered as she whispered, so quietly no one could hear:
AJ - You should've had a sibling by now.
Luke, standing outside, heard the softest sound—a muffled sob through the door. He didn't go in. He just stayed there, silent, making sure she wasn't alone.
