April 30 2021
The lunchroom was quiet, aside from the faint hum of the coffee machine. The new interns sat stiffly at the table, each one nervously tapping at their notepads or shuffling papers. AJ's old interns entered like ghosts of past trauma: Simone, Gabriel, Jackson, Luca, and Parker. They carried the air of veterans who had survived Medusa and lived to tell the tale.
AJ wasn't there, but her presence was felt in every corner of the room. Her reputation preceded her like a shadow, and the new interns could feel it pressing down even before she arrived.
---
Simone leaned forward first, eyes kind but serious.
Simone- Hi, I'm Simone. I was one of AJ's interns last year. You're about to experience her... style. It's not personal. It's Medusa.
The new interns exchanged glances.
Gabriel- I'm Gabriel
Gabriel said, running a hand through his hair nervously.
Gabriel - And yes, she's that intense. You'll probably want to pee your pants at least once in the first week.
Jackson smirked.
Jackson - Don't worry. You'll get used to her yelling. Eventually. Maybe.
Parker added quietly,
Parker - Just... pay attention. Don't guess. Don't show up late. And never, ever question her orders in front of the attending. You'll regret it.
Luca, sitting at the end of the table, folded his hands.
Luca - And if you ever don't know what to do, talk to Camilla. She's the only person besides AJ who can give you guidance without triggering her wrath.
---
The new interns shifted nervously but managed introductions:
Maya Patel: A sharp-eyed, energetic resident who scribbled notes like a whirlwind.
Maya- Hi, I'm Maya. I like to ask questions... cautiously.
Ethan Brooks: Tall, confident, but clearly nervous.
Ethan - Ethan. I can follow orders... mostly.
Sofia Choi: Calm, meticulous, already taking mental inventory of the room.
Sofia - Sofia. I prefer observing first before acting.
Dante Rivera: Cocky but not reckless.
Dante - Dante. Let's just say I thrive under pressure... and terrifying chiefs.
Lila Moreno: Petite, quiet, but with eyes that missed nothing.
Lila- Lila. I like to know what's expected so I don't get yelled at.
Simone smiled faintly.
Simone - Good. You'll need that mindset here.
---
Gabriel leaned back, voice low, almost conspiratorial.
Gabriel - You probably want to know why people call her Medusa. It's not about her being cruel—though she can be. It's about her stare. One wrong move and she'll literally make you freeze in place.
Jackson chimed in
Jackson - She doesn't scream at you forever. Most of the time, she just watches, lets you squirm, and then corrects you with precision. It's terrifying, trust me.
Parker nodded.
Parker - She's fair, though. If you do your job and respect the rules, you'll survive. If not... well, you've seen enough horror stories.
Sofia raised a hand.
Sofia - Are there any safe people to talk to?
Simone's expression softened.
Simone - Yes. Camilla. She's AJ's scrub nurse and the only person she trusts completely. If you're unsure or scared, Camilla is your lifeline. Do not, I repeat, do not try to go around her. And some other nurses and doctors
---
Luca leaned forward, voice serious.
Luca - Here's what you need to know if you want to survive a day under AJ Brewster:
1. Speak only when spoken to.
2. Never guess in Neuro—guessing kills.
3. Only walk into her office if it's urgent, bleeding, or dead.
4. Watch her body language; she'll tell you more than her words.
5. Camilla is your shield. Use her wisely.
Luca - And
Luca added with a faint smirk,
Luca - if you're lucky, you might just live through your first Medusa day.
---
Maya scribbled furiously in her notebook. Ethan exhaled, trying to steady his shaking hands. Sofia's eyes darted between the old interns and the empty hallway as if she could already feel AJ's stare lurking somewhere nearby.
Dante muttered
Dante - This is... terrifying.
Lila, quiet as ever, whispered,
Lila - Good. I think I can handle terrifying.
Simone smiled faintly.
Simone - You'll need that attitude. Because when AJ walks in, everything changes. Rules, timing, priorities—they're all hers. But if you respect her, watch and learn, you *will* get through. And you'll survive the most intense rotation of your life.
The old interns glanced at one another. Gabriel whispered
Gabriel - They'll learn fast... or they won't last.
Parker added quietly
Parker - Just remember... everyone before you thought they were ready. None of them were.
The new interns swallowed hard. AJ Brewster was waiting out there. And Medusa was about to arrive.
---
New book coming too be continued
