I was standing in front from the concrete railing from the rooftop of the school, letting my thoughts wander. The sound of piercing tone from the monitor, the memory of her lifeless body still remains, engraved from my mind. I couldn't shake the feeling of guilt, fear and regret. I should have done something. 
I shouldn't have given up. A lot of thoughts, variety of options to save her but I know that it's already too late. I could feel a tear stream down from my cheek as the stars lightened the shadows of the dark, yet enough to witness the view from the rooftop where I stand. 
“I see you had found my favorite spot at school” 
I was startled from the voice behind me, I glanced and saw Thorne walking beside me as he looked up with a smile. I've noticed that he has a lot of personality, including in the hospital setting. He was teaching as if we don't have any connections, he was great in his profession. I admire him for that.
“Thorne” I called him, I immediately wiped my tears from my cheek. “What are you doing here?” I asked. 
He looked at me, his raven eyes softened, he gently took me in his arms as he embraced me. The warmth of his embrace with his scent lingering on me. 
“I'm so proud of you today” he whispered in my ear. Without hesitation, my tears streamed down on my cheek. I sobbed burying my face into his chest.
“I—I should've done something…” I sobbed, as if my mouth had its own mind moving. 
“I should've pulled that artifact immediately, I'm sorry” I sobbed crying again. “I should've—” 
“Shhh” his hands combed my hair, I was still in his arms, enjoying the moment of his warmth. 
“Listen to me” his voice soft, he pulled gently caressing my cheek, shedding my tears away from my cheek. “It's not your fault,” he said. 
“But,” 
He smiled at me. “Sweetheart, when you requested me to do a surgery. I know that there's a possibility that she won't survive” he said. 
He smiled. “Yet, your dedication and your will to help her to lessen her suffering made me realize that there is a possibility that we may extend her life” he said again her fingers caressing on my cheek. 
“Flower, as doctors, it's not our place to decide the course of someone's life. Our role is to ease their suffering and give them a chance to live, but ultimately, their fate is beyond our control.” he added. 
“You end the suffering of your patient, sometimes death is the end of suffering. I'm sure your patient will thank you for easing her suffering” he said, pulling me gently, letting my head rest on his shoulders. 
“I'm proud of you for what you did today, you will be one of the amazing doctors soon. No doubt” he said, smiling , placing a soft kiss on my forehead. 
He's right, I am not the one who dictates the life of a person. The heavy feeling inside of my chest slowly fading. I let myself be consumed by his embrace again. 
As I pulled out I looked at him, very thankful for his presence, I smiled. “How did you find me?” I asked. 
“Stella told me,” he said.
My eyes widened. “She did?” I was confused. 
He hummed in response. “She saw you walking in this direction without even saying hello to her, so she came to me asking for help,” he said. 
A sudden regret swallowed me again, I breathed heavily and I'll explain to her later. 
I heard him chuckle as he held my hands, leaning for a kiss on the forehead. “How about spending your time with your friends for today. I'm sure you'll be needing it” he smiled. 
“I guess you're right,” I said, sighing. “Thorne?”
“Yes, flower?” 
“Thank you” I said. “I really needed that,” I added. 
“I’m always here, now go on, I'm sure they're waiting for stories” he winked. 
I waved my hands goodbye and ran towards my room. A few minutes later, as I opened the door I saw the girls sitting at the coach. Their eyes looked at me.
“Zaira?” Stella called. 
I immediately ran towards her and gave her a hug, she was stiff and surprised. “I'm sorry for ignoring you earlier, I was so lost in thought” 
I can feel her muscles relaxed as her arms wrapped from my back. “It's alright, I know you had a tough day,” she said. I gently pulled away and looked at her. 
“But only you will tell me why,” she said, smiling. 
I nodded as I was about to speak when two familiar voices emerged. 
“Don't mind us, We're not jealous” Callista said rolling her eyes. 
“To be fair, I wanted to join you guys in a hug,” Ainsley added. 
The four of us giggled as all of us were sitting at the couch. Catching up, as we told stories and including what happened to the hospital. I am not surprised by their reaction yet it turned into a smile. 
They start to tease each other and laugh echoed in the room. I smiled at them, feeling the light feeling inside my chest. 
It was my second day of hospital duty and I came back to my old self, still strong and dedicated. Thorne was in front of us looking at his papers still in his intense demeanor with his dashing aura. 
“Alright, good morning, I'll be assigning new patients to all of you so I'll start” he said enumerating the patients last names and designated rooms. 
“Coffey, Room 12” he said as he enumerated the cause of hospitalization and some important details about her. 
Five years old Esme Tobin was diagnosed with Crimson Vile Syndrome with fatigue and a mild fever. I knocked on the door and when I opened it. A bright girl with blonde hair tied with her two braids, her light blue eyes sparkled when she saw me as her smiles were the most precious thing I could see. 
“Mommy she looks like an angel!” she said smiling pointing at me 
“Good morning, I'm Zaira and I'll be taking care of you today” I said smiling back, the parents were surprised as well to see me. I wasn't surprised by their reaction. It's not everyday you'll see a woman with white hair, and white skin.
“Good morning” her mother greeted, her eyes were sore with puffy under eyes. Clearly she hadn't got enough sleep. 
I went to the patient checking on her. She smiled as her cheeks were rosy red. I smiled back as I began any assessment on her. Though, her vitals were okay. She still has a mild fever. 
“Am I going to get better?” she asked with her cheerful tone. 
I smiled at her. “Well, your fever has improved. We still have to check some of the assessments. If they're normal you can go home and play with your mom” I said, patting her head.
“Doc, a doctor told me that there's a germ inside of me that caused my illness, will you remove it for me?” She looked at me innocently, hoping that she'll be good soon. 
“If you maintain strength and eat your greens I'm sure that germ will go away, will you promise me to be strong and healthy along the process?” I crouched looking at her smiling. 
She smiled and nodded. “Good” I pinched her cheek. “I'll be right back, I'll do something about the germ” I smiled at her and went to the lounge. 
Crimson Vile Syndrome is caused by a Crimson parasyte. According to this book this parasyte was not that long since the outbreak—it was founded back then from…. Glacierbrook, since it's natural environment is cold. 
My brows furrowed, Glacierbrook? I looked at the year when this was founded, it's the year when my parents and I we're still there.  
“You look busy, Zaira” 
I was startled and looked who is it, It's Caden he was smiling at me as he prepared some of his things in the table. 
“Hey, are you familiar about the Crimson Parasyte?” I asked him. 
“Oh yeah, I do it was founded by the Glacierbrook. According to history it was it's own outbreak due to some toxics that some terorist made. A sudden outbreak of that parasyte spreads half of the village” he explained. 
“Some toxics?” I asked. 
He nodded “Actually Crimson parasytes were just normal worms, due to some toxics from careless reasons it turned something dangerous” he said lookung at me. 
“Really? Do you have any ideas for a treatment?” I asked. 
“I think there is, in this hospital you could ask the professor about it but you have to examine her for a reliable sources so that she can avail one of the viles” he said. 
My brows furrowed. “Why? she is already diagnosed by Crimson Vile Syndrome” I said. 
“If I'm not mistaken, your patient is just a kid, right? Little children are sensitive there are different kinds of medicine to relieve that illness depends on the patient's age and some other things” he explained. I nodded in response. 
I guess I have to go back and check, I'm sure Esme will let me know she's dedicated to get out of this hospital. 
“Thanks Caden, I owe you a lot” I stood up. 
“What are friends for?” He smiled looking at me. I smiled back and went to the patient's room. Before I could come in I was startled by her welcome. 
“Halt!” she said, she was standing raising her hand in front, she moved freely because her IV was removed minutes ago. 
“Before coming in you have to pass Esme’s secret door” she said grinning. 
I was confused about what she'll be doing. “Okay, how will I do that?” I asked, tilting my head. 
“By answering my question” she smiled at me. 
I smiled back feeling hyped up. “Alright! what is it?” 
“What is the best way to treat patients?” she asked, smiling at me. I looked around her toys scattered around, I guess she was playing and I'm guessing I already joined her activity. 
“By giving them the best treatment possible?”  
“Enk! Wrong!” she exclaimed, I raised my brows looking at her as she giggled.
“The correct answer is, by giving them a joke, now tell a joke traveler” she said giggling trying to imitate a male voice. 
I thought and looked at her waiting. “What do you call a beat without teeth?” I asked. 
She thought for a second and gave up easily. “What?” she asked, confused. 
“A gummy bear,” I replied. Unexpectedly she giggled as she looked at me. 
“Alright, you passed the test,” she said. 
I smiled at her, “Now can I perform some assessments?” I asked “I promise it won't take longer” I added. 
She sighs. “Alright, but only you'll follow Esme’s three rules” she said, she was a hyper kid with a wild imagination. 
“Alright what will that be?” I said hugging my clipboard. 
“Rule one, skip the boring doctor talk make the explanation fun!” she said. 
“Hmm alright I can manage, how about rule two?” I asked again. 
“Before doing assessment answer my questions, you will know it later” she smiled as she grins mischievously. “And lastly if I perform well, you will give a prize” sje exclaimed again. 
I laighed. “And what will that Prize be?” I asked. 
She thinks awhile. “I don't know that yet, but you will promise to fulfill it, okay?” she said pointing fingers. 
My face softens. “Alright, I promise” I said. 
“Okay let's begin, pretend that you're just going to asses me” she giggles as she lays down. I hurried back outside and I breath heavily. 
I knocked at the door. “Hello, Esme, I am Zaira the magic doctor. I'll be performing something that you will love!” I exclaimed trying to be more hyper like the hosts from a caraval show. 
Esme’s smiles widened as she clapped her hands. “Oh my! what will that be!” she exclaimed giddy up. 
“The super secret health test!” I said walking towards her. She giggled as she let me assess her. I tried my best to be more creative to let me assess her, yet so far so good she let me. 
“But before that I'll ask you a question!” she exclaimed. 
“Anything!” 
“What is your favorite dessert of the day!” she smiled, her eyes sparkling. 
“I love vanilla cake ice cream,” I replied, trying to keep it hyper to maintain the joyous atmosphere. 
“Wow really! I love that too!” She smiled at me and started chatting about her favorites. She let me assess her, laughing and giggles filled her room. I looked at her, she looks healthy and doesn't deserve to be in here. 
After that, I documented my findings on my clipboard and I was amazed that she was okay. I have enough evidence so that she can have a treatment. 
“Did I do good?” she asked. 
“You did! Good Job Esme” I cheered her up. I crouched, “Now, I think I remember, what your prize will be?” I asked her. 
She thinks. “Can you do my hair? I want twin braids!” she said giggling. 
I laughed at her and nodded. Later on I was doing her hair and she looked at herself in the mirror. 
“You're good at this” she commented 
I smiled at her and started braiding, thank goodness Callista taught me how to braid. I tried to make a rosette bun on her and she looks absolutely beautiful. 
“Wow! Thank you, I love it!” she said, touching her hair. “You know what? I wasn’t mistaken when I first saw you. You truly are an angel!” She beamed, her excitement infectious.
I felt something warm settle in my chest, an unfamiliar yet comforting sensation. I chuckled. “You’re too kind. You’re the sweetest kid I’ve ever met,” I said, lightly pinching her rosy cheek.
She giggled, her laughter soft and airy. “You know, you passed the test!” She stood up suddenly, a playful glint in her eyes. “It’s official—you’re my most favorite doctor!”
Before I could react, she threw herself at me. I caught her easily, but as I held her, a strange realization hit me—she was too light. Almost weightless. Her small frame pressed against mine, her warmth fleeting, like she might slip away at any moment.
I swallowed the unease creeping in and smiled. “Well, I’m honored. Thank you.”
She hummed happily, resting her head on my shoulder for a brief moment. I held her just a little tighter, ignoring the quiet ache in my chest.
She was about to say something when her eyes flickered past me. Her gasp was dramatic, filled with excitement. “Doctor Thorne!” she squealed.
My eyes widened as I turned around. Thorne stood at the doorway, arms crossed over his chest, a knowing smile playing on his lips. His gaze flicked between us, amusement glinting in his eyes.
“P-professor?” I called lightly. 
I heard him chuckle, and a sudden swarm of butterflies erupted in my stomach. “Is Doctor Zaira your favorite doctor now?” he asked, his voice light with amusement.
“Both of you are my favorite doctors!” Esme declared without hesitation, her smile beaming.
“Is that so?” Thorne mused as he effortlessly lifted her into his arms. “Well then, we better work hard so you can be discharged soon. I suppose Doctor Zaira has your test results ready, doesn’t she?” He turned to me, his smile teasing.
Flustered, I quickly glanced at my clipboard. “W… why, yes! She has good results!” I blurted.
Esme giggled. “Doc, you're holding it upside down.”
I froze, glancing at the clipboard—sure enough, it was upside down. My cheeks burned as I let out an awkward chuckle, shifting it back the right way.
Thorne gently settled Esme back into her bed just as her mother entered the room. She offered us a grateful smile before turning her attention to feeding her daughter.
“Thank you, doctor,” her mother said warmly.
“You’re welcome,” Thorne replied, then turned to me. “Coffey, come with me.” Without waiting for a response, he strode toward his office, leaving me no choice but to follow.
As I entered Thorne’s office, I looked at him. “You were there from the start did you?” I asked him. 
I heard him chuckle “Not quite” he said. “I didn't know Vanilla ice cream cake was your favorite,” she smirked. 
I rolled my eyes. “You're a stalker” I said playfully. “I didn't know you're good around kids,” I commented. 
“Surprised? I'm good at anything” he said walking towards me. His presence dominated the area. 
I raised a brow. “I know that face, there's no urgent conversation is there? Do you miss me already?” I grinned. 
He chuckled. “You read the situation too easily,” he said as he began to caress my cheek. 
Ny brows raised as he was about to lean in, I immediately raised my clipboard as he looked at me. I rolled my eyes looking at him amused. “I'll be happy that you'll be giving my patient a treatment for her syndrome” I said. 
“Well, I could but I need further assessments,” he said, smiling. 
“That's why, I'm giving you my findings. I'm sure that's enough” I said smiling. 
He smirked as he looked at my assessments. “It does, I'll look into it” I said. 
“Thanks, you know you make my job easier” I said as I tiptoed kissing his cheek. 
“You know, I would be much more energized if you kissed me here,” he smirked, pointing to his lips. 
“You're too demanding,” I teased, tiptoeing to press a soft kiss against his lips. The warmth of him, the faint scent of mint on his breath—it was enough to make my heart skip.
I hummed, pulling back just slightly. “Don't get too comfortable, I'm still on duty,” I said with a smirk.
“You can't blame me,” he murmured, his voice low. "You're just too irresistible.”
I chuckled, stepping away.
“Get back here,” he called, playful yet firm.
I shot him a knowing smile as I reached for the door. “I'll be waiting for her medication,” I said before slipping out, leaving him behind with a smirk of his own.
I froze. The steady rhythm of my footsteps faltered as my eyes locked onto the flashing red light outside Esme’s room. My heart pounded.
Without hesitation, I rushed forward, shoving the door open. The once-bright room now felt suffocating, the air thick with tension. Esme lay there, her small frame trembling, her skin unnaturally pale. The monitors beeps erratically.
“Esme?” My voice wavered as I hurried to her side.
A nurse scrambled beside me. “Her vitals are dropping—she's going into distress.”
I clenched my jaw. “Get Thorne. Now.”