“Don’t,” Maggie said firmly. “Don’t apologize for grieving.”
“She asked about you,” Evie said. “At the end. She said to tell you thank you. And—” Her voice caught. “And to tell you not to hide. That life’s too short for hiding.”
“She was a wise woman.”
“She was rooting for us,” Evie said. “Kara told me. She was happy we figured it out.”
Maggie cupped Evie’s face gently, thumbs brushing away her tears. “Then we honor her by not wasting the time we have.”
“Even if it’s hard?” Evie asked.
“Especially if it’s hard,” Maggie said.
They stood there in the hallway for another moment, holding each other, neither one caring who saw.
Finally, Maggie said, “Come on. Let’s go home.”
“I have rounds in four hours,” Evie said.
“Then we’ll get you home, let you shower and sleep for three hours, and I’ll make you coffee before you come back,” Maggie said. “But right now, you need to not be here.”
Evie nodded, too tired to argue.
They walked out of the hospital together, Maggie’s arm around her waist, supporting her. In the parking lot, the sky was just beginning to lighten—that deep purple-blue that came before dawn.
Maggie drove them home in silence, one hand on the wheel, the other holding Evie’s. When they got to the apartment, she guided Evie to the shower, then to bed, curling around her in the dark.
“I’m here,” Maggie whispered. “Sleep.”
And Evie did, feeling safe despite the grief, held despite the loss, loved despite everything.
Evie dragged herself back to the hospital at 7:30 AM, running on three hours of sleep and Maggie’s strong coffee. Daisy’s last breath imprinted in her thoughts. The grief she carried was real, and that made her a better doctor. At least that’s what she told herself.
Doctor Patel took one look at her and frowned. “Brooks, you look exhausted.”
“Daisy Carter passed away early this morning,” Evie said. “I was with her.”
Patel’s expression softened immediately. “I’m sorry. I know you’d been following her closely.”
“She was a good patient,” Evie said, her voice steady despite the exhaustion. “A good person.”
“Take it easy today,” Patel said. “If you need to sit out any procedures?—”
“I’m okay,” Evie interrupted gently. “I’d rather work.”
Patel studied her for a moment, then nodded. “Alright. But if you need a break, take it. Or someone to talk to. You know we have support in place.”
They moved through morning rounds, Evie forcing herself to focus. When they passed the hallway that led to the administrative wing, she spotted Maggie walking with Dr. Chen, both of them deep in conversation.
Their eyes met for half a second.
Maggie’s expression softened with concern.
Evie gave her a small nod:I’m okay.
Maggie returned it:I know. But I’m here if you’re not.
Then they both kept walking in opposite directions.
