DASHIELL
Monday Morning
The hospital felt tense but strangely quiet.
I walked the corridors with my tablet held perfectly level, fingers tapping a steady rhythm against its side. My left foot rubbed against my right ankle every few steps. The weekend had helped, but the static still hummed under my skin.
Calliope's removal had happened on Friday. By Monday, the gossip had settled into careful whispers and quick glances. No one spoke openly anymore.
I was reviewing Sophia's post-op notes at the nurses' station when Leo walked by, voice low.
"They're burying it," he murmured. "Official story is 'serious equipment malfunction and protocol violation.' No mention of sabotage. Dr. Langford is just… gone. Terminated for cause. The hospital isn't telling the families the real details."
I stopped tapping.
"So Elias's parents don't know?" I asked.
Sari, appearing beside Leo, shook her head. "The hospital is offering support and compensation quietly. They don't want a scandal—especially with the Astor name involved."
I rocked slightly on the balls of my toes. "That makes sense. The hospital is protecting itself."
Leo gave me a sympathetic look. "You okay with that?"
I adjusted the strap of my tablet case until it sat perfectly straight. "I don't like it. The parents deserve the truth. But… I understand. A public lawsuit would be very bad for the hospital."
I spent the rest of the morning in my usual routine: checking on Sophia (slowly improving), reviewing Elias's charts (stable but with lingering stroke effects), and keeping everything meticulously organized. The guilt about Elias remained, quieter now, but present. Knowing the hospital was covering it up made the static louder in a different way.
By 6:45 PM, I was done. I finished my last note with perfect alignment, closed the chart, and powered down my computer. My brain had reached its limit. I needed quiet and routine.
I packed my bag carefully, folded my white coat neatly, and walked out of the neurology ward on the balls of my toes, fingers tapping steadily against my thigh the whole way to the main entrance.
Alexander was already waiting near the doors, tall and composed in his white coat. He fell into step beside me, one hand resting lightly on the small of my back as we headed to the car.
The drive home started quietly. I adjusted my seatbelt twice until it felt right, then stared out the window, foot still rubbing against my ankle. Alexander's hand settled on my thigh, warm and heavy.
"I have a surprise for you when we get home," he said calmly.
I turned to him, fingers tapping faster. "A surprise? I don't usually like surprises—they make my brain too loud because I can't prepare. But… if it's from you, it might be okay. As long as it's not too sudden."
His lips twitched in that tiny almost-smile. "You'll like this one."
I hummed. "Okay. I trust you."
We pulled into the garage. The moment we stepped into the living room, I froze.
"Surprise!"
Mom, Dad, and Selene stood there with wide smiles. Balloons and a small welcome banner decorated the wall. Selene was practically bouncing.
I stood very still, fingers tapping rapidly against my thigh, foot rubbing hard against my ankle. My brain went loud—too many people, unexpected, no warning.
Then I processed. It was them. My family.
A small, genuine smile formed. "You're here. All of you."
Selene laughed. "We missed you, big brother! We're staying for a whole week!"
I rocked once on my toes, happy but overwhelmed. "I'm glad to see you. But next time please tell me before you come."
Dad chuckled warmly. "Sorry, kiddo. We wanted it to be a nice surprise."
"But… the hospital?" I asked honestly. "You're the CEO. Who's covering everything?"
"The hospital can survive without me for a week. I left it in good hands. I've been wanting to see how you're settling in… with everything." He glanced at Alexander.
I nodded, still processing. "I understand. I'm happy you're here. Just… no more surprise visits, okay?"
My mother smiled softly. "Of course, sweetheart."
Selene looked between us, eyes sparkling. "So… can we stay?"
I glanced at Alexander, then back at my family. "Yes. You can stay."
Alexander stood calm and unreadable beside me, but his hand brushed mine in a secret, grounding touch.
After the sudden arrival left my brain buzzing, I retreated upstairs for a long, hot shower. The water pressure beat against my shoulders until the static eased. I changed into my softest pajamas—an oversized light gray hoodie and matching sweatpants that didn't scratch my skin.
Before heading downstairs, I stood in front of the aquarium, rocking gently on the balls of my toes.
"They're here," I whispered to the fish. "Mom, Dad, and Selene. I'm a little overwhelmed, but I'm happy too." I dropped a tiny extra pinch of food as a treat. "Thank you for listening."
I adjusted the hem of my hoodie until it felt right and went downstairs.
I paused at the living room entrance. Alexander sat with my family, completely at ease. He was explaining a complex congenital heart case from last month, voice calm and measured. My father listened intently, nodding with genuine interest. Selene leaned forward, eyes wide. My mother wore a warm smile.
"…and that's when I told the resident that if he couldn't tell the difference between the pulmonary artery and the aorta, he should reconsider his career choice," Alexander said smoothly.
Dad burst out laughing. "God, I remember those days. You handled it better than I would have."
Selene laughed brightly. "Wow, you're really smart. No wonder Dash likes you."
Alexander's lips curved into a small, genuine smile—tiny, almost invisible to others, but I noticed it. He looked pleased.
My mother replied warmly, "We're so glad Dashiell has you. He's always been so focused on his work."
Alexander inclined his head. "He's mine to protect. I take that seriously."
Selene giggled. "He's like a scary guard dog. But the hot kind."
Mom lightly smacked her arm, smiling.
I watched them quietly. Alexander was talking to my family like it was the most natural thing in the world—intelligent, calm, engaged. He wasn't faking it. He was actually enjoying himself.
That surprised me.
I tapped my fingers lightly against my thigh, a small smile forming.
Alexander glanced up and saw me. His eyes softened instantly. "Come here, little anomaly."
I walked over and sat half on his lap, leaning into his side. His arm wrapped around my waist immediately, possessive and grounding.
My family watched with soft, knowing smiles. Selene looked like she was trying not to squeal.
"You look cozy," she said. "We were just hearing about Alexander's crazy surgeries. He's kind of a big deal, huh?"
I nodded honestly. "He is. He's the best cardiothoracic surgeon in the region."
Alexander's hand stroked my back once. My mother smiled at us both.
"It's lovely to see you two together like this."
I leaned into Alexander's side, the static in my head finally quieting. "It feels… right."
I looked at him quietly. "You were making them laugh. That's… nice."
He pressed a kiss to the top of my head, voice low enough for only me to hear. "Anything for you."