(Years Later…)
*Beep*
*Beep*
*Beep*
[5:00 AM]
An alarm blared out from beside me.
My eyes reluctantly opened to the sight of a familiar ceiling.
The same cobwebs on its corners.
The same cracks that slithered throughout its surface.
The same dampness from the morning heat.
'Augggg....Work.'
My hands dragged along my face, as I rubbed my tired eyes.
With fortitude that could rival the gods I got up from my slice of heaven, to prepare my day in hell.
The room was... simple
Well, simple was an understatement, the damn thing was only big enough to fit a small van.
Thankfully though I was the only one here, the last place I rented was smaller... and they were for two people.
The dim lights of the smog-filled sky illuminated the room as I opened the curtains.
The sounds of cars speeding by reverberated throughout the small suite as I prepared for the day.
I started off with some light stretching.
*Crack*
'Fuck'
Ignoring my aching hips I headed straight to the communal dining room downstairs.
"Morning Solomon."
"Morning..."
I was greeted by the other tenants. Some, like me, were working adults. While the majority of them were students from the nearby college.
A group of students took up half the dinner table. Some looked tired, one was even on the verge of falling asleep.
'... Augghh, Three hours left before Finals.'
'...Well, I'm failing chemistry. See you guys next sem.'
'...Jasmine, wake up. There's still 2 more lessons.'
'...kill me'
'Ah yes. Cramming, a classic.'
That got a chuckle out of me as I walked past them heading to the kitchen.
Opening the cabinet I started to prepare for the morning rituals.
First things first— Breakfast.
It was a light and simple meal.
Eggs for the protein.
Rice for the carbs.
And an apple to finish it off.
Quick, fulfilling... and Cheap.
After rinsing my plates I went outside to grab a towel. The next ritual was a test of patience and willpower.
'Come on… Come on.'
My foot tapped rhythmically on the floor as I waited outside a door.
*Creak*
'Finally'
Someone stepped out from the small room, his form shivering as the wind swept through an open window. His pace was quick as he left, cursing as he went.
It was my turn now.
With a resolute breath I stepped through. The door locked as I entered, my face hardened as I stared at the tiled floor. Before—
*Splash*
The water was cold.
*Shiver*
The shuffle back to my room was quick as I practically bolted up the stairs.
I sidestepped past the ceiling fan before turning it off. After which I started to dry myself off.
*Ring*
*Ring*
*Ring*
Quickly hanging the towel on my shoulder I headed to my bedside drawer to answer the phone.
I glanced at the screen— Jarred.
Exhaling through my nose, I tapped on the screen to answer.
"Ohayo, Moshi mosh~"
I answered with the most authentic Japanese accent I could muster.
"Solomon! Hey, wait— wha— Huh??"
A jovial greeting answered before it spiralled to confusion.
The phone went silent as I placed it between my neck. With my free hands I started to put on the jeans I prepared last night.
"Hello? Jarred? Are you there?"
"Oh-Uh…I— You—AGHH… Can you cover for me today? My daughter, she—"
"Had another episode?"
There was a pause on the other end before a tired sigh answered my question.
"Yeah. I—sorry, I know it's sudden—"
"It's fine," I cut him off as I strapped on my belt.
"But you owe me lunch this time."
A tired laugh came through the line.
"Ahaha… deal. Seriously, man. Thank you. Safe travels."
"Take care of her," I said. "That's more important."
With that, I ended the call.
Quickly putting on my grey shirt, and sport shoes, I locked the door before heading out for the morning commute.
///
As always, the trip to the Hospital was suffocating, sweaty, and damp. The driver made sure every inch of the damn vehicle was filled to the brim.
In front of me was the Hospital I worked at. Looking up I could see the stylized name of the building— CrimsonLabs.
I winced as the sign flickered periodically.
'Still isn't fixed…'
*Swoosh*
A rush of cold air greeted me as I stepped inside. I quickly pulled out my ID and passed the reception desk, heading straight for the locker room.
The room was spacious but empty. It had two doors one that leads to the entrance and other one is connected to the staff room
After collecting my uniform I went to one of the changing rooms and to don them on.
Like everyone, the outfits consisted of a pair of red scrubs and white closed-toe shoes, the only difference was that I was wearing a white coat over mine. To designate my position.
Stepping outside and into the staff room I walked toward a console just beside the door. I swiped my thumb across the scanner. A soft beep confirmed I was officially on shift.
///
The day in the ward went by as a blur in my eyes.
Greetings exchanged in passing. Sometimes a few words here and there as I corrected the mistakes made by the trainees.
But most of my time was spent monitoring the patients, one after another.
Checking vitals.
Adjusting oxygen lines.
Replacing catheters with steady hands.
All with a clipboard in hand as charts were reviewed. Symptoms were noted and concerns were flagged for the doctors.
*Yawn*
My head turned to the clock hanging on the wall.
[10:31 AM]
'Break Time'
My mind was uncharacteristically groggy as I headed into the staff room. This time full, with people conversed within their formed groups.
'...Someone trainee accidentally threw away the spinal fluid on the centrifuge…'
'...Have you heard? There was an accident down fifth avenue yesterday…'
'...Haaaaaa, the patient on room 136 shat the bed again, I'll be right back''
Conversation echoed in my ears as I took a seat in a secluded section near the corner. My eyes scanned the room as I tried my best to find jarred among the crowd.
It felt weird being here. To see people laughing or just casually chatting with others.
A small part of my mind craved that sense of intimacy. But for the life of me I can't even hold a conversation.
A memory flashed in my mind. I once tried to enter the dating scene. Long story short I couldn't even answer a simple question like 'tell me about yourself'.
I winced as I stared at my palms, It was the first time in years that I reacted that strongly to an emotion… not since the deal—
'Huh? a deal?'
A sudden tap on my shoulder made me flinch. I quickly turned to see who it was — Jarred.
He looked worse for wear. Sweat still clung to his forehead as he heated a bag behind him.
'Nice. Just in time for Lunch'
"Yo, Yah done brooding in the shadows yet, Mr. Edgelord?"
"I wasn't brooding… Jarred"
"...Uh-huh. Here"
He walked to the other end of the table, before placing something and sliding it over— It was a small paper box, it was still warm as I opened it.
'Chicken, nice.'
"So… Solomon, I've been hearing some rumors lately"
I paused as I was about to take a large bite.
"What? I 'assaulted' someone again? That's the third time this month."
*Crunch*
"Oh no. It's just, remember the new batch of medtech's we got last week?"
"Mhmmm. Whah?"
"Well. Apparently, while they were doing their onboarding in the H.I.S, one of them found your employee profile— turns out they came from the same university you did."
My brows raised at that. It's been almost 15 years. How come they'd recognize me?
"They're telling stories about this, uh 'star-student' getting into drugs… then somehow acing the exam."
*Cough*
*Thump*
*Cough*
My hands thumped on my chest as I tried to help the chicken go down.
"Woah, Woah, take it easy, here"
Jarred moved quickly, pulling a bottle of water from his bag before offering it to me.
*Gulp*
"Thanks"
"...So, was that student you?"
"Can we not talk about it?."
"...Please?"
"Jarred. No."
I answered with finality before going back to finishing my food.
Jarred, for his part, winced before dropping the subject.
With a sigh, he turned to his bag, took another paper box, and began to eat.
"...sorry about that. It's just… surreal."
*Crunch*
"I mhean, yohve bhen herh foh threh years."
*Gulp*
"From what I've seen, you hate smoking, hate drinking…"
"You don't even have a significant other"
"…Honestly If someone told me you were celibate, i'd believe him."
My eyes twitched at that comment while my lips curled into a strained smile.
"Solomon, listen.. You're what, turning 36? Other than me you don't even interact with anyone else…"
Dusting off his fingers he leaned forward and whispered.
"... And look, don't get me wrong… If you swing that way, I'm flattered but…"
He flashed his hands at me showing a silver ring on his finger.
"Im a taken man."
Okay I was actually taken aback by that comment. Like if it were possible, the words 'What the fuck' could have creased on my brows.
Seeing me stupefied like this jarred snickered before continuing.
"Look man, I'm just… Worried, you know? Through all the years I've known you… you never seem to take a break.
Jarred slumped back in his seat as stared at me with a smirk
"Heh, if you're interested, Katherine knows a few people who don't mind a bit of an age gap. she could hook you up"
I stared at him. Face flaccid, voice flat as I answered.
"This conversation ends here."