Emery [bxb]

137

At this point in the day, I've diagnosed a deep vein thrombosis in the leg, followed by rheumatoid arthritis, followed by congestive heart failure.

The pager sounds off just as I'm about to grab a bite, signalling an emergency. Nurses swiftly start the IV and begin administering the medication, stabilizing the patient.

One myocardial infarction, one pulmonary embolism, and one something-we'll-have-to-run-tests-to-confirm later, I'm leaning against the wall in the hallway just catching my breath. Emery is doing the same across from me. Those big, expressive eyes of his are calming and reassuring as ever when we make eye contact.

"You alright?" His pallor belies his own exhaustion.

"Yeah..."

"You sure? I don't wanna code you later."

"I'm fine. Just...so tired."

"Hey." He comes over and wraps me in a fierce hug. "I love you, man."

I wrap him in my arms and he looks up at me while I lazily stroke his curls.

A couple passing doctors and nurses give us odd looks.

"There a problem?" I ask them.

No one has a problem, apparently.

"I love you too," I hum happily, gradually feeling my mood lift with each passing second I hold Emery.