Work Text:
There's something down the hall.
Intern cannot get that idea out of their head, nerves jittering, senses on full alert itching at their mind and stirring in their bones. Really, it isnt just an idea. It's the full truth, isn't it? You learn that on your first day here. No. Your first hour. The few co-workers, with all their cryptic warnings and attitudes. They all act like they somehow know something that Intern doesn't. Like they're in on some big secret that Intern is just oblivious to, and knowing this hospital thats probably true. Thats fine.
They grab around for their coffee mug, dot eyes fixed on the grimy floor tiles.
The mugs empty.
they look up, eyes constricting. They jerk their head towards the back of the room, more coffee is brewing. After stopping, they bring the mug back up to their mouth. It takes a few seconds, but at last, one singular measly drop slides, dropping down into their mouth.
Disappointed, they slam it down. Maybe they're stupid for actually wanting to get a full, real job here. Absolutely crazy for wanting to work in a place like this. Its not safe. But it might be the safest place they can get.
Alot would've given up, gone running for the hills, far far from this hospital, this town, find a alternate mean to satiate themselves. But Interns different than those ones, they suppose. In alot of ways, really.
They've fallen into routine here and routine is good. Just allow the muscle movements from habit take over without any concious thought. Their victory also tastes especially good knowing they're helping people.
a spasm goes through them, intentional or involuntary. They cant tell. Their hand goes loose around the mug--- it clatters off the desk. Nothing to spill fortunately, but maybe not so fortunate because it shatters so loud, ceramic shards at their feet. That's a hazard. A short but sweet life. They liked that mug.
Their ears pin back, looks around. But even still, no one comes. None of the nurses, no one. Intern knows they would've come running if they'd heard that shattering, maybe they're just different from those others in that way. More competent?
The pieces gleam in florecent light, who knew broken ceramic could be so shiny? Their heart continues pounding, hitting in their chest, strange.
Why had their hand done that? Then again, it has been a long day, very long, long shift, long night, and its safe to say that they're tired. Is that so illogical to think? Even interns feel tired at some point. And after hours of sitting doing nothing, they're exhausted.
When they start thinking like this, its a sign that what they need is another cup of coffee. That muted, bitter taste, that seems to linger on your teeth, here the coffee is both watery and somehow gritty atthe same some. But either way, it might as well be heaven.
A beautiful reprieve after hours, hours, and hours here. Yes. Well, another mug should come first. it wouldnt work to scald their hands while trying to cup the coffee flowing from the coffee machine, would it? Not ideal.
Now that prospect certainly gets them up, the rickety wood chair crying out a creak confused by their sudden departure. Coffee. They stretch their arms above their head, before scurrying over to the coffee machine—so fortunately by now the coffee pot is nearly full, a slap to the coffee makers side and it should be done in about minute or two at the earliest.
They shakily pick up a spare mug and stands waiting eagerly, their ears perked, listening for anyone who may try to steal, but its just the hiss of the air-conditioning and the coffee makers grand-effort it takes to function. The coffee maker gurgles, the overhead lights giving a quick flicker.
Their mug goes clattering onto the floor. It's like a barriers fallen, that last, final thread holding them back. Everything else is irrelevant when they finally get their coffee.
Their jaw unhinges, green saliva threading on tapered teeth and they swallow. Something in them still recongizes that it burns, that it's scalding them, but when the sheer euphoria hits, it all dissipates.
They're a good worker. An excellent worker, working tirelessly. They arent going to be humble about it, they're the only one who actually does any work around here. Their co-workers all know how hardworking they are! How hard it can be.
Something rustles in the waiting room, a wide-eyed tabby stood away from the window judging. Intern ears perk up.
This cat is unfamilar, but that glinting shinied look in their eyes is something intern knows deeply. Intern straightens, wipes their mouth clean and strolls up to the window beckoning them with a wave of the hand and their best smile.
The first patient in hours.