"I told you to be careful with this patient!" Fahlada's voice echoed through the corridor, her eyes locked onto the intern standing frozen near the nurse's station.
"She's a VIP. One complaint from her could put this hospital under fire."
The intern swallowed hard. "I—I didn't mean to upset her. I was just—"
"You were careless," she cut in, stepping closer. Her tone lowered, but somehow became even more intense.
"This isn't just about following procedures. We're not just doctors here, we're representatives of this hospital. Every word, every action, every expression reflects on us."
The young intern's hands fidgeted at her sides, her petite figure making it obvious that she was having a hard time. "I thought I was being polite, Doctor Thananusak."
"It's not just about being polite," she said, eyes narrowing. "It's about reading the room. Knowing when to speak and when to listen. That's what it means to be a doctor in this hospital."
Tan, who had been listening from the nurses' station, glanced up from his tablet.
"Lada, maybe take it easy. She's new, and people are starting to watch."
Fahlada didn't look away. "And this is the time to learn. We can't afford mistakes—not when one patient can drag down an entire department."
The intern nodded quickly, biting back tears. "I understand. I'll do better next time."
Fahlada exhaled through her nose, her stance softening just slightly. "Good. Because next time, you might be the one leading a team, and no one's going to give you a pass for being new."
"Follow up with that patient. Apologize and assure her she's cared for—respectfully, professionally."
The intern gave a small bow, her eyes lighting briefly behind her thin-framed glasses. "Yes, Doctor."
Fahlada walked away, her heels clicking briskly on the tile floor. Tan walked with her and whispered with a half-smile, "Remind me never to piss you off."
"Then don't make rookie mistakes," she added casually, not looking at Tan.
"Hey, hey, it's me. What's the matter this time?" Tan asked and stopped in front of his friend.
Fahlada shook her head, "Nothing… Now move."
Tan raised an eyebrow, arms crossed, and didn't move.
"Lada… Your mood swings are affecting everyone, come on, tell me…"
Fahlada's hands slipped into her coat pockets as she avoided his eyes, drawing in a deep breath to compose herself.
"It's Earn… I don't know where to place myself around her."
Tan tilted his head. "What do you mean?"
"She's home… but not home with me. It's like there's a wall between us," she whispered.
"I feel like I'm both too much and never enough."
"I know you're doing everything you can," Tan said, "But sometimes… It's not about what you do. It's about what she actually feels from you."
Fahlada met his gaze, her breath catching as Tan's words sank deeper than she would admit.
"I don't know what else to do to make her feel that. I've brought her tofu, I've been coming home earlier, and I even skipped the conference just to be with her. But it still feels like she doesn't even want me there."
Tan ran a hand through his hair, trying to make sense of his friend's worries.
"Have you tried talking to her? I mean, really communicating what's been bothering you."
"Of course I have!" she snapped, teeth gritted. "I even wrote it all down, told her how much I love her, and assured her of everything I feel for her. But I doubt she's even looked at it. Do you really think I'm not trying hard enough?"
Tan shook his head slightly, then stepped forward, placing his hands gently on her shoulders, a quiet gesture of reassurance.
"No, Lada. I know you're trying. You've been trying so hard it's tearing you up." He paused, speaking softly. "But this isn't about effort. That wall between you two isn't there because you failed. It's there because she's still carrying the pain of everything she's lost."
"And I've lost too. Am I not allowed to be hurt when she keeps pushing me away?" Fahlada's voice cracked with restrained emotion.
"You are. Of course you are. But we both know it was harder for her. You just need to keep being patient with her. She loves you, and when the time comes, everything will be back to normal," Tan said, meeting her gaze.
'Normal? Right…'
Fahlada looked down, her shoulders tense. She took a slow breath, trying to gather herself. Her fingers curled slightly at her sides, nails pressing into her palms, an attempt to stay calm.
'I've done everything I could. I've held it together for both of us, even when it felt like she didn't want me there. What else am I supposed to do? How long do I keep waiting for her to see me again?'
"I'm very patient. I know it's not easy for her. That's why I've been trying to be the strong one for us, to fix everything, but—" Fahlada began, her voice low, trying to explain.
Tan cut her off, his voice mellowed with concern threading through every word. "And that's wrong. Stop trying to fix it. Stop trying to be perfect. Just be there. Be real. That's what she needs. That's what you need."
Fahlada's shoulders sank, and for a moment, she closed her eyes, as if trying to hold back a tide she couldn't control anymore.
"It's still the real me, and that's what I've been showing her. If she's not seeing it… then maybe that version of me doesn't exist in her eyes anymore."
"Don't ever think that way, Fahlada," Tan said firmly, almost scolding. "Don't lose yourself. You've chosen a life with Earn—for better or worse."
Fahlada saw the weight of conviction in his eyes… Tan had always been there, through the beginning of her relationship with Earn, through the heartbreak when it all fell apart.
She didn't need someone to tell her what she already knew, but it helped to be reminded.
"You're right," she said softly. "I don't want the gap between us to grow any wider… but maybe I need to give her some space again. Maybe then, things will finally start to heal."
Before Tan could respond, a voice cut sharply through the hallway.
"P'Mor Fahlada!"
Both Tan and Fahlada turned at the shout. Tanya was hurrying toward them, slightly out of breath, strands of hair clinging to her forehead as if she'd sprinted all the way.
Her smile was bright, too bright.
"I've been looking for you," Tanya said, her eyes flicking toward Fahlada as she held a stack of files.
"For wha—" Fahlada started, but Tan interrupted firmly, stepping instinctively in front of her as if shielding her without a second thought.
"Why are you looking for Doctor Thananusak?" he asked, hands planted firmly on his hips. He didn't like how casually Tanya was calling his friend.
Tanya blinked, startled. "Well… not really for anything urgent. I just wanted to ask for some help with a case I'm reviewing and—"
"If it's not urgent, Doctor Sirin…" Tan said coolly, emphasizing her surname like a warning, "You can wait later. We're in the middle of something important."
Tanya's smile faltered for a second. She opened her mouth, then thought better of it.
"…Right. Of course. I'll come back later."
Tan gave her a curt nod before gently placing a hand on Fahlada's back and steering her away.
Fahlada couldn't say a word. She didn't look back either. But she felt it, that laden pause in Tanya's breath. That unfinished thing that hung in the air.
Tan and Fahlada stepped into a vacant on-call room. The door clicked shut behind them, muffling the hallway chatter.
"Well… Tan," Fahlada said, her brows furrowing in confusion. "What was that for?"
Tan turned to face her, his expression serious.
"Lada, again, that kid is not good for you. Or your reputation."
"What do you mean—" Fahlada began, but Tan raised a hand to stop her, forcing her into silence.
"I already warned you about her. Ros and Ra—, I mean the angel, told me everything… About Tanya's… feelings for you."
Fahlada exhaled sharply. She couldn't believe they had to talk about Tanya's feelings again.
"Whoever this 'angel' is, I don't care, Tan. I'm doing the right thing here. I'm not entertaining her, and I've made that clear. But I can't just cut her off, we're in the same hospital, the same specialization, and I'm her mentor, whether I like it or not." Frustration snapped through her words, though a trace of guilt tugged beneath the surface.
"I get that," Tan replied calmly. "But, you have to think this through. People talk. They already are."
"Let them talk. Again… I don't care," Fahlada muttered harshly, her eyes flashing with annoyance.
Tan stepped closer and gripped Fahlada's shoulder, giving it a firm shake to make her realize the reality of the situation.
"You should care. Because Earn would care. And whether or not you're doing anything wrong, perception matters," he said, a note of warning in his voice.
Fahlada stiffened under his grip, a quick shiver running through her as the weight of his words sank in.
"I hear you, Tan, but I'm careful. Nothing I do will give anyone the wrong idea," she said firmly, sliding his hands off her shoulders.
"I know you don't mean anything by it, but from the outside… it doesn't look that way. Tanya hangs around you too much, and she gets flustered every time you speak to her. That smile? People notice, Lada."
He dropped his hand with a sharp exhale, his voice cutting, leaving no room for excuse.
"You said you're having issues with Earn, your wife. Don't make it worse by bringing Tanya into it."
Fahlada leaned back against the nearby table, arms folded across her chest. She knew the importance of maintaining professionalism in the hospital, always being polite with patients and respectful toward colleagues.
Flirtatious gestures, compliments, and even the occasional persistent admirer were part of the job, and she had learned to handle them with grace. She never entertained any of it.
Boundaries were clear, and she kept them that way.
But Tanya was different.
She made her feel something lighter, in moments when everything else felt heavy; she enjoyed talking to her or just being around her.
She was a distraction, and that was dangerous.
"Being kind is one thing," Tan pointed out. "But letting her orbit you like that? You're giving her room to hope for something that won't happen. And that's not fair… to her, to you, and especially to Earn."
Fahlada went silent, her breath held tight. Her fingers dug bruisingly into her sleeves, the tension nearly breaking through the thin facade she wore.
"I understand," she said at last, voice firm. "Let's stop here. I appreciate your concern, but… I've got this, thank you, Tan."
Fahlada placed a reassuring hand on Tan's shoulder, a silent gesture of gratitude and closure. Then she pushed herself off the table and walked out, deliberately widening the space between them. She could hear him trying to say something more, his voice trailing behind her, but she didn't turn back. war
Her steps quickened down the corridor, each one firm and intentional. She needed distance, not just from the room but from everything it represented.
By the time she reached the end of the hallway, she had made sure no one would follow. Her mind, however, was already crowded with thoughts of Tanya, about how to avoid her, and why that felt both necessary and cruel.
Tanya hadn't done anything wrong, not really. And yet, being near her felt like walking a tightrope that Fahlada wasn't sure she could stay balanced on.
As she turned the corner, lost in those thoughts, she collided with someone, sending a stack of files scattering across the floor.
"Sorry," they both said at once, instinctively bending down to gather the scattered documents.
"P'Mor?"
Fahlada glanced up, startled. Of course, it had to be someone she knew.
"Tanya…" Fahlada gasped, her voice catching slightly.
She hadn't expected to see her so soon, especially not under these circumstances.
Tanya let a coy smile play on her lips, and Fahlada wavered before reaching for a stray folder near Tanya's hand.
Their fingers brushed.
Both pulled back a little too quickly.
"I didn't mean to—" Tanya started, then stopped, her eyes flicking away.
"It's fine," Fahlada said, too fast, too flat. She handed over a few papers, avoiding Tanya's gaze.
Tanya took the files, fumbling slightly as she tried to manage them with a small paper bag pressed awkwardly against her side. Fahlada noticed, wondering why Tanya was still carrying paper files when the hospital had already switched to tablets. It felt odd, but she didn't bother to ask.
"Thank you, P'Mor," she said with a small, almost nervous smile.
Fahlada straightened, brushing off her coat, already preparing to walk away when Tanya's voice stopped her.
"Fahlada… are you busy?" Tanya said, deliberately using Fahlada's name, as if saying it aloud could draw the doctor she admired to her.
Fahlada paused, blinking.
"Well… ahm…" She searched for an excuse, her mind scrambling, Tan's words echoing faintly in the back of her head.
"It's okay," Tanya said softly, realizing from Fahlada's hesitation that she wasn't truly busy; she just couldn't bring herself to admit it.
"I… I hope you're not avoiding me."
"Of course not," Fahlada said quickly. "Why would I?"
"Nothing. It just feels like… like you've been keeping your distance from me."
Tanya looked at her for a beat, then glanced down. Guilt flickered across Fahlada's carefully composed face, but she didn't respond.
Time slowed to a crawl, each second pressing on Tanya's chest. Her lips parted, as if she wanted to say something else, but instead she shifted the papers in her arms and forced a professional tone.
"I just wanted to continue our talk about the case review, the melanoma case. Your insight really helped last time, so I made sure to bring the printed reports along."
Fahlada looked at her intern, meeting those serious eyes that seemed to ask for nothing more than guidance. Tan's warnings still echoed sharply in her mind, but she told herself,
'Focus. It's just work. Nothing more.'
While waiting for Fahlada's answer, Tanya adjusted the stack of files, causing the paper bag at her side to wobble slightly.
Before it could slip, Fahlada's hand shot out, catching it just in time. Tanya's cheeks flushed, and she offered a small, sheepish smile.
"Whoa, the floor almost ate it," Tanya joked, trying to ease the tension.
Fahlada held the paper bag, noticing the logo of her favorite dessert shop.
"These desserts are really good," she said, with a hint of surprise in her tone.
"That's true," Tanya replied, a little awkwardly. "Strawberry shortcake is classic, but… their banoffee is my favorite."
Fahlada's eyes widened slightly, a small flutter of delight passing over her face.
"Mine too," she admitted.
Tanya's smile broadened, excitement brightening her face.
"Really? I wouldn't have guessed. Actually… I have two here," she said, almost daring to suggest they share, but then faltered.
"Please, take the other one."
"I couldn't… It's yours," Fahlada replied gently and handed her the bag.
"No, I insist—for the inconvenience I caused just now," Tanya said, her voice clear despite the nervous energy behind her smile. She held Fahlada's gaze, leaving no room for argument.
Fahlada's fingers hovered over the paper bag for a moment before she gave a small, reluctant nod.
"Alright… thank you," she murmured, almost hesitantly, as she carefully took the banoffee and handed the bag back to Tanya.
"I also make desserts sometimes," Tanya added, trying to sound casual, "Maybe I could bring you some of my banoffee one day."
Fahlada tilted her head slightly, eyebrows raised in amused surprise.
"Wow," she said, her tone playful. "With your packed schedule and a pet adoption center on the side, you still find time to make desserts? I might have to see that to believe it."
Tanya's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Hey, I do manage to squeeze in a few things here and there… and maybe I could show you a trick or two sometime."
"Oh, really? You think you could keep up with me? Just so you know, I'm pretty unbeatable at most things." Fahlada teased.
She let a faint, amused pause hang in the air, letting the challenge settle between them.
"Oh, I could keep up… and I can cook too. Name something, and I'll make it for you, plus a banoffee on the side." Tanya dared.
Fahlada shook her head, laughing with restraint, the sound warm and unguarded.
"You're a stubborn child, you know that? Always trying to show off. Fine… try making a glass stir-fried noodles, and I'll be the judge."
Tanya's eyes lit up, clearly entertained by the challenge, and a grin spread across her face.
"Challenge accepted!"
They laughed together, and for a moment, the weight of earlier tension eased. Fahlada let the moment linger, a faint smile tugging at her lips as she found herself staring at Tanya's smile longer than she meant to.
She shook her head slightly, fingers tightening briefly at her sides as she forced herself to push away the distracting thoughts and focus.
"After my shift, we can go over the case, if you're free," she added, her tone light, keeping it professional.
"Great. I'll wait, then," Tanya replied, a faint warmth in her voice betraying her interest.
Fahlada gave her a polite nod and walked away, the taste of unexpected sweetness lingering, not just from the banoffee but from the small, unspoken connection that made keeping boundaries all the more difficult, especially when the other person kept inching closer.
___
Lake House.
Earn stood in the kitchen, slicing tomatoes with slow, deliberate movements. The pot on the stove simmered, filling the room with a comforting warmth. She had planned to have everything ready for Fahlada, but her thoughts were interrupted when her phone buzzed.
She glanced at the screen.
Fahlada: 'Sorry, I'll be late again. Rounds just got extended.'
She stared at the message for a long moment, then locked the screen and set the phone down with a breathy sigh, forcing herself to return to the task at hand.
"Again?" Susi said, her brow furrowing. Standing beside Earn, she caught a fleeting look of disappointment.
Earn forced a small, controlled smile. "She's just busy. Mentoring interns, surgeries, meetings… taking care of the new hospital branch in the suburbs. You know how it is."
Susi crossed her arms, her gaze settling. She didn't want to push her friend tonight, not when Earn already looked so worn.
It was clear Earn had been making an effort, even taking the time to prepare food so Susi wouldn't have to worry. She wanted to show that she was okay, holding herself together not just for Susi's sake, but to prove to herself that she could.
"So, how are you holding up with this busier version of Fahlada?"
"I'm okay," Earn replied, her voice low as she stirred the pot without looking at her friend.
"She's actually coming home earlier these days. We're doing well."
Susi studied her closely, a faint crease of concern between her brows.
"Really? So being late today counts as her new early? Come on, you always say you're okay when you're not."
Earn didn't respond. The dim kitchen light cast shadows under her eyes, making the exhaustion more visible. Even in a hoodie and soft shorts, she looked drained; emotionally more than physically.
"When's the last time you went out? And I don't mean errands or groceries," Susi asked, resting a hand on her hip, her eyes curious.
Earn shrugged slightly. "Doesn't matter. Fahlada and the helpers usually handle the grocery runs, and I'd rather just stay home."
"It matters, Earn," Susi said gently. "How about we go out? Just dessert, nothing fancy."
Earn waved a hand dismissively, a faint frown curling her lips. "But I'm cooking…"
Susi shifted a step closer, her eyes locked on Earn's as she tried to read her friend's behavior. She hadn't forgotten that awful day; the blood, the panic.
She didn't want Earn to keep reliving it, and even more, she didn't want her to disappear into it.
Earn had been pulling away from everyone, yet Susi remained persistent. She had given Earn time and space, both as her manager and as her friend. Now, if Fahlada was moving forward, it was time for Earn to do the same.
"Let's go! I'm not letting you spend another night waiting by your phone like some lonely housewife in a soap opera," Susi insisted with a teasing lilt underlining her concern.
Earn let out a faint, dry laugh. "That's exactly what I feel like."
Susi wanted to say more, something like, "Stop doing this to yourself!" but she didn't.
Instead, she smiled, though beneath it her eyes shimmered with concern. Watching her brilliant friend fade was agony; the spark that once so fiercely defined Earn now barely flickered, and that loss hurt deeply.
'I can't let her keep doing this to herself,' she thought. 'She needs a break, no matter how small. She deserves that much.'
"Just come with me. Fahlada can eat whatever 'that is' when she gets home. If she's coming home late, you should be late too."
Earn didn't respond. Her fingers tightened around the spoon. Just then, Tofu bounded into the kitchen, tail wagging, tongue hanging out in a goofy grin. He nudged Earn's leg, then hopped up with his front paws to peek at the cutting board.
Earn chuckled faintly and placed a hand on Tofu's head.
"He always knows when I need a distraction."
"He's smart. Like her mama," Susi said with a wink.
Earn gave her a look, eyebrows slightly raised. "Don't butter me up."
"I'm not, just stating facts," Susi teased, reaching down to pat Tofu's head. The puppy barked softly, wagging its tail as if it enjoyed the attention.
"See, he agrees."
Earn ignored them and continued cooking, but Susi wasn't going to back down that easily.
"Actually… speaking of distractions, you need to see this." Susi dug into her tote and pulled out a folder, holding it toward Earn.
"I spoke with a friend in the network who knows a well-known director. They're casting for a film that's raw, emotional, and character-driven, and they need someone with real depth."
Earn's eyes widened, and she blinked once, as if making sure she'd heard correctly.
"You're offering me a job?"
"I'm offering you a reminder," Susi said, stepping closer.
"Of who you are. Not just Fahlada's wife. Not someone waiting around. You. The Earn who lit up on set, who could pour heartbreak into every take."
Earn stared at the folder. "I don't know…"
"Just read the script," Susi said, placing it carefully on the counter. "And come have cake with me. Your baby can come too."
Tofu barked again, as if sensing there would be food for him.
Earn looked down at Tofu, then back at the folder, and finally at Susi, torn between staying home and the small flicker of something she hadn't felt in a long time,
a spark of excitement.
"Fine," she said with a smirk.
Susi's face lit up like sunshine as she scooped Tofu into her arms, holding his little paws in hers as he wobbled upright.
They spun across the room, Susi laughing so freely it was contagious, while Tofu tried and failed to keep up, his tail wagging energetically and tongue lolling out.
Earn couldn't help but smile at the sight, a silly, warm joy that lifted her chest.
Susi was still holding Tofu's little paws, spinning him fondly, when she looked at Earn and grinned. "You're not going outside with that look, right?"
"What's wrong with my clothes? No one's going to recognize me anyway." Earn frowned, a teasing edge in her voice.
Susi gave her a pointed look that made Earn sigh softly. She took a breath, glanced toward her bedroom door, and finally relented.
"…Alright, alright. I'm going to change my clothes."