Strings

Episode 3: The Scene Part 1

**Mauve's POV**

*7 AM alarm goes off.*

"Ugh. Why does waking up always feel like I got hit by a truck?"

I was still drained from yesterday's hectic shift, but I pushed myself out of bed anyway. I pulled together whatever strength and courage I had left, freshened up, and got changed into my scrubs. No time for drama today especially not with the Senior Doctor I’m currently working under. He’s a total crack. Not even joking. One mistake, and he’ll roast you like it’s his personal hobby. Doesn’t even have to be your fault.

"I swear, if he yells at me today, I might actually lose it," I muttered to myself as I tied my hair into a bun.

To avoid starting the day on an ugly note, I rushed out the door. No breakfast, just half a glass of milk, which I chugged while putting my shoes on. I planned to eat after finishing my morning rounds and patient follow-ups.

Once I reached the hospital, the pace picked up instantly. We had five back-to-back surgeries scheduled that day, and I was to assist in at least three of them. On top of that, there was a heavy patient rush, some needed check-ups, others were there for dressing changes, and a few unexpected walk-ins too. I gave some quick instructions to a few junior fellows to hold things down while I prepped our first patient for surgery. Despite my exhaustion, everything was running smoothly. Honestly, I like this. I may complain, but I do love my work. People say I’m hardworking and I won’t lie, I am. I pick things up quickly, and that earns me a lot of respect from my seniors and peers. It's a good feeling.

After the first surgery, we got a 10–15 minute break. I took the opportunity to rush to the cafeteria before I passed out. I grabbed a fresh juice and a burger basic, but just enough to revive me.

"You look half-dead," one of the interns joked as I wolfed down my burger.

"That’s because I am," I replied, mouth full. We both laughed.

Then it was back to the second surgery.

The rest of the day rolled by relatively smoothly. It was 3 PM when my shift officially ended. Finally. I could go home and breathe. I had a standard lunch in the hospital cafeteria nothing fancy and then took a glorious three-hour nap the moment I got home.

Honestly? It felt like I’d been asleep for a whole day. I woke up dazed but deeply satisfied.

"This... this is what happiness feels like," I whispered to my pillow before dragging myself out of bed.

After a quick shower and a hot cup of coffee, I started getting ready for dinner. I'd made plans with my friends earlier in the week just a simple girls’ night out.

I wore a yellow long dress that hugged my figure in all the right places but wasn’t revealing just the way I like it. Modest, but classy. It took me about 30 minutes to get ready. Perfect hair, a little bit of eyeliner, lip tint, done. I looked in the mirror and gave myself a small nod.

"You still got it, girl."

I met my friends outside my apartment building. We live close to each other, which is a blessing in a city like this. We walked to a nearby fancy restaurant one we love going to whenever we need a break from hospital food and mental fatigue. Dinner was full of laughter, gossip, and random stories, some personal, some completely ridiculous.

"Can you believe Dr. Raven tripped over the trolley again today?" Lisa laughed.

"Again?!" I nearly choked on my drink. "That man needs a license to walk."

"And maybe a helmet!" added Nia, and we all burst out laughing.

We talked about life, work, dreams, and even the stupid “what ifs” we always end up revisiting. We took tons of pictures, capturing every laugh and silly face, because that’s what we do make memories.

By the time it hit 10:30 PM, we were done and ready to call it a night. I walked home, still smiling.

Back in my apartment, I quickly changed into my comfy pajamasncotton shorts and an oversized T-shirt and curled up in bed. The soft glow of my purple fairy lights lit up the room just the way I liked it.

Lying in bed, I scrolled through the photos from dinner, smiling to myself.

“We look so goofy,” I thought, laughing quietly. “But happy goofy.”

And just like that, phone still in hand, I drifted off to sleep. Another long day behind me... and a new one waiting ahead.