Melody
Once Luke was stabilized enough to buy us time—but not comfort—I forced myself to shift focus. If I didn’t keep moving, if I let my mind stay on the monitor numbers dipping and climbing beside him, I’d lose the clarity I needed for everyone else.
“Okay,” I said, pulling fresh gloves. “Let’s start with the shoulder.”
The man on the gurney grimaced as I cleaned the wound, my voice calm even as my hands worked quickly. “What’s your name?”
“Evan,” he muttered through clenched teeth.
“Well, Evan,” I said lightly, “I’m Dr. Melody Harper, and I’m about to make your night significantly less fun before it gets better.”
He huffed out a breath that might’ve been a laugh. “Figures.”
“No meds yet,” I reminded him gently. “Your blood pressure’s borderline, and I need you awake. We’ll do h
