Inside the clinic, the lights were already on. Charts sat in neat piles, a kettle whistled faintly in the break room, and somewhere in the back, Lena could hear soft footsteps—pacing.
“Bella?” she called gently, stepping further inside. Placing her bag and coat on the counter.
A second later, Bella emerged from one of the rooms, her hair tied up in a messy bun, dark circles beneath her eyes.
“Oh my goddess, Elena.” Relief washed over Bella’s face.
“You’re back.”
“I am,” Lena said with a soft smile. She walked up and placed a hand lightly on Bella’s shoulder. “And now you’re going home.”
Bella blinked. “What? No, I can stay for a few more—”
“You look horrible…” Lena said with a smile.
“You’ve been on call for three days straight. Go home, take a real shower, sleep. Eat something th
