chapter 3
867 Words
Then Mira spoke without turning around. Finish your food. You’ll be coming with me later.
Rose looked at her with a confused look. "Where?" Mira put down her spoon. "To the clinic." Rose frowned. "The clinic?" Mira nodded. You got a job there..
I never went for an interview. It’s a favor from a friend replied Mira." Okay...
That morning they left the house together. The town looked the same as before. Rose noticed something now. People greeted Mira. Not warmly. Not openly. Just small nods… . Like they were acknowledging someone.
Rose frowned slightly as she walked beside her. “You didn’t tell me you were well known here " she said. Mira didn’t look at her. It's not important" she said simply.
People still stepped aside when they passed. They walked past the road again. Rose’s steps slowed without her realizing. The forest was visible from here, Rose stared at it. Mira noticed. “Don’t look at it for long " she said quietly.
Rose turned her head. “Why?" Mira paused. Then she answered carefully. “Because it starts looking back" Rose frowned. “That doesn’t make any sense."
Mira didn’t correct her. She just kept walking. They reached a building at the edge of town. A sign hung above the door: COMMUNITY CLINIC Rose stopped. “This is where I will work?" Mira nodded. “Yes." She pushed the door open. Warm air and a faint herbal scent came out. Inside people were already moving. Some were in pain. Some were waiting. Some were just watching. Rose hesitated at the doorway. It didn’t feel like a normal clinic.
Mira was already walking in. So she followed. Inside it was a mess. People moved quickly. Not carelessly. A woman at the desk looked up when Mira entered. She stood up. “Miss Mira " she said quickly. Mira nodded.
“Any updates?" The woman replied, "Two cases." Mira didn’t react much. Then she walked inside. Rose followed. People moved aside as Mira passed. They entered a side corridor. The smell of herbs grew stronger. Rose slowed down. Mira stopped in front of a door. She turned slightly. “You’ll observe first " she said. Rose frowned. “I already know how to observe." Mira looked at her. She opened the door. Inside was a room. A man sat on the bed holding his arm. It was bandaged. He was sweating. Restless. Rose stepped in behind Mira. She analyzed the injury. It was a fracture. Possibly from impact trauma. Not life-threatening. If not treated properly it could worsen.
Mira walked past her. Checked the patient’s arm. “Still hurts?" she asked calmly. The man nodded. “It’s getting worse." Mira didn’t react away. Her fingers pressed lightly around the bandage. Then she sighed. “You didn’t rest " she said. The man shifted. “I tried,. Work.." Mira cut him off. “Work can wait " she said firmly. Rose watched quietly. There was no panic. No rush. Just control. Like this was routine. Mira stepped back.
“Rose." Rose looked up. “Yes?" Mira said, "Sterilize the tools on that tray." Rose hesitated. Then she moved. She scanned the tray. There were forceps, gauze and antiseptic solution. Basic tools. She started working.
The patient spoke again. “She’s new?" Mira answered, "Yes." Rose focused on the task. The room felt weird. Not physically. Just in the way people breathed. Like they were careful not to disturb someone. When she finished she placed the tools back.
Mira nodded. “Good." Rose blinked at the approval. It was small. Not emotional. Just acknowledgment. Mira adjusted the patient’s arm. “We’ll set it properly now. Hold still." The man tensed. Rose stepped closer. “Do you want me to assist?" Mira paused. Then she glanced at Rose. “Are you afraid of blood?" Rose frowned. “I studied medicine." There was a silence. Then Mira said,don’t make mistakes."
The next few minutes passed quietly. No unnecessary words. Just. Instruction. Rose assisted. Slowly her expression changed. This wasn’t an ordinary town clinic. The way Mira worked… The way people didn’t question her… It wasn’t respect. It was recognition. When they finished Mira wrapped the bandage. “Done." The patient exhaled sharply. Relief flooded his face. “Thank you " he muttered. Mira nodded. “Rest properly this time." As they left the room Rose followed Mira into the corridor. For a moment she didn’t speak. Then she asked, "Aunt Mira… why do they listen to you like that?" Mira didn’t stop walking. “They don’t listen to me " she said. Rose frowned. “That doesn’t look like ‘not listening.’"
Mira glanced at her. “It doesn’t matter what it looks like " she said quietly. “What matters is what happens when you don’t listen." Rose frowned. “That still isn’t an answer." Mira stopped walking. Her eyes sharpened. “Night root doesn’t run on understanding. It runs on survival." Rose held her gaze. “I didn’t come here to be confused " she said. There was a pause. Then a loud crash echoed from deeper, inside the clinic. Metal hitting tile. Followed by a shout
- Writer
