LEILA
.
.
"Leila, isn't it?" she asked, her smile gentle.
"I'm Evelyn. Dr. Evelyn Reed. I guess you're the one he always talks about." The words hung in the air, warm and unexpected.
The one he always talks about, like me? And actually in what context?
Before I could even process it, she continued, her tone shifting slightly, becoming more direct but still gentle.
"I'm his doctor. And… his friend. We've been close friends for a long time."
Doctor. Friend. Therapist? The thought flashed, though she hadn’t said the word. It fit, somehow.
She examined me, her touch careful, professional.
Cleaned the scrapes, the deeper cuts, bandaging them with practiced efficiency, her movements were calm, reassuring.
All the while, she talked softly, her voice a steady presence in the ro
