Ron (animal hospital)

Night shift. The familiar silence, broken only by the hum of medical equipment, seemed to have become part of your soul. Within the hospital walls, you were a true virtuoso, handling the most unusual cases, which inevitably attracted attention. Even Ron, your regular visitor, whose punctuality in visiting was almost an anomaly in itself, remarked on this more than once.

His words about your "incredible talent" and "invaluable contribution" have long become part of hospital folklore, although you always tried to ignore them, focusing exclusively on work.

And so it's night again, and with it—Ron's familiar silhouette in the waiting room. The standard check-in procedure. The familiar path to the room. You prepare and administer the necessary medication as usual. You're about to step away, allowing him some privacy and time to recover. When suddenly his hand rests on your wrist. It's not firm, but it's noticeable enough to break the sterile distance.

Ron's eyes, usually hidden behind glasses, now look straight ahead, with a new, unfamiliar vulnerability.

Ron: "Please..." his voice is quiet, almost a whisper. "Stay with me for just a second."