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Samira watched Mel from the nurses’ station as she slipped out into the ambulance bay. The ER had been weirdly busy again and she could tell Mel had been getting overwhelmed. Over the months of the two working together she had picked up on Mel’s anxious ticks.
“Hey Dana if anyone asks where I am just tell them I stepped outside for a few minutes for a breather.” Samira said as she exited the nurses’ station.
“Everything okay kiddo?” Dana asked before Samira could escape.
“Yeah. Just saw that Mel stepped outside so I’m going to make sure she’s doing okay. She seems really overwhelmed today.” Samira replied.
“Here take her this. I don’t think she’s eaten anything.” Dana said, tossing Samira a sandwich.
She made her way outside and found Mel sitting on the ground back against the wall. She quietly sat down next to her and held the sandwich out which Mel happily accepted and unwrapped and took a bite.
“Thank you for this.” Mel said softly as she ate her sandwich.
“Don’t thank me. Dana noticed you hadn’t eaten so she told me to bring it to you. Are you doing okay?” Samira asked.
“No.” Mel admitted, “Today’s an off day and I was up late with my sister because she didn’t want to go to bed when it was time to, so I'm just very tired.”
Robby made his way over to the Nurses’ station and leaned against the counter. Dana glanced up from her computer and cocked her eyebrow at him.
“What do you need, kid?” Dana asked.
“Where’s Mel and Samira?” Robby asked.
“Ambulance bay.” Dana replied, “But before you go out there all hot headed Mohan said Mel’s having a tough day.”
“Got it. I’ll be back!” Robby called as he headed outside.
Robby stopped a few feet away from Mel and Samira quietly listening to their conversation before deciding to interject. He went over to the pair and sat down on the other side of Mel and motioned for Samira to head back inside.
“Talk to me kiddo.” Robby said as Mel picked at the skin on her thumb.
“I’m fine. Promise.” Mel said quietly.
“No you’re not Mel. What’s going on?” Robby asked.
“I’m just tired today. I was up late with my sister and then had the day shift today so I only got a few hours of sleep before I came in.” Mel replied, looking over at Robby.
“Okay well there’s two things we can do. I can have Dana pull a cot for you, set it up in a quiet area and you can get some sleep or if you want to go home for the day I’ll call Santos in early and put Samira on your patients for the rest of the day.” Robby offered.
“I’d feel bad leaving though.” Mel said softly.
“I do understand that however I’d rather my doctors be running at full capacity rather than be exhausted. It won’t count against you if you want to go home.” Robby said.
“Okay. I think I’m going to go home then and get some sleep.” Mel said as she stood up.
“You better be well rested for tomorrow kid!” Robby called after Mel.
“I will be, I promise!” Mel called back as she headed back inside to get her stuff.