Chapter 7: Home Is Where You Are

“You don’t like it? I asked your boss.” He looked so earnest, I almost believed him.

He looked so earnest, I almost believed him. I tried to act grateful, holding it up like a prize. I couldn’t keep a straight face.

Not wanting to disappoint him, I forced a surprised face. “Ahaha, I love it! How could any girl not want... a pink... bone...?”

“Hahaha, just kidding.” He snorted, then grinned wider.

He pulled out the bone, and underneath was a sparkling silver necklace. My breath caught.

The light caught on the pendant, sending rainbows across my palm. I gasped, genuinely delighted. It was beautiful.

“Wow... it’s beautiful!” I whispered, still in shock.

This time, I was genuinely thrilled. Ben took it out, walked behind me, and lifted my hair. I shivered.

His fingers brushed my neck, sending shivers down my spine. He clasped the necklace, his breath warm on my skin. My heart thudded.

His breath brushed my neck, and he whispered, “It’s on, Dr. Callahan. You’re not allowed to run away.” I melted.

“I won’t.” I promised, voice soft. I meant it.

I turned, smiling up at him. With a boyfriend like this, why would I? I felt lucky—really, truly lucky.

Even the next day, being in a relationship felt unreal. Humming, I walked into the hospital and ran into Marcus. My feet barely touched the ground.

He caught me in the hallway, eyebrows raised. “Yo, junior, you’re glowing. Something good happen?” He grinned, waiting for gossip.

Thinking of last night’s ‘good thing,’ I couldn’t help but smile and playfully punched him. Marcus pretended to gag, clutching his stomach.

He clutched his stomach, making exaggerated retching sounds. “Looks like your brain’s gone bad.”

“From what?” The attending looked confused, glancing between us.

Marcus grinned, never missing a beat. “Expired bottled water. Saw it last night—junior took the last one.”

“Ah!!! Marcus!” I chased him down the hall, laughter echoing behind us. The hospital felt a little brighter, a little more like home.

Every day in love feels like a romcom. I’ve started washing my hair regularly. Even when I get lazy after night shifts, I remind myself: you have a boyfriend now. No more excuses.

I even bought fancy shampoo, just in case. My roommates noticed the change, but I just shrugged and smiled. Life was good. I let myself be happy.

Ben’s job is just as busy as mine. We usually meet up at night. Luckily, our jobs are close, so we can sometimes grab dinner together. It felt like a small miracle.

We found a little diner halfway between the hospital and the precinct—burgers, fries, pie. Sometimes we just sat in the car, eating takeout and talking about our days. Those nights were my favorite.

After a while, marriage came up. It felt fast, but right.

“So fast, it feels like I just stopped being single, and now I’m meeting the parents.” I joked, heart pounding. Was this real?

Nestled in Ben’s arms, for the 203rd time I thanked the universe for giving me such a good man. I never wanted to let go.

He kissed my forehead, murmuring sweet nothings. I closed my eyes, savoring the moment. I wished time would slow down.

Ben was still looking at restaurant menus, his hand in mine sweating a little. He looked nervous, which made me smile.

He fumbled with his phone, scrolling through Yelp. I squeezed his hand, trying to reassure him. I loved that he cared so much.

“What do your folks like? Am I bringing enough?” He sounded anxious, but determined.

“It’s plenty—you’re basically buying out the store. Don’t be nervous, my family’s all about looks. You’re so handsome, they’ll love you.” I winked, hoping to calm him.

He laughed, but I could tell he was relieved. I leaned in, kissing his cheek. My heart swelled.

“Then I’ll pick you up after work tomorrow, and we can grab some fruit.”

“Okay, Officer Maddox.” I grinned, already planning what to wear. This was really happening.

I grinned, already planning what to wear. This was really happening. My stomach fluttered with excitement.

The hospital was busy as ever. Luckily, Marcus knew Ben was coming over and covered my shift. I was picking out Ben’s clothes in the office when I heard a commotion outside. My nerves spiked.

I paused, listening to the rising voices. Something felt off. My gut twisted.

Noise isn’t rare at the hospital, but I figured I should check. I slipped into the hall, pulse racing.

I slipped into the hallway, heart pounding. Nurses hurried past, faces tense. Something was wrong.

“Dr. Callahan!” A nurse called, voice urgent. I braced myself.

As soon as I opened the door, I nearly collided with a nurse racing over. I steadied her. “What’s up? Why the rush?” My heart hammered.

She grabbed my arm, eyes wide with fear. I felt her panic seep into me.

“Dr. Callahan...” she whispered, voice shaking. My stomach dropped.

She looked at me, worried. “There was a robbery downtown, the suspect had a knife, and the injured officer just got brought in...” Her words hit like a punch.

My blood ran cold. I clutched her arm, dread settling in my gut. Please, not Ben.

“Huh?” My voice barely worked. I could barely breathe.

“It’s a cop.” The words echoed in my head, loud and terrifying.

My mind buzzed. That word hit me hard. My vision blurred.

My knees went weak. I could barely breathe. I gripped the wall to steady myself.

“It’s Officer Maddox.” The world tilted. I almost collapsed.

Marcus walked over, face grim. I felt dizzy, and he caught me. His arms held me up.

His hands were steady, but his eyes were red. I clung to him, desperate for answers. I couldn’t stop shaking.

“Where is he?...” My voice shook. I needed to see Ben—now.

My voice shook. Marcus pointed upstairs, and I steadied myself and ran, thinking only: Ben, you can’t be hurt. Not you.

My feet pounded up the stairs, heart in my throat. I barely noticed the people I shoved past. Nothing else mattered.

When I got there, he was already in surgery. Not a word, not a glance. I didn’t know how many times I fainted from crying. That hospital light held all my hope. I waited, helpless.

I sat in the waiting room, fingers clenched so tight my knuckles ached. Nurses came and went, faces unreadable. Every second felt like an eternity. I prayed, bargained, pleaded.

Finally, after more than three hours, Ben was wheeled out. I jumped to my feet, heart in my mouth.

The doors swung open, and I rushed to his side. His face was pale, but he was alive. Relief crashed over me, leaving me weak. I sobbed, grateful and terrified.

“The wound was deep, and there was tearing. He’ll need to be monitored. Dr. Callahan... you should be prepared.” The words were clinical, but the look in the doctor’s eyes was kind. My heart clenched.

As a doctor, I knew what that meant. As his girlfriend, I couldn’t accept it. I refused to let go.

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. I refused to cry—not yet. I squeezed Ben’s hand, promising him everything.

I took his hand, squeezing it tight. I whispered promises I wasn’t sure I could keep. Anything to bring him back.

“Ben, Ben...” I whispered, voice breaking. Please, wake up.

He was moved to a regular room, still unconscious. I didn’t know how many days and nights I sat by his bed, calling his name. Time blurred together.

I slept in the chair, head on his pillow. I read to him, told him stories, played his favorite songs. Anything to bring him back. I refused to give up.

“Kid, eat something.” Marcus’s voice broke through my fog. He looked tired, but determined.

Marcus came in with a lunchbox, looking grim—probably because I was dragging everyone down. I smiled. “Thanks, Marcus.” I tried to sound normal.

He set the food down and squeezed my shoulder. “Autumn, don’t force yourself to smile. It’s okay not to.” His kindness undid me.

His words broke something in me. I let myself cry, just for a moment. Marcus sat beside me, silent and steady.

“I’m fine.” I lied, voice thin. But I kept going, because I had to.

Those words came out most these days. Even I was tired of saying them, but I kept working and smiling. It was all I could do.

I wiped my eyes, forcing a smile. Marcus just shook his head, but didn’t push. I was grateful for that.

Marcus didn’t say more, just patted my back and left. The room felt emptier when he was gone.

He paused at the door, giving me a long look. I nodded, letting him go. I was alone again, but not lonely.

A single room is quiet. Ben liked quiet. The afternoon sun was blazing, so I pulled the curtains, hoping he’d wake up—but he didn’t. He just lay there, silent. I waited.

I traced the outline of his hand, memorizing every line. The world outside moved on, but in here, time stood still. I wished I could freeze it.

“Ben, I haven’t washed my hair in three days. If you don’t wake up, this unique girl’s going to get snatched up by someone else...” I joked, hoping he could hear me.

I tried to joke, voice trembling. My tears soaked the sheets, but I kept talking, hoping he could hear me. I needed him to come back.

As I spoke, tears fell. The season we met had passed, and he slept on. My days were filled with work and him, but my endless words were never answered. The silence hurt.

I kept a running monologue, telling him about my day, my patients, the latest hospital gossip. Anything to fill the silence. I refused to let him go.

“We’re having a department dinner this weekend. Anything you want?” I asked, voice hopeful. I waited for a sign.

On night shift, Marcus came in with ramen, looking curious. He sat on the edge of the bed, slurping noodles. I watched him, grateful for the company.

He sat on the edge of the bed, slurping noodles. I watched him, grateful for the company. He handed me a bowl, urging me to eat.

“I’ll skip it. Still have work.” I tried to sound casual, but my voice was thin.

My eyes were sore from staring at the screen. Suddenly, someone gently covered my eyes from behind and turned my head. Marcus pushed the noodles to me. I managed a weak smile.

He grinned, trying to coax a smile out of me. I took the bowl, letting the warmth seep into my hands. It helped, a little.

“Work never ends. Dr. Callahan just graduated and wants to be a model worker? Want to take all our jobs?” Marcus teased, nudging me. I rolled my eyes.

He joked and pushed the noodles over. I took a bite, grateful for the distraction.

I managed a weak laugh, the sound unfamiliar in my own ears. It felt good to laugh, even if just for a second.

“Eat. We haven’t gotten together in a while. This weekend’s a good chance—who knows when the next will be.” His words were gentle, an invitation I couldn’t refuse.

Since he insisted, I couldn’t say no. I nodded, promising to show up. It felt good to be wanted, even if just for dinner.

The familiar Italian place was one I used to visit with Ben. In this city, every corner had our memories. I blinked back tears, determined to make it through the night.

The red-checked tablecloths, the smell of garlic bread, the clatter of dishes—it all reminded me of happier times. I blinked back tears, determined to make it through the night. I missed him.

“Come on—what are you waiting for?” Marcus called, waving me inside. I steeled myself.

Marcus came out to get me. It was freezing, and he only wore a gray sweater, looking thin. I worried about him, but he just grinned.

I shrugged off my coat, wrapping it around his shoulders. “You’ll catch a cold, dummy.” I fussed, but he just laughed.

“Marcus, you’ll catch a cold. The chief will yell at you.” I scolded, but he waved me off.

He pulled me in, taking my coat. His touch was warm, reassuring.

He grinned, eyes bright. “The heat’s on—you’ll be fine. Come on.” He led me inside, his energy infectious.

“Dr. Callahan’s here!” someone called. The room erupted in cheers. I blushed, suddenly shy.

Someone called out, and everyone turned. I waved awkwardly, cheeks flushing. The room felt too warm, too full of memories.

“We were just talking about you. Speak of the devil.” The attending grinned, patting the seat next to him. I slid in, grateful for the welcome.

He winked, squeezing my hand. I felt a surge of affection for the old man. His kindness steadied me.

“I don’t, I don’t.” The old doc still looked sharp, his glasses perched on his nose. He squeezed my hand, full of affection. I smiled, comforted.

He leaned in, voice low. “You’re a good kid, Autumn. Don’t let the world change you.” His words stuck with me.

“Autumn, I’ve watched you since your first year. You and Marcus are my best students. You’ve made me proud.” His voice was warm, full of pride. I blinked back tears.

His words warmed me, easing the ache in my chest. I felt seen, understood.

“That’s all thanks to your teaching, Doc.” I said, voice thick with emotion.

Marcus grinned, slinging an arm around the doc. He’d followed him for nearly a decade. Their bond was obvious.

They laughed, sharing an inside joke. I watched them, grateful for their friendship. I felt lucky to be part of it.

“Now he’s retiring, so you’re on your own. Don’t act like a kid anymore—especially you, Autumn, always the troublemaker.” He wagged a finger, but his eyes were kind.

I pouted, but everyone just laughed. The teasing felt like home. I smiled, feeling lighter.

“No way...” I muttered, but couldn’t hide my grin. The room buzzed with warmth.

I muttered, and everyone laughed. I felt a little less alone.

The doc’s tone turned serious. “Autumn, as doctors, we know there’s a lot in life we can’t control. Sometimes you have to let go.” His words stung, but I knew he was right.

I looked down, twisting my napkin. I knew he was right, but it was hard to hear. Letting go felt impossible.

I knew he meant Ben. I wanted to argue, but couldn’t—just nodded. My chest ached with longing.

I swallowed hard, promising myself I’d try. I owed it to myself, and to Ben.

“And Marcus.” He looked over. “Don’t hesitate. Go for what you want, or you’ll regret it.” The words hung heavy in the air.

Marcus nodded, his jaw set. I wondered what he was thinking. His eyes were far away.

“Got it, Doc.” His voice was quiet, but determined.

His words were loaded. After dinner, I had some wine. Just as I left, someone grabbed my hand from behind. My heart skipped.

The touch was gentle, familiar. I turned, heart pounding. Marcus stood there, eyes soft.

Looking at that slender, familiar hand, I remembered the first time I saw him in surgery. He’d always been steady, sure. I squeezed his fingers, comforted by their warmth.

“Marcus.” I whispered, not sure what else to say.

“Want to walk?” he asked, voice gentle. I nodded, grateful for the distraction.

“Sure.” I smiled, letting him lead the way.

We stepped into the night, snow crunching under our boots. The city felt quiet, peaceful. I breathed in the cold air, feeling alive.

Downtown was bright and busy. It must’ve started snowing during dinner, because the ground was dusted white. The cold wind blew, snowflakes landing on my shoulder. I shivered, but it felt good.

I tilted my head back, catching a flake on my tongue. Marcus laughed, the sound warm in the cold night. I laughed with him.

Marcus stopped. I watched him turn and adjust my scarf, his fingers gentle. My breath caught.

His fingers were gentle, tucking the wool under my chin. I shivered, but not from the cold. Something shifted between us.

“Autumn, I like you.” His words were simple, honest. My heart squeezed.

No preamble—he looked me in the eye and said it. I squeezed his hand gently, not sure what to say.

His confession hung in the air, delicate as snow. I took a deep breath, searching for the right words. I didn’t want to hurt him.

“Marcus...” I whispered, voice trembling.

“I know what you want to say.” He smiled, looking relaxed. “I just wanted to tell you. Doc said not to let things go, and I don’t want regrets.” His voice was steady, but his eyes were sad.

He looked away, shoulders tense. I squeezed his hand, offering silent support. I hoped he knew how much I cared.

“Come on, I’ll walk you home.” He smiled, masking his feelings. I let him lead me back.

He didn’t want to talk more, and I didn’t push. We walked in silence. Under the streetlights, he waved, disappearing into the night.

I watched him disappear into the night, heart aching for what could have been. I blinked back tears, grateful and sad all at once.

“See you tomorrow, kid.” His voice echoed behind me.

“See you tomorrow.” I whispered, watching him go. My heart felt heavy.

The next day, Marcus greeted me like always, as if last night’s talk was a dream. But I knew, we couldn’t go back. Everything had changed.

I forced a smile, pretending nothing had changed. But inside, I knew everything was different. I missed the way things used to be.

“Ben, I miss you so much.” I whispered, hoping he could hear me. The room was too quiet.

Countless times I told him, hoping for a reply. Suddenly, the warmth in my palm tightened, and my nerves jolted. I gasped, hope flaring.

His fingers twitched, then closed around mine. My breath caught, hope flaring in my chest. Tears sprang to my eyes.

“Ben!” I cried, voice cracking with relief.

Everything happened too fast. Amid the chaos, I heard my own messy sobs. I knew, I’d waited long enough. He was back.

Doctors rushed in, voices overlapping. I clung to his hand, refusing to let go. Tears streamed down my face, but I didn’t care. He was awake.

Ben’s consciousness slowly returned. The attending personally handled his recovery, calling it a wedding gift for us. I laughed, cried, and thanked everyone.

He smiled, weak but real. I pressed my forehead to his, whispering thanks to anyone who’d listen. I’d never been so grateful.

Marcus was sent to study in Boston for his work. When Ben and I saw him off at the airport, he held Ben’s hand for a long time, muttering, avoiding me. I hugged him tight.

We hugged, promising to visit. I watched him disappear through security, heart heavy but proud. I missed him already.

Another winter, on the street where he confessed and walked me home. No wind, just clear skies. The winter sun wasn’t hot, but it was warm. I squeezed Ben’s hand.

We walked hand in hand, boots crunching on the icy sidewalk. The city felt new again, full of promise. I breathed it all in.

Ben held my hand, walking on the outside of the sidewalk. Even in silence, happiness spilled over. I leaned into him, content.

He squeezed my fingers, tucking my hand into his coat pocket. I leaned into him, content. I wished this moment could last forever.

“What did Marcus say to you?” I asked, curiosity winning out.

I suddenly remembered. Ben didn’t stop, just tucked my hand into his coat pocket. He smiled, eyes soft.

“He said you’re the princess of the department—spoiled and lazy. He told me to be patient and never let you go.” Ben winked, squeezing my hand. I rolled my eyes.

I snorted, rolling my eyes. “What? Marcus would never say that.” I grinned, nudging him.

“Really. He also said you don’t like washing your hair, and after drinking expired water your brain isn’t too sharp, so I should take care of you.” Ben grinned, teasing me.

“He really said that?” I changed the subject, not wanting to admit it was true.

Ben laughed, squeezing my hand. “Doesn’t matter. I’m not letting you go.” His voice was soft, full of promise.

“You know, when you were out, I wanted so much to hold your hand like this and walk.” His words made my eyes sting. I squeezed his hand tighter.

I blinked, tears stinging my eyes. I squeezed his hand, grateful for second chances. I wouldn’t waste them.

“Sorry.” I whispered, voice thick.

He turned, those beautiful eyes looking right at me, just like I’d dreamed. My heart skipped.

“You should say sorry. You really owe me—I almost don’t want to forgive you.” He grinned, pretending to pout.

I lowered my head, eyes stinging, but I smiled. I was lucky to have him.

I wiped my cheeks, laughing through the tears. "What can I do? I’m stuck with you, so I’ll just have to spend the rest of my life making it up to you." I meant every word.

He lifted my hand and pressed his lips to my forehead. The gesture was gentle, full of love.

His kiss was soft, full of promise. I closed my eyes, letting the moment sink in. I was home.

“Besides, a doctor who hates washing her hair should be with a lazy cop like me.” Ben teased, squeezing my hand.

“Tch, if not you, I could find someone else, like...” I poked his side, grinning. He pretended to pout.

I poked his side, grinning. He just shook his head, pretending to pout. I laughed, happiness bubbling up.

As I searched for a comeback, he flicked my forehead. Ben spread his hands innocently. "It did it on its own. Not my fault."

“It did it on its own. Not my fault.” He grinned, daring me to argue.

I stuck my tongue out, but he just laughed, pulling me close. I let myself be pulled in.

“Ben Maddox!” I laughed, happiness flooding me.

As snow fell, all the waiting finally had an answer. I squeezed his hand, knowing we’d made it.

The world was quiet, the city blanketed in white. I leaned into him, knowing that, finally, I was home. My heart was full.