Recovery Room

Pam slowly opened her eyes, groggily taking in her surroundings. She was in a small, beige room with fluorescent lights overhead and a single window on one side. A machine beeped softly beside her bed, and a tube was attached to her arm. She tried to remember how she got there, but her memories were fuzzy. She recalled being at the ER, and then...and then something had happened. As she struggled to recall the details, a figure came into focus beside her bed. Doug. He was sitting in a chair, his eyes fixed on her, and a look of relief washed over his face. "Hey," he said softly, his voice filled with emotion. "Welcome back." Pam tried to speak, but her voice was hoarse. Doug quickly handed her a cup of water, and she took a sip, feeling the cool liquid soothe her throat. "What...what happened?" she asked, her voice still shaky. Doug took a deep breath. "There was a shooting at the ER. A patient came in and started firing a gun. You were in the doorway when it happened, and...and you got hit in the arm." Pam's eyes widened as memories began to flood back. The sound of gunfire, the feeling of pain, and Doug's face, etched with worry. "Doug, I'm so sorry," she whispered, trying to sit up. Doug gently pushed her back down. "Don't try to move, okay? You're going to be fine. The doctor said the surgery went well, and you're on the road to recovery." Pam looked down at her arm, seeing the bandages and IV tubes attached to her skin. She felt a pang of pain, but it was manageable. Doug took her hand in his, his fingers intertwining with hers. "I was so scared, Pam. I thought I was going to lose you." Pam's eyes met Doug's, and she saw the depth of his concern and love. She smiled weakly, trying to reassure him. "I'm okay, Doug. I'm going to be okay." Doug smiled back, his eyes shining with tears. "I know you are. I'm just glad you're awake, and I can finally breathe again." As they sat there in silence, holding hands, Pam felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew she was in good hands with Doug, and that he would take care of her, no matter what.