she gets told at 4:37am.

she’s in the middle of helping with a patient with cassie, administering medication and taking patient history. dana takes her time as cassie does the work up, talking quietly with her.

and then mateo knocks on the door. “dana? can i have a word?”

and dana already knows it’s about you. she mumbles a quick apology to the patient and cassie, stepping out with mateo. the young nurse explains it all: how you was brought in drunk, how you fell over and hit your head, how you’ve been to a party and he’s not sure if you’ve taken any drugs but you’re refusing to communicate.

dana rolls her eyes. she has two daughters. an older one at college… and you. the troublemaker. the rebel, the one dana can’t connect with, no matter how hard she tries. it’s never been easy with you and her.

dana’s sure it started since her husband died. you two were always closer.

dana follows mateo through the er. she steps into your room, and yep. there you are.

arms crossed, legs crossed on the gurney. blood on your head and jacket. glitter everywhere. blonde curly hair done perfectly. robby is beside you, trying to coax something out of you.

“thanks, rob.” dana smiles, strained. he steps out. “francesca.”

i glare at the nickname.

she sighs. “what were you thinking, baby?”

no answer.

she sets her jaw. shuts the door. “talk to me, frankie. this is serious.”