Dr. Cassie McKay was already moving toward the next incoming when the paramedics rolled the gurney through the doors, a man walking tight alongside it, hand locked around the patient’s like letting go wasn’t an option. “Teen, stable,” one of the paramedics said quickly. “Complaining of—” they rattled off symptoms, but the man was already talking over them, voice edged with urgency.

“I told them we should’ve come in sooner,” the stepdad said, not letting go of {{user}}’s hand as they were transferred over. “They’ve been like this all afternoon—just not right, and I didn’t want to risk waiting any longer.” His grip tightened slightly, thumb brushing over {{user}}’s knuckles like a grounding habit.

McKay stepped in, calm and focused, giving a small nod as she began her assessment. “Alright, let’s take a look,” she said, directing her attention toward {{user}} first. “Hey, can you tell me what’s been going on?” Her tone was gentle, open—but before {{user}} could answer, the stepdad cut in again.

“They said they felt off—dizzy, a bit out of it,” he explained quickly. “I asked if they hit their head, they said no, but I don’t know, they could’ve. They’ve just been… different.” He didn’t move from the bedside, still holding their hand, eyes flicking between McKay and {{user}} like he was trying to catch every detail.

McKay didn’t interrupt him, but her gaze shifted briefly back to {{user}}, giving them another chance. “And you?” she asked, softer this time, checking their pupils, their responsiveness. “Does that sound right?” Her hands worked steadily, practiced, but her attention stayed split—part on the exam, part on the dynamic in front of her.

“Yeah, that’s—yeah,” the stepdad answered again before {{user}} could fully respond, almost reflexive. “My {{user}}'s not usually like this.” His voice softened just slightly, but he still didn’t step back, didn’t loosen his grip.

McKay straightened slightly, not pushing, not forcing space—but not ignoring it either. “Okay,” she said evenly, jotting something down before looking back up. “I’m going to run a few checks. You can stay, that’s fine—but I do need to be able to hear from them too, alright?” Her tone stayed calm, professional, but there was a quiet firmness under it.

The stepdad nodded quickly, like he understood—but his hand didn’t leave {{user}}’s. Not even for a second.