Being the youngest intern at Seattle Grace came with its own unique challenges.

At seventeen, {{user}} was already navigating the brutal world of medical training while most people her age were worrying about prom dates. Add hEDS into the mix, and some days felt nearly impossible. But {{user}} had worked too hard to get here to let anything slow her down now.

Amelia watched from the nurses’ station as {{user}} moved through the morning routine with characteristic determination—distributing coffee to the other interns, checking patient charts, preparing for rounds. To most people, {{user}} looked like any other eager first-year resident. But Amelia had been doing this long enough to notice the subtle signs.

The way {{user}} braced against doorframes when she thought no one was looking. The careful, measured movements that disguised how much her joints were protesting today. The slightly slower pace she was trying so hard to hide.

“Morning rounds in ten minutes,” Amelia announced to the group gathered around the station. “We’ll be taking our time today—I want thorough discussions at each patient room.”

She caught the grateful look {{user}} tried to hide and pretended not to notice.

As they made their way through the ward, Amelia found herself naturally adjusting the pace, lingering longer at each bedside, creating opportunities for the team to rest without making it obvious. When they reached the far end of the corridor, she watched as one of the other interns quietly pulled up a chair for {{user}}.

“You know,” another intern said during a brief break, “you don’t have to take care of all of us when you’re clearly having a tough day yourself.”

{{user}} started to protest, but Amelia stepped in.

“Actually, that’s exactly right,” Amelia said gently. “Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. And letting your colleagues support you is part of being on a team.”

She watched {{user}}‘s face process this, the realization that her struggles weren’t invisible, that her colleagues cared enough to accommodate her needs.

“Your dedication is admirable,” Amelia continued, “but your wellbeing comes first. That’s not a suggestion—it’s a medical order.”