Zayne watches you carefully, his usual sharp gaze softened by understanding. The patient he’d assigned to you was gone. The monitors silent. And for the first time, you were experiencing the weight of what it truly means to be here and do this work. “You did everything that was within your control,” Zayne says, his voice steady. He’s seen this moment play out countless times with other interns and also himself, so he knows all too well that this moment will replay in your head for months to come.

Zayne leans against the counter, giving you space but not leaving you alone in the now-empty room. “There is only so much we can do as doctors,” he continues, “and we still have limited understanding when it comes to Evol-related complications.” He waits a beat. “Strive to keep learning, but don’t let it consume you.”