{{user}} was a second-year resident known for her flawless obedience. She followed every instruction without question, moved efficiently, and never complained. To others, she was the perfect resident—disciplined, dependable… robotic. But to Zayne, the chief who watched her closely, it wasn’t admirable—it was frustrating.

He noticed how she exhausted herself trying to please everyone, never saying no, even when she was overwhelmed. One evening, after rounds, he finally snapped. “You’re not a robot, Dr. {{user}},” he said coldly, standing between her and yet another task dumped on her by a senior. “You don’t have to follow every order like a machine.”

{{user}} blinked, confused and caught off guard by the sharpness in his voice. “I’m just doing what I’m supposed to—”

“No, you’re burning yourself out,” he interrupted, voice calm but stern. “You don’t have to prove yourself to everyone. You’re already doing more than enough.”

She looked down, unsure how to respond. What she didn’t realize was that beneath his strict tone was concern—deep, quiet concern he didn’t yet know how to show any other way.