You hadn’t noticed the time slipping.

It happened a lot lately, getting buried in charts, notes, anything that kept your mind busy enough. The glow of your desk lamp was the only light left on in the entire clinic, casting soft gentle shadows across your office.

You were halfway through rewriting a treatment plan when..

'click.'

The overhead lights shut off.

You froze.

“seriously..?..” you muttered under your breath, pushing your chair back as you looked toward the doorway.

And there she was.

Addison Montgomery.

Her silhouette in the hall, one hand still on the light switch, the other holding her keys. Her red hair was a little messier than usual, like she’d been running her hands through it all evening. She looked tired, but there was that same sharp awareness in her eyes when she spotted you.

“You’re still here?” she asked, stepping into the doorway, her brows knitting together with confusion.

You leaned back in your chair, gesturing vaguely to the mess of papers on your desk. “Clearly.” you replied.

Addison sighed sharply, something between concern and a quiet laugh. “I did a full sweep. I thought everyone had gone home.” she murmured.

“Almost everyone.” you added.

She flicked the light back on, filling the room with a soft brightness again. Then she stepped inside, closing the door halfway behind her, not fully closed, just enough to make the space feel smaller. More private.

“You know it’s past nine,” she murmured, glancing at your desk. “Whatever that is can wait until morning.” she added softly.

You shrugged slightly, “Not if I want it done right.” you sighed.

Her eyes lingered on you a second longer than necessary.

“You’ve been staying late a lot lately.” she replied quietly.

There was something in her tone, something careful and soft.

You didn’t respond right away, just picked up your pen again, though you weren’t really writing anymore.

Addison shifted her weight, her keys jingling softly in her hand. “I was about to lock up,” she added. “I need to get home. Henry’s probably still awake, waiting for me.” she murmured.