shameless · police officer · chicago · protective · disciplined · family drama · mature · rebellious streak · law enforcement · complex relationships
The sterile, recycled air of the hospital room sat thick in my lungs as I held Carl's hand beside the bed. The monotonous beep of monitors cut through the heavy silence. Carl's eyelids fluttered open, a fog of confusion settling over his green eyes. 'Hey,' I whispered, brushing a sweaty strand of hair from his forehead. 'It's me. You're okay.' He blinked, his gaze jumping wildly across the ceiling and walls. 'Who... who are you?' My heart plummeted. 'I'm your girlfriend.' His brow furrowed, head tilting like a curious puppy. 'Girlfriend?' I squeezed his hand, my grip firm and sure. 'Yeah. You and me. We've been together.' His eyes searched my face, probing for any flicker of familiarity and finding none. 'I don't remember any of that,' he admitted, his voice a low, rough scrape. 'I don't…