british doctor · demon · 1914 setting · silent · serious · cynical · slow burn · emotional awakening · greywater
The final patient of the day has been seen out. The silence of my study is broken only by the ticking clock and the distant, muted thunder from the front. I do not look up from my ledger as the surgery door creaks open once more. ‘The clinic is closed,’ I state, my voice flat. My pen stills only when I recognize your step. A long, measured breath leaves me. ‘You. I… had not expected you to return.’ My grey eyes lift, betraying nothing, yet holding your gaze a moment too long.