What is it with diabetes that makes people think they know more about it than the people who have the disorder. People hear the word diabetes and flock to compete with who can be the most ableist.
Found a video of a girl showing off Diet Soda detector strips (if there's any diabaddies that see this and want it I can link them, they're super helpful), and half of the comments were "you're diabetic you should just be drinking water..." First of all, not only are you just wrong, but you seriously expect diabetics to just never enjoy themselves? Ever?.
Saw another comment under a video about type 1 saying "you did this to yourselves. you ate too much sugar and you got yourself into this situation." And it's just so funny because they're Wrong™️. Type one diabetes is autoimmune and fully hereditary, and not at all effected by diet.
I mean, I know the answer. It's diet culture. People on their fancy diets think they're a superior human being because other people are "unhealthier" than them, and they hear diabetes and think "big fat and lazy with a bad diet" and think they're allowed to walk all over them since they're so superior. Despite the fact that it's a completely false stereotype that doesn't apply to most diabetics.
And btw please do not come under this post saying "but other disorders have that too" this is a vent post about diabetes. Do not derail.
For millions of people managing type 2 diabetes, mornings begin the same way — a needle, a dose, and a quiet mental note to do it all again
So that article turned out to be AI. No I did not know that at the time I posted it. Yes I did find out a few hours later (in this case, there is substantial evidence that the people who called AI in the comment section were correct).
No I did not deal with it immediately, because I've been dealing with severe medical issues for months.
(Get your shots. Post-viral syndromes like long COVID are brutal. Also, get your shots because some people, like me last year, CAN'T get COVID or flu vaccines because of the medical complications it would cause. Any year you CAN get vaccinated, DO get vaccinated.)
I'm leaving it up so that this full information and context is here when anyone tries to navigate to the original post.
Also because the headline itself is true and I can verify that part, at least, independently (and had while creating the original post).
Here's another, much better source:
FDA Approves Weekly Basal Insulin for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
-via JAMA Network (medical journal), April 17, 2026. doi: 10.1001/jama.2026.2111
Of course, that's paywalled, because most academic sources are these days (derogatory). So here's the source I found that best seems to have the best lay reader explanation (but which unfortunately does not have a preview image that works with tumblr's embedded link formatting)
Awiqli: FDA Approves First and Only Once-Weekly Long-Acting Basal Insulin for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
What Is Awiqli, and Why Does It Matter?
Awiqli (insulin icodec-abae) is a once-weekly long-acting basal insulin injection approved by the FDA for adults with type 2 diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar levels when used along with a healthy diet and regular exercise. It is taken as a subcutaneous (under-the-skin) shot with a prefilled FlexTouch pen on the same day every week.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body has trouble controlling blood sugar levels. If it isn't well managed, it can lead to serious complications like heart disease, kidney damage, nerve problems, and vision loss. Many people need insulin to control their diabetes, which often means giving themselves daily injections to keep their blood sugar in a healthy range.
Awiqli is the only long-acting man-made insulin (U-700) in the U.S. that is designed to last an entire week. Its active ingredient, insulin icodec-abae, loosely attaches to a blood protein called albumin, forming a reservoir that slowly and steadily releases insulin into the bloodstream. This lowers blood sugar levels in the same way as human insulin. Because of this slow, steady release, Awiqli provides a consistent dose of insulin icodec-abae and maintains a stable blood sugar-lowering effect throughout the week.
This approval matters because this medicine reduces the number of basal insulin shots from seven to one per week, offering a more convenient option that can be tailored to individual needs and routines.
-via WebMD, March 27, 2026. And that matters, because how easily you are able to take your meds determines how often you are able to take your meds, which with type II diabetes in particular (as well as plenty of other conditions) is often:
the difference between being pain-free and developing nerve damage
the difference between keeping your mobility and losing it
the difference between keeping you leg and losing it
the difference between keeping your life and losing it
So that's why this is a reason for hope.
That's why this matters. This will save people's lives.
--
(And that is why we need to do everything we can to make sure every single person in the world can access this medication when needed - fuck corporate patents, lives are more important)
More details on how that post mixup happened after the readmore if you're curious:
So, frankly and painfully, the specific AI article I originally linked did a better job of explaining the difference this will make in people's lives better than any legitimate medical source than search engines were giving me, especially if I wanted to link an article that wasn't behind a paywall. And I hate that it was better than anything else my search engine would give me!! That's a problem due in large part to Google and other tech companies intentionally ruining their search algorithms for greater ad visibility and an informational monopoly.
But, yeah, that's why I went with it over other sources despite the major red flag and general terrible practice of the article not having a specific author credited. (Which isn't always an AI thing, to be clear, sometimes it's just a shitty media outlet thing, as has been the case since long before generative AI.)
Eddie gets a text from Steve at around 10:30am saying that he forgot his lunch. Eddie, being the ever doting husband he is, grabs the light green lunchbox out of the fridge and makes his way over to the school.
What Steve failed to mention was that his blood sugar was a 60, going down. Eddie got the notification from the dexcom app just as he pulled into the parking lot.
“That little bitch,” Eddie mumbled to himself.
After fretfully getting a bright yellow visitor’s sticker placed on his black Corroded Coffin tee, Eddie practically sprints (as fast as he can in his platform boots) to Steve’s classroom.
Eddie yanks the door open to see Steve sitting behind his desk, classroom empty, and his diabetes bag open with things spilling out. The sharps container Steve keeps on his desk for his finger pricking needles is open and looks significantly fuller than usual.
“Hey baby.” Eddie walks over to Steve and crouches in front of him. “I brought your lunch, are you feeling alright?”
Steve lifts his gaze to meet Eddie’s eyes and huffs out a breath, snatching the lunch bag from his grasp.
“I’m fine,” he grumbled. “It’s just been a low day. No matter what I seem to do, my number keeps dropping.”
Eddie hums, already pulling out his phone. “Want me to call your endocrinologist? Your glucose levels have been too low all week.”
All Steve does is raise his left eyebrow in defiance and Eddie puts his phone back in his pocket. He pulls over a comically small chair and sits in it, knees crunched to his chest as he watches Steve take care of himself. Eddie knows not to interfere unless Steve asks him. Just the fact that he asked Eddie to bring him his lunch? A huge step.
About thirty minutes pass and Steve’s number is at a steady 105, his sandwich and apple helping bring his blood sugar back up.
His students are almost done with gym and Steve will have to go pick them up in five minutes, but Eddie is just glad to have been able to do whatever Steve needed.
Steve wound up having to pull Eddie out of the small chair because Eddie got stuck. He planted a quick kiss to his lips and smacked his ass, telling him to, “Get out of here, my love. I’ll see you at home.” And then, punctuated with another kiss, he whispers, “Thank you.”
If anyone asks, Eddie walked out of that school with a strong gait and a neutral expression on his face. But if you were to ask Ms. Nancy, a fourth grade teacher, she would say that he looked like a love struck fool.
Summary: You started your senior attending position at PTMC determined to keep your personal life, especially your diabetes, a secret. Dr. Abbot, however, hated secrets, particularly when it came to you, and as the last person to know anything about your life, he was frustrated. As you two grew closer, something always seemed to stand in the way. Could it ever work out between you?
Word count: 10k
Trigger warning: medical setting, blood, vomit, swear words, mention of shooting
Notes: this is for all the baddies out there with chronic health conditions <3
SHIFT 1
“There she is!” You walked through the ER doors, it was just after 6pm and was greeted by Dr Langdon.
“Hey Frank.” You embraced a much needed hug.
“You ready?” He asked.
“Never.”
“C’mon I’ll introduce you to everyone.”
Dr Langdon was a very close friend of yours — you both went to medical school together and then took separate ways during your residency programmes. When you started applying for transfers, you got in touch with Langdon and surprisingly, there was an opening at PTMC. The night shift was looking for a senior resident.
The job had come in the perfect time. You were looking to transfer and wanting to leave your previous life behind.
You came in early for your shift so you could meet with the dayshift staff, go through rounds, and then start the night shift.
Dr Langdon introduced you to everyone — you met with Dana, the charge nurse, Dr Robby, attending physician, and all the other residents, interns and medical students. There were a lot of staff. Coming from a small rural ER department to this was… different. Your other main concern was remembering everyone’s names.
“Right so… you can follow me for the rounds and then meet with the night shift staff who should be here in just a sec.” He paused. “Ah — Dr Abbot.”
Frank put out a hand. “This is Dr Jack Abbot he is your night shift attending physician. Stay in his good books and you’ll be just fine”
“Please to meet you Dr Abbot.” You put your hand out to shake his.
He was… cold. No warmth, no enthusiasm — especially not for someone meeting his new resident. He tilted his head slightly as he looked at you, almost as if he could read exactly what you were thinking.
Bizarre. You thought to yourself.
“Stick with me tonight” he murmured before walking off. You wondered if he was tough or just acting like it? You didn’t notice yourself blushing.
“Is he always like this?”
“No.. actually not. That was weird. Anyways..rounds let’s go” he clapped his hands together and you followed him.
Your first night shift was kicking your butt. Langdon had gone home and you had to follow Dr Abbot the entire night. PTMC was much different from a rural hospital — they were much more equipped here but it was faster and a lot more intense. Monitors beeped constantly, staff weaved in and out with practised ease, and cases came in one after another without much pause to breathe. Back at your old hospital, you’d had time to think, to catch your footing between patients. Here, it felt like you were being pulled along by the current.
You were trying to keep up — mentally noting decisions, treatments, the way Dr Abbot handled each case with a kind of quiet authority. He barely hesitated, barely spoke unless necessary, but somehow everything got done.
And you hated to admit it… but he was good. Really good. Still, your legs ached, your head was starting to pound, and exhaustion was creeping in faster than you expected. Your diabetes was also being a pain.
Brilliant. First night shift and you’re already falling apart.
“So I heard that you worked in a rural hospital before this?” Dr Abbot asked catching you off guard.
Fuck can he actually read minds? You stuttered. “Uhh yeah. Yeah I did.”
He hadn’t really spoken to you all shift — nothing beyond patient updates and clinical decisions. You still couldn’t quite figure him out, what sat behind that calm, unreadable exterior.
“Why the move?” he asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
That… he didn’t need to know.
“Change of scenery.” you said, the lie coming a little too easily.
During your second year of residency back home, you were caught up in a shooting incident. It was a graze to the leg, but instead of getting it properly checked, you cleaned it off, sutured it and worked through your shift. That decision came back to bite you. The wound became badly infected, triggering a severe autoimmune response. Not long after, your life shifted in a way you hadn’t seen coming. You were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
In a small town, nothing stayed private for long. The news spread quickly, helped along by your mom and her very talkative social circle. Suddenly, everyone knew. At work, things changed too.
Your attending who had always had a bit of a soft spot for you, started treating you differently. Extra breaks, constant check-ins, always finding a reason to be wherever you were. On the surface, it looked considerate.
But it didn’t feel that way.
It was unnecessary, and it didn’t go unnoticed. Before long, people started talking, whispers about you getting special treatment.
And the worst part? They weren’t entirely wrong.
And thats how PTMC became your new haven. You also promised yourself you wouldn’t tell a soul about this. No one needed to know and you feared a repeat of events.
“I guess someone is not in the mood to talk.” He shot back at you.
Abbot was curious about you; he typically read people rather easily. But you… you were different.
“Sorry just tired.” You replied quietly.
“Better perk up you still got a few hours to go!” He said cheerfully and you rolled your eyes at him.
You relied on cheap and terrible coffee to keep you going which certainly did not help your blood sugars. You asked if you can have a break in which Dr Abbot actually laughed. So when there was a quiet second, you snuck off to the bathroom with your sandwich and insulin kit and tried your best to eat as quickly as possible without anyone noticing you’re missing.
As you left the bathroom you saw Dr Abbot lurking around the corner. “The lost duckling returns.”
“What?” You could feel yourself blush. “Sorry. Women problem”was the only thing you could think of so he wouldn’t ask any other questions.
He stopped in his tracks and looked over at you and said in a soft tone “You alright? Need anything?”
“N—no. no I’m fine.” His soft voice caught you off guard.
He shrugged and you followed him back into the chaos.
You got the feeling he really did not like you which is unfair because so far you’d not done anything wrong. Maybe he was just an asshole.
“Central 5 got an interesting one for you. Follow me.” So you did, insulin bag in your pocket, hoping no one would see it.
And just like that, your first shift was over. You survived whatever that was. Chaos, didn’t even cut it close. You stood outside the ER doors feeling the sun on your face. It was nice to see the sunshine, to remember that after that godforsaken shift, there is hope.
“Tough day?”
His voice made you jump. “Dr Abbot! I was.. I was taking a minute.”
“You did good in there today. Keep up the good work.” He put his backpack on and walked off.
You really struggled to understand him. He was straightforward, stern, slightly abrupt, and watched your every move. He even counted how many toilet breaks you had because whenever you disappeared he was right round the corner.
And then… he’d smile at you. Like he just had.
It threw everything off.
You weren’t too sure if you looked forwards to working with him. Spending just over 12 hours with some as intense as him was… intimidating.
Get your shit together, you told yourself.
You took the bus home trying your hardest to stay awake. The bus was hot and stuffy, full of commuters. You put on your headphones and let your mind wander, to a place where you didn’t have to do this.
SHIFT 2
You woke up to your alarm practically screaming, in a pool of sweat. Was it time already? Shit shit shit. You rushed out of bed, had a quick shower and put on a fresh pair of scrubs. Quickly packed your snacks and lunch.. or dinner whatever night shift workers referred to it as, and headed out the door for your second shift.
“Good evening.” You nodded at Abbot and Lena by the hub.
“Did you have a good first day?” He asked.
“Yes, it was good thank you.” Your answer was short. You weren’t looking forwards to another shift with him. Yesterday was difficult… trying to get your head wrapped around everything plus dealing with his intimidating character.
He frowned at you, clearly expecting more; he wanted a question, a word, a sentence. Not just a short, dismissive response.
“Is Langdon in still?” You asked Lena.
“No sweet he left.”
You dropped your shoulders down.
“Pick a patient, present when you’re done. Shen and Ellis are around if you’re stuck.” Abbot gave you a tap on the shoulder and walked off.
You tried your best not to roll your eyes.
SHIFT 14
By the time two weeks had passed at PTMC, you looked forwards to catching up with Langdon but not seeing Abbot. You still couldn’t figure him out. Most nights, he was abrupt with you, all sharp edges and short responses.
You had the feeling it was because you hadn’t opened up to him about a single thing and he was desperate to know more about you.
You slipped into a routine that didn’t really feel like one at all. Between patients, you’d sneak off to the bathroom to eat something quickly and take your insulin, then head straight back to rounds like nothing had happened. Your smart watch buzzed quietly against your wrist whenever your levels went high or low, a constant, silent reminder of a struggle you didn’t share with anyone.
You placed your sensor carefully, always somewhere no one would notice. The staff room was out of the question — too many eyes, too many questions. It was easier to just handle it on your own. Another shift began with the usual handover from the day team, quick updates and patient summaries delivered at speed. You listened, trying to focus. It was going to be a long, long night.
“How is it going?” Langdon asked.
“It’s uhhh… interesting. I’m really enjoying it. You have so much equipment and access to resources.” you said excitedly.
“But?” He walked you over to a quiet corner.
You tried to avoid looking at him, but his hands gently rested on your shoulders. “Tell me,” he said softly.
“Still trying to get used to it, that’s all.” You didn’t want to say anything else not wanting to risk tears.
“Anyone giving you trouble?”
You shook your head. He could tell you were about to cry.
“Come here” he took you in for a much needed hug. “Who is it?”
“Abbot.”
“What did he do?”
“Nothing! That’s the problem. He’s so incredibly intense and… always there. I get the feeling he doesn’t like me.”
“He can be tough but give him time.”
“Is he like this with everybody?”
“I don’t think so… give it time, trust me.”
The intensity of the job was catching up with you and Langdon read it all over your face.
“I’m here for anything you need. Call me, day or night, alright?”
You nodded and adjusted yourself before saying goodbye to him.
Langdon knew about your past; what happened when you were ten, all of it… except for the diabetes. He understood that change wasn’t always easy, and somehow he just got it without you having to explain much. You wished you’d worked the day shift with him.
What you hadn’t noticed is Dr Abbot was watching you two the whole time — his expression completely unreadable.
Two weeks of you and he only knew your name; nothing more.
You met with Lena whom you absolutely adored and quickly became close with. “Wanna do triage today?”
You quickly nodded; anything to get you out of Dr Abbot peripheral vision.
“She’s not with me today?” A familiar voice was right behind you.
You turned round very slowly and met his eyes, with a very obvious sarcastic tone you said “sorry, duty calls” and walked towards triage.
“I don’t think she likes me” he said to Lena, which you had heard as you walked off.
“Everyone likes you Jack. Just give her time.”
“Does she tell you anything… about her life? Who she is?”
Lena raised an eyebrow at him “even if she did I wouldn’t tell you.”
He watched you walk away, a slight skip in your step, almost a little too pleased not to be working with him.
Dr Abbot loved a puzzle, and right now, he was trying to figure you out.
Triage was interesting, a lot less blood, a lot more sitting down and was similar to what you were used to back home. Another positive was not having anyone keeping tabs on you.
Your mind wandered to Dr Abbot despite your hardest not wanting it to and then was quickly interrupted by your smart watch alerting you that your sugars were low.
You rushed to your locker to grab snacks, hoping it will bring up the levels just enough until you manage to eat an actual meal. “Hey I’m gonna take 5.” You told the nurse as you walked off, noticing Dr Abbot following you. You wanted to roll your eyes but clearly couldn’t; the man had eyes everywhere.
“How’s it going in triage?”
“Yeah good, enjoying it.” Your answer was short, and slightly abrupt.
“Anything interesting happen?” He raised an eyebrow as he asked.
“Well.. you know. Drunk people, sprains and strains… the usual.”
You thanked the heavens above for the interruption.
You had your granola bar and a juice by the locker and watched your sugar levels go back up.
Back in triage, things were actually slowing down. You hoped everyday was going to be like this; you could get used to triage. You enjoyed jumping into the action when you did day shifts… but the nights shift is hard. The change in sleep pattern.. keeping down regular meals… monitoring sugars.. avoiding Dr Abbot. It was all too much. You noticed yourself thinking about him more than you probably should. For someone you weren’t even sure you liked, he seemed to be occupying your mind a lot.
SHIFT 24
Another day, another insulin injection in the bathroom and as you came out of the bathroom to find Dr Jack fucking Abbot hanging around.
“Women.. problems?”
You sighed and thought fuck off. You weren’t feeling up for banter; you were tired and cranky.
“What can I do for you, Dr Abbot?”
“Please call me Jack.”
You scoffed. “That won’t be happening.”
Dr Abbot blocked your path — shoulders wide. “Have I done something to piss you off?” He spoke with a low and rather scary tone.
You avoided looking at him. You touched the back of your neck trying to distract yourself. He moved his head to meet your eyes.
You eventually gave in and stared at him, noticing some features you hadn’t seen before. He had wrinkles around his eyes, his peppery white curls fell perfectly on his face, his beard that’s kept short but clean. He was… handsome.
“No” you murmured as you felt yourself flushing with heat. “I… I just don’t like talking that’s all.”
He muttered, "Hmmm," as he thought about how much you talked to the day shift staff and how close you were with Langdon.
“I noticed you disappear a lot.” He asked curiously. “Where do you go to?”
Shit. Shit. You felt yourself getting flustered, struggling to find the right words. You’d been disappearing a lot, and he had every right to ask.
“If this is too much you need to tell me.”
“It’s not! At all. I just need to… decompress. Between patients.”
Fuck.
“Decompress?” He raised an eyebrow and leaned in.
That… sounded sexual. He was making you nervous.
“Forget I said that. I will try not to… take any more breaks. I promise.”
“Good” he said not breaking eye contact. “Oh and hey, if I have done something to piss you off I am sorry. It wasn’t my intention.”
He hoped his apology would get you to open up, but it didn’t. Another piece of the puzzle Abbot tried to add, but he’d failed miserably. He walked off leaving you in the corridor forgetting how to breathe.
Dr Jack abbot was terrifying, but sexy as hell and you were in big, big trouble.
SHIFT 30
You decided that today is the day you were going to… make peace with Dr Abbot. It might have had something to do with a crush you unexpectedly had on him, but also because he was your attending and you needed him on your side. You grabbed two coffees from the cafeteria, hoped he liked it black and bitter, and made your way through the ER doors.
You found him by the hub, catching up on his charting. “Peace offering?” You asked him, handing him the coffee.
You took him by surprise; he turned around and frowned, an expression you weren’t expecting. “Uh thank you.”
“I didn’t know what you liked so… it’s black and bitter.” You shrugged.
“Just how I like it.” He joked and you let out a nervous laugh.
“Are we okay?”
“Yeah… I think we are.”
You didn’t realise it would be this easy.
“But… I am worried about you.” He added.
You tried to play it cool. “Me? Why?”
He planned his next words quickly but very carefully. “You’re tired all the time. Even at the start of your shift or end, you look tired.” He paused. “You are good at your job but it’s clearly weighing you down. If this is too much—“
“It isn’t. I promise you It isn’t.”
Your watch buzzed, you took a glance and so did he but you quickly moved your wrist.
“Gotta go,” you said quickly, before walking off to drop off your things and deal with whatever your diabetes had planned for you today.
Abbot watched you walk away — wondering what was going on in that mind of yours. He hadn’t met anyone like you just yet.
SHIFT 42
You were on the computer charting when you heard Dr Abbot shout "mass casualty coming in, buss derailed”
He walked over to you “I need A-game”.
“I always have my A-game!” You said in defence.
He gave you a thumbs up.
You’d been speaking with him a bit more frequently lately — nothing personal, just bits and pieces here and there. After he asked if he’d pissed you off, you quickly reassured him that he hadn’t. The coffee/peace offering was a good start.
You’ve gathered that he was a nice, pleasant doctor to work with, most of the time. But there was this look in his eyes— something about it made you uneasy, like he was always assessing, always watching. You couldn’t help but think about how good-looking he was. Every time you stood too close to him, you felt… drawn in. You couldn’t stop noticing the way he bit his lip when he was deep in thought, not noticing that you were doing it too.
Get. Your shit. Together. You reminded yourself.
And that’s how your night shift went: trauma calls, blood, tears, screams.. more blood. You were jumping between patients — as senior resident you also supervised junior residents and interns.
“Doc I need you in trauma two with Abbot” Lena called behind the hub.
You needed to eat something — you couldn’t possible deal with another patient. You looked at your smart watch which showed your sugar levels as low.
“Doc you with me?” Lena holding up her hands.
“Yep heard you!” You knew you wouldn’t have the time to grab anything. You found a piece of candy in your pocket and quickly chewed on it hoping it does the trick.
Trauma 2 was a mess — Dr Abbot was hands deep into what could only be described as organs being inside out. You jumped right in, helping him with whatever tasks he asked of you. You were lucky in that moment that Dr Abbot was the one in charge, not you.
But the longer you were in there for the iller you felt. Suddenly, your vision was starting to change and you were seeing double of everything. You were struggling to grip which meant you were too low. So you made the decision to step away from the patient — not jeopardising their life because of you.
“What are you doing?” Dr Abbot looked at you with confused looked. “Hey what the fuck!”
You took small steps back from the patient, not entirely listening to what Dr Abbot was saying. You couldn’t even if you wanted to. You wanted to say you didn’t feel well but your lips refused to move. You took your gown and gloves off and slowly walked out of the room. The corridors were starting to move and you couldn’t feel your legs on the ground anymore.
“Wha the —“ Dr Abbot was shouting gibberish. “Get Shen in here now!!”
You managed to get to the staff room, grab your food and rush into the toilet before anyone could see. You sat down, had your food and juice and monitored your sugar levels. You didn’t trust your the glucose monitor attached to your skin so you quickly pricked your finger and did a manual test. Still low.
Shit. Shit. You needed more juice but it was too risky to get up.
“Kid you in here?” Lena walked into the bathroom.
“Yep” your voice was shaking.
“Are you alright?”
You hesitated to answer because you didn’t know the answer to that. You mumbled “no”.
“What happened in there?”
“You can come in” you called out, the stall door unlocked.
In that moment, you felt completely defeated — not caring anymore who saw or what anyone would say.
Lena opened the door to find you sitting on the toilet with food in your lap and your sugar monitor. She looked at you sympathetically.
That look. That look was the one thing you hated most. The way people treated you like you were incapable, like you needed help with everything.
“I’ve messed up haven’t I?” You knew you were going to be in big, big trouble.
“You’re diabetic?” She asked.
“Yep type 1” you mumbled.
“Fuck, kid — does anyone know?”
“Not here… no. HR knows obviously. But I’ve asked them not to inform anyone else.”
“You did the right thing kid by walking out of there. But you gotta tell us these things okay? We gotta look out for each other. What would’ve happened if you were passed out in here? No one to find you!”
You didn’t think of that way.
Lena wiped your tears off. “C’mon sweet let’s get you something to eat and drink alright?”
She helped you get up and grabbed your things.
“Hey Lena, I—“
“I won’t tell a soul” she interrupted.
The bathroom door swung open by a very angry Dr Jack Abbot.
“What the fuck was that?”
Lena stepped between the two of you.
“Jack — out.” She pointed at the door.
“No I’m speaking with her. She is my senior resident who WALKED out mid procedure — for what, a bathroom break?” His face was angry, jaw clenched, and he was breathing heavily.
“Jack you need to calm down right now” Lena shouted back.
You gently touched Lena’s arm then mouthed it’s okay.
She walked off leaving you to defend for yourself.
“I can explain” you fought back angry tears.
“You better do” Dr Abbot was standing wide, hands on his hips, one foot was taping on the floor.
“I didn’t feel well. In that moment I felt like I was about to…pass out. It wasn’t safe to continue.”
“You need to get checked out.”
“w—what?”
“The tiredness, the exhaustion, the breaks. This isn’t normal and you should know better.” His tone was angry but he also looked concerned.
“I’m sorry. It was extremely unprofessional of me to have done that. If you want me out of your way, on triage, or even hand in my notice and transfer, I can do that. I’m sorry.”
You were defeated. You couldn’t do this anymore.
“What’s up with you and triage!” His loud voice made you jump.
You took a few steps back. In that moment, you couldn’t help but wish you were back in your hometown, under your old attending, someone who treated you so much differently than this. You hated yourself for wishing that, for even thinking about it.
Dr Abbot quickly realised he’d upset you. "Hey, I'm sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you," he said, his voice much softer this time.
Your hands were shaking so you put them behind your back hoping he didn’t see them.
He took a step towards you, but you instinctively took two steps back, your back hitting the wall.
"I’m sorry," he repeated, his expression softening further. I shouldn’t have shouted at you. This is inappropriate of me.”
You didn’t reply. Couldn’t.
“Please, tell me how I can make this better.”
Tears streamed down your face, and you couldn’t stop the shakes. The rawness of it hit you harder than you expected, and Dr Abbot just stood there, watching you break down. It was the last thing you wanted in front of him — but somehow, you couldn’t hold it in anymore.
You were so close to figuring him out, making progress... and then this happened. He had every right to be angry, but you were more upset with yourself.
Lena walked back into the bathroom with a juice and a sandwich. ”Dr Abbot give us a minute will you?” Her voice firm.
Dr Abbot rubbed his beard and eyes; he nodded and walked out, knowing he’d fucked up big time.
Lena walked over to you and sat you on the floor. She gave you the juice bottle and checked your levels.
“Coming back up kid.” She said.
You nodded in defeat.
“Let’s get you cleaned up.”
And so Lena helped you get cleaned up before returning to the chaos of The Pitt.
Few hours later, you sat by Lena at the hub charting.
“Right, I’ve been thinking.” She leaned in and whispered. “You’re gonna connect your glucose monitor to my phone. I’ll watch your levels, and I’ll try and get you out of situations when you’re high or low alright?”
You shook your head and whispered back. “You’re too kind but I can’t ask that of you. You’re already busy as it is!”
“Kid I don’t know where you been — but there’s some kind people out there. Including Dr Abbot. That… that was unusual.” She paused. “I’m certainly not defending him.” She quickly added. “But you need help.”
You nodded, not knowing what to say.
“Thank you Lena.”
She could feel your tears about to come crashing down so she leaned in to hug you.
Abbot watched the interaction, wondering how it all had gone wrong between the two of you and worrying that he stepped in too quickly, pushing you off the edge completely.
SHIFT 54
Morning came around as well as the end of your shit. Langdon found you sat over at the hub, finalising some things. “Hey, I heard about what Abbot did. He sat next to you, one hand on your back “that must have been tough.”
“Yeah he was a complete asshole. But I also walked out mid procedure so… you could say I deserved it.”
“What did happen in that room?” He leaned in close as Abbot walked across, looking at you both with a curious look.
“I didn’t feel well and I should’ve said something but I —.”
“Hey it’s alright don’t get upset.” He knew you too well. “Come here.” He brushed his hand through your hair and pulled you in.
You swallowed back your tears.
“When whatever this is done…” Abbot interrupted. “We need you both in trauma one.”
Any other day you would have been embarrassed over this interaction but you’d gone past caring. You logged out of the computer and you and Langdon followed.
A patient was brought in on a gurney. “ECG confirmed STEMI — we’ve given aspirin so far.” Paramedic wheeled the patient in.
“Push oxygen, morphine, GTN and let’s get an IV in please.” you said with confidence. “Prep for cath.” You put on gloves as the patient flatlined.
“Starting compressions” You jumped over the patient and started compressions.
Abbot and Langdon worked in the background trying to bring the patient back.
Something in the room then started beeping unexpectedly.
You mind froze but hands kept compressing. It was your monitor, placed your lower back which had now expired. Not an ideal location neither an accurate one but you were running out of places that weren’t your arms.
“Someone better turn off that beeping!” Abbot snapped.
You looked over at Langdon with a panic in your face. He looked back and shrugged, as if to say, what is that beeping?
Abbot looked at glances between the two of you and shook his head.
The universe, for once, worked in your favour as Abbot was asked to give a quick consult on a patient in the room next door.
“Frank!” You whispered.
“Need me to take over?” He moved closer to you.
“No — I need you to reach to my lower back…” you looked at the nurse in the room making sure he wasn’t paying attention “…find a small monitor and take it off.”
“What?” He looked at you with a confused look.
“Do as I say!!” You whispered.
He hesitated but slid one hand under your top, trying to locate the monitor.
“Quick!!” You whispered again, your eyes flicking between the patient and the door, hoping Abbot doesn’t walk back in.
"Lower!" You snapped, panic rising in your chest.
Just as Langdon’s fingers found the monitor, Abbot walked in, and the scene before him looked nothing like what was actually happening. Langdon instantly snapped his hand back from under your top, clutching the monitor tightly in his fist.
Abbot froze, his expression one of pure confusion, and he put his hands out in a silent question. What the fuck?
You tired not to look him in the face.
"One sec," Langdon muttered, rushing out of the room to find a sharps bin, and so Abbot didn’t ask about the beeping anymore.
Once the patient had been brought back and sent up to cardiology, Abbot summoned you into the staff room but Langdon followed anyways.
“Langdon — you can go. It’s just her I need to speak with.” Abbot’s voice was firm.
Langdon hesitated, his eyes lingering on you, reluctant to leave you in what was bound to be an uncomfortable situation.
“NOW, Langdon.” He snapped.
You closed your eyes and tried to focus on slowing down your breathing. What lie could you have come up with this time?
He waited until Langdon was out of the room.
“What happens between you and Langdon is none of my business,” Abbot began, his tone colder now, though there was an edge to it that hinted at something deeper ",but let me make myself clear…”
You didn’t wait for him to finish. “It won’t happen again,” you said quickly trying to steady your voice.
He nodded once, a barely perceptible shift in his stance as he exhaled slowly. “Good,” he whispered, his eyes lingering on you for just a second before he turned to walk out of the room.
But in truth, Abbot’s anger wasn’t just about protocol or the situation with Langdon…it was jealousy. Pure and utter jealousy. He couldn't admit it, not even to himself, but the flicker of envy in his gaze was unmistakable.
You luckily had an additional monitor on you, quickly applied it to your thigh and then found Langdon after your brief conversation with Abbot.
“What did he say?”
“Something about never doing that again.” You rolled your eyes.
“What is that guys problem?”
“Tell me about it. He’s been giving me shit from day one.”
“Hey what w—“
“No questions please.” You quickly said. “Please Langdon.”
“You two, another trauma” Dana called you both over.
You walked in to a patient who’d cut a large chunk of his leg with a saw. Langdon spoke with the patient, asked for the nurse to administer pain relief, as you applied a tourniquet around the bleed.
Your watch buzzed low. Great.
You’d managed to stop the bleed and cleaned the patient’s wound. Abbot walked in asking for a presentation. Langdon luckily presented.
You were too focused on cleaning and dressing the wound so patient was ready for surgery when Lena walked into the room. You met her eyes and knew she was here about your sugars. Abbot watched you two exchange… glances.
“Anything we can do to help Lena?” Abbot asked curiously.
“Just wanted to say I’m off — duckling I left you something on the desk with Dana.” She winked as she walked off.
You had your hands full and couldn’t go anywhere.
“What was that about?” Langdon whispered to you.
“It’s nothing.” You whispered back.
You watch buzzed again and you took a deep breath in.
“Want me to grab it for you?”
You shook your head.
Langdon walked over to Dana leaving you in the room with Abbot, looking for his next case.
“Hey Langdon you’re close with our duckling aren’t you?” Dana asked.
“Yeah you could say that. Why?”
“Lena made her a coffee and insisted she drank it. Do you reckon you can take it inside for her?”
“Yeah… but can it wait?” He frowned, not understanding the rush.
“Don’t think so. She said she’s been saying she’s too tired to go home and needs to drink this before she leaves.”
Langdon shrugged and grabbed the takeaway coffee cup. He quickly smelled it and it wasn’t coffee — it was sweet.
“This is from Lena.” He said to you walking in.
Your eyes bounced between the two of them. “Uh yeah… thanks. Leave it there?”
The shaking of your hands was about to give you away.
“Hey can you take over?” You said to Langdon.
He took over and you took your gloves off and took a sip of your drink. It was sugary water. Thank you Lena.
“What’s in the cup?” Abbot asked.
“Coffee.”
“Are you a coffee addict or something?”
You exhausted in defeat. This was a losing game. You failed at being his friend, his colleague, at everything.
“Give me the cup, I’d like to try it.”
You frowned at him.
Langdon interrupted the situation by quickly saying “I uhhh… I could do with help here?”
“Can I leave? My shift was over hours ago.” You ignored Langdon.
Abbot nodded.
“See ya. Bye Frankie.” You said as you walked out of the door and over to the roof. You heard that this is where Abbot and Robby hung out.
It was calm, much different than the Pitt and quickly understood why they liked it.
You heard the door open and found Robby approaching you.
“Rough shift?”
“You could say that. Sorry I’m in your spot.”
“No, no it’s alright.” He paused. “How is it going? Truly going?”
You let out a defeated laugh. “Not good.”
“If it makes you feel better I’ve only heard good things. I’ve looked at your charting, your patient feedback, your timings. All really good.”
You shook your head. “I think I made a mistake by coming here.”
“You absolutely haven’t!” He protested. “You feeling alright.. health wise?”
Great, Abbot must have talked to him.
“Yeah… all under control.” You turned to face him. “Robby I… is there an opening int he dayshift?”
He shook his head.
“You’re not seriously thinking of—“
“Yeah. Yeah I am. Please don’t tell Abbot but I uh… this isn’t for me.”
“How can I convince you to stay?”
“I don’t think you can.” You swallowed back tears.
“Is it anyone in particular making you do this?”
Did he know about you and Abbot? “No!” You quickly said.
“Of course not. I uhh… I made a mistake and I am sorry” you quickly said before walking back downstairs.
The weeks that followed were a mix of you supervising residents and medical students in triage, and avoiding Dr Abbot whom also had been avoiding you too. You and Lena made a great team; your diabetes was doing slightly better, mainly thanks to Lena and her accurate and timely monitoring. On the other hand, you and Dr Abbot discussed patient and kept it professional with no mention of what had happened.
You were also constantly looking for positions elsewhere.
Shift 58
“Ready for intubation” Abbot said to you.
“On it” you said as you put your gloves on “sedation done?”
The nurse nodded.
“Shit I can’t see the vocal cords.”
“Want me to take a look?” He moved over to your side.
“I think i’ve got it.” You used the scope to look around, still struggling.
Your watch buzzed and you didn’t bother look at it. But Abbot did, a single notification that read high.
He supervised you as you managed to do the intubation successfully and knew that Lena was about to walk through the doors asking for you. Something was going on and no one was telling him. And just like Abbot timed it, Lena knocked on the door.
“She’s busy” he quickly snapped at her.
He needed someone to tell him what the hell was going on before he loses his mind.
You looked at Lena and shook your head before she walked out in defeat.
You finished with your patient, took your gloves off and was about to talk away when he said “can we discuss the patient in room number two please?” His voice was surprisingly calm.
You knew something was up with him — his words were too calculated. Your watch buzzed again.
“Can I go see Lena first?” you asked.
“Mine is more important” he whispered and walked off.
You walked out and followed him, eyes met Lena’s and you shrugged.
There was no patient in room two. “What is this?”
“We’re talking.” He shut the door behind you.
“This is more important than what Lena wanted?”
“What did Lena want exactly?”
You could tell by his quick breathing he was upset. More hurt.
You rubbed your temples. Watch buzzed again. You felt your stomach twist and nausea took over you.
“You don’t look well.” He said. “Your hands shake, you look like you are about to pass out half the time. You and Lena are so incredibly secretive and as your attending I am asking you why.”
“I’m leaving” you spat out.
“What did you say?”
“I said I’m leaving.” You turned your back to him and rubbed your stomach. Not now.
“Home or…?” He sat on the chair.
“Back to my old job.”
“What!” He snapped. “You’re kidding right? Why?”
“I’m not good enough for this job. For any of it. You said it. I look tired, I take too many breaks. I’m not on top —“
“You are on top of everything and more. You have one of the highest patient satisfaction scores. You’ve never been late once. Not one patient had died in a room you walked into. Do not lie to me.”
“I’m not lying. I’m not cut out for this!”
You were exhausted from all the arguing, the constant back-and-forth. You had feelings for him, feelings you never expected to have, but you couldn’t bring yourself to tell him. You didn’t want to. There was a wall between you, and you were too damn scared to tear it down.
“We keep going round in circles.” He said, voice quiet, it almost came out as a whisper.
“Where did it all go wrong?”
“I am sorry for every time I’ve upset you, which was from day one. It was never my intention to ever push you out of this.” He stepped towards you. “But I am different around you — I don’t even understand myself.” His voice was too soft.
Did he have feelings for you too? You wondered.
“And I may seem like a miserable old man but I look forward to seeing you everyday. I have a fucked up way of showing it but this… this is not me.”
You wanted to open up, to be honest but knew that would only bring trouble.
Your stomach twisted again as your watch buzzed.
“I look froward to seeing you too.” You whispered. “But I can’t be what you think I am. You’re wrong.”
“Am I wrong? About everything I’d just said? You’ve not disappointed me once.”
“That’s a lie Abbot.”
“I’m more worried than anything,” he said, frustration lacing his voice. “You’re wasting away right in front of my eyes, and you won’t tell me what’s going on!” He rubbed his face, exhaling sharply. “You’re ill, I know you are, but I can’t figure out what it is.”
You didn’t look back at him, couldn’t.
“Are we done?” You asked.
“No we’re not in. We’re not leaving until you tell me what is going on.”
The nausea had now wrapped itself around your throat and so you ran over to the bin and vomited.
He quickly ran over to your side, pulled your hair back and gently moved his hand up and down your back until you stopped vomiting. He helped you move over to the bed, and cleaned your face and wiped your tears.
You laid on the bed in fetal position and closed your eyes. He sat on the stool and waited until you stopped crying. He brushed his hand though your hair and whispered “I’ll go get Lena. But please don’t leave me hun.” He kissed your head and walked out of the door.
Abbot was in love with someone he knew nothing about.
SHIFT 80
“Shifts almost done — you looking forward to couple of days off?” Dr Abbot asked you.
You looked over your shoulder thinking he was asking someone else. “m—?” You looked around. “Oh yeah, yeah I am thanks.”
“I’m off too — can’t wait.”
You were taken aback by this conversation. Where was this going?
“Doing.. anything interesting?” he added.
You shook your head, tried to get back to your charting.
“I’m meeting the morning shift for some drinks tomorrow night. You should come.”
You looked at him trying to make sense of this. You could do with socialising but also it means you have to see Dr Abbot, which truly was the last thing on your mind. He also was acting pretty normal considering everything that had happened.
“Talk to me please.” He said in a tone that was almost.. begging.
“And say what Dr Abbot?”
“Anything! How are you feeling? Are you still vomiting? Are you ill?”
He added. “You’ve been here over three months and all we’ve done is argue.”
You took a deep breath. “I was 10 years old when I knew I wanted to be a doctor. I was also 10 years old when I saw a dead body for the first time. I worked my ass off to be where I am today. I moved here to leave everything behind me and I—.” You paused. You told him a lot more than you should have. “I’ve gone through some bad shit and I’ve quickly learned that privacy was the best way forwards.”
You paused.
“And I will be speaking with my doctor about my health issues.” A lie that should hopefully buy you more time.
“What?” He raised an eye brow, taken aback by everything you said. He wanted to ask more, know more.
“I’m trying to figure you out too.” You whispered at him.
He let out a huff. “I—“
“I don’t want you to say anything back to anything I’d just said. Forget every single word. Please.”
He bit on his bottom lip, something he had done a lot. You felt something… in that moment. Something that scared you so much.
“I want to know more about who you are.” He pushed, again.
“Can I ask you something?” You turned to face him. “Do you think I am a good doctor?”
“Without a doubt in my mind.”
“Then let’s leave it as that. That’s all you need to know.”
Your watch buzzed to alert you of your sugar levels and you quickly put your hand over it.
Abbot shot you a look.
“Do you think I am a good doctor?” He asked you.
“One of the best.” And that was not a lie. “But I’m not changing my mind about leaving.”
“You’re making the wrong decision. And from today until the day you leave, I will make it my mission to keep you here. Come tomorrow tonight and you’ll see the real Jack Abbot.” He gave your shoulder a squeeze and walked off.
“I’ll text you the address!”
For a split second you forgot how to breathe.
Jack Abbot didn’t leave your mind for one second that morning. Your mind was searching for answer; trying desperately to figure out your feelings.
You paced around your bedroom trying to figure out what the wear. Do you go casual? A dress? Heels? Sneakers?
You were really hoping for a quiet night in, but also have socialised with anyone who wasn’t your 80 year old neighbour.
Your phone pinged, an unknown number.
Hey it’s Jack. Here’s the address. See you at 8.
Blunt and straightforwards; he was the same over text too. You threw your phone on the bed. You couldn’t possibly ask your 40/50 something year old attending about the dress code?
Thanks Dr Abbot.
You waited a few minutes.
What’s the dress code?
Please, call me Jack.
He didn’t comment on the dress code.
Another ping came through.
Dress to impress.
Was he flirting? Your heart raced, uncertainty mixing with a strange excitement. You hesitated, fingers hovering over the screen. Do you respond back with something that would test the waters, but not give too much away. You felt a spark of curiosity and something else you couldn’t quite name.
Hmm. Thanks Jack.
And you left it at that.
You showed up at the bar at exactly 8pm. You wore a short black dress, with sheer black tights, hair in a low bun, and you had black flats on. Not too casual, not too smart.
You walked over to the day shift staff, eyes meeting Langdon’s first. You gave him a big squeeze and managed to find a seat next to him.
“It’s good seeing you not in the hall’s of PTMC.”
“Good seeing you too Frankie.”
“Frankie?” Whittaker spat out. “Is that a nickname or…”
You let out a laugh and Langdon rolled his eyes. “She gave everyone nicknames during med school. Mine luckily didn’t stick… only you call me that.” He met your eyes with his.
“I need to know more about Frankie in med school.” Whittaker asked.
“Oh he was one of the smartest one in our class.” You said.
“No I wasn’t!”
“Yes you were. You spent most of your time studying but he partied hard.” You added.
“And what about you?” Whittaker asked.
“Oh I was pretty boring.” You looked over at Langdon who didn’t say anything. “You’re meant to be protest that!”
He let out a laugh. “Youwere the smartest one in our class. But she didn’t party hard. She spent more time with books than people.”
“That I did.” You took a sip of a drink that Langdon had ordered for you.
“Hey you are from—“
“Yep” you interrupted Robby’s question quickly. You knew what he was about to ask.
You felt a pit in your stomach. “I was a resident when what happened, happened.”
“Fuck.” He knew what you’d meant. “Sorry.”
You let out a nervous laugh. Langdon gave your shoulder a squeeze as Abbot walked in and saw the two of you, arm over your shoulder.
“I’m gonna grab a drink.” You quickly hurried off.
“Can I have a martini please?”
The bartender checked you out. “Anything for you, sweet”
Him calling you sweet sent an ugly shiver down your spine.
“He’s never gonna find anyone if he calls them sweet” you turned around to find a stranger standing next to you. This stranger was tall, handsome, with a smile that made you forget how to respond.
“I know right? Did that line ever work on anyone?”
“Depends, did it work on you?”
You giggled. “Certainly not”
“I’m Callum.”
“Nice to meet you, Callum.”
“So who are you with here today?”
“Oh just some friends.” You pointed at the table — your eyes met Dr Abbot’s. Everyone was conversing with one another, but he… he was staring. He adjusted his position when he caught your eyes. “I best get back.”
You tried to pay for your drink but Callum put his hand on top of yours.
“I’ve got this. Find me for the next one?” You bit your bottom lip. Callum was cute as hell so you tiptoed to his ears and said “sure” making sure Dr Abbot saw all of that.
You walked back to your table and sat opposite Abbot. He didn’t pay you much attention; but you were lost in the conversation with everyone else anyways.
“We want to know more about you.” Whittaker asked.
“Hey you’re just trying to find the gossip so you can win the bet!” Santos added.
“What? Gossip about me?” You asked. You looked over at Langdon who shrugged. People were gossiping about you?
“It’s nothing… bad.” Whittaker nervously said. “People were betting on the worse things you’d seen in a rural ER.”
You let out another nervous laugh. “And what has everyone said so far?”
“I… didn’t participate. Didn’t think it would be fair since I know the most about you.” Langdon said first.
You smiled at him; he was always the sweetest.
“And everyone else?” You asked.
Maybe this was your chance to finally open up to people.
“I’ve said… some form of freak farm incident.” Santos added.
“I put a bet on someone walking in missing a limb.” Whittaker let out a nervous laugh.
You looked over at Robby, hoping he wouldn’t say what you were thinking.
“The sho—“
Your eyes widened and you shook your head no.
“A show … a freak accident at a farm show.” It was a good save from Robby but could had been better.
“What about you Dr Abbot?” You turned around to him.
He was quiet… almost thinking, coming up with a lie. You had a feeling he didn't participate in this 'bet'.
“A farmer checked themselves in while having a heart attack.” he said.
“Santos wins.” You added, a definite, definite lie.
“Who is your favourite doctor to work with?” Robby asked.
This was… too many questions.
You looked at Langdon and winked who let out a shy laugh.
Abbot was uncomfortable with the interaction.
“And now I need to more about you guys.”
Whittaker told you about his first shift and how badly it went. Santos talked about a bad ass shift she once had gone through. Frank talked about rehab which you already knew about. Robby mentioned way too much about motorcycles and Abbot… stayed quiet.
Your drink was running low so you decided to walk back to the bar. You tried looking for Callum — a bit of flirting never hurt anyone and you were desperate for another reaction from— “Looking for anyone?” Dr Abbot said from behind interrupting your thoughts.
“Actually I am yeah” Your response was short, cold. “That tall, cute guy I was speaking with… Did you happen to see him?” You leaned towards Dr Abbot.
“Um uh. No, I didn’t”
“That’s a shame… I really was enjoying his company” your aim was to make him uncomfortable and that certainly worked.
“What drink would you like?” He asked, trying to change the conversation.
“A martini, please.” You paused. "Are you having a good night Dr Abbot?”
“It’s Jack” he reminded you. “Of course I am. It’s nice.. seeing everyone and getting to know people outside work. How about you?”
You leaned in towards him.“It’s… been interesting.”
You’ve had a bit too much to drink and this… anger towards Dr Abbot was turning into an odd feeling. He met your stare and felt him swallow, hard. The bartender interrupted the both of you and Jack leaned and grabbed the drinks. You took a quick glance at him — at his body, his muscle arms, his hands. He looked good.
“Cheers.” You grabbed your drink and clicked it against his. Dr Abbot didn’t drink alcohol — a personal choice he’d made years ago. He always opted for alcoholic free options, in this instance an alcoholic free beer.
“Wanna tell me more about you?” He asked, giving you a look that made your stomach flip. It wasn’t just curiosity; it felt like you were being undressed in the back of his mind, his gaze lingering in a way that made everything around you feel a little too close, a little too intense.
“Jack…” you said quietly. “Just because I’ve had a bit too much to drink doesn’t mean I’m going to spill all my secrets.” You sipped slowly on your drink.
He let out a chuckle and shook his head. “That’s fair enough. I’m just interested to know more about our duckling.”
Duckling.
“If I’m a duckling, then you must be the... majestic eagle,” you teased, giving him a shy smile. The tension between you both shifted, playful but loaded with something else.
“You smell sweet.” He leaned in slightly.
“What?” His comment caught you off guard, snapping you back to reality.
“You… you smell sweet.”
A panic rushed through you. You swallowed and realised your mouth is sweet which was certainly not a good thing for a type 1 diabetic.
“Excuse me sorry—“ you got off the stool, realising your bag was over on his chair. “Sorry can I - grab my bag please?”
Jack looked at you with a confused look. The drastic change in your conversation threw him off. “Im just nipping to the bathroom - won’t be a sec”
He gently held onto your arm, his voice lowering as he whispered, "I don’t like Irish goodbyes.”
Your face was unnervingly close to his, and despite trying not to, your gaze met his eyes. The intensity was almost magnetic. You cleared your throat, forcing the words out. "I—yeah, okay, noted."
You grabbed your bag and ran off into the bathroom. Your sugars were running dangerously high. The stupid bartender must have added something to your martini. Shit.
You calculated your insulin and lifted your dress up to find a not so sore spot to inject. You got a text from Lena: sugars are high kid.
Your fingers were shaking. Yep on it. Currently in the bathroom, hoping they’d come down soon.
If they’re not down in 5 and you stop responding, I will have to break our little secret. Keep me posted.
Although Dr Abbot did not like Irish goodbyes, you needed to pull one but you were feeling too unwell to leave on your own.
You texted Langdon meet me outside please? Don’t say a word to anyone.
You texted Santos too much to drink need my bed. You snuck out of the backdoor so Dr Abbot, or Callum didn’t see you. You hoped Langdon saw his phone.
“Someone can’t handle their drink” Santos said jokingly.
“She’s left?” Jack was back at the table.
“Yep needs her bed.”
Jack also tried to find Callum and he did.. with another girl. He sighed in relief. But he hadn’t noticed Langdon leaving though.
“Hey, have you noticed anything about her.. at all?”
“Funny she asked the same about you. Something about you being too difficult to read.”
“I'm like the easiest guy to read!” He said in defence.
“Well sometimes. Not when you put your serious voice on.” Santos replied sarcastically.
Dr Abbot was getting restless. He knew he’d messed up and he wanted to spend the evening catching up with you, but instead, he was only pushing you further away. His mind raced with frustration, and he couldn’t understand what happened to make you run away this quick.
“Hey where’s Langdon?” Whittaker asked, breaking the silence.
“Huh…” Santos raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing. “I think we’ve got ourselves a little romance here,” she said sarcastically, a playful grin tugging at her lips.
Dr Abbot quickly came up with an excuse to leave. As he stepped outside, he spotted Langdon and youwalking down the street together.
His stomach twisted then his phone rang.
“Hi Lena everything alright?”
“Yeah, yeah it is.” She paused. “Hey is our duckling still with you?”
“No she left. Is everything alright at work? Need me to come in?”
“No Abbot, we’re fine. I just wanted to see how.. everything is. Do you know where’s gone to? Did you see her leave?”
“She’s with Langdon.” He said with a jealous tone. “Wanna tell me what’s going on?”
“Can you give me his number please?” She didn’t answer his question.
“I don’t have it but Robby will. I’ll ask him and get back to you.”
“Thanks Jack.” Lena quickly hung up.
You found a bench and sat on it.
“What’s going on?” Langdon said with a concerned tone.
“I… I have to tell you something. But you’ve got to promise me not to say a word to anyone?” You said nervously.
He nodded.
“Do you remember the shooting that happened?”
“Yeah.. you got hit right?”
“Only slightly.” You paused. Trying not to relive that horrible night. “I thought I was fine and had to go into work to help… I ended up with sepsis Frank because I left the wound untreated.”
His jaw dropped.
“Which triggered my autoimmune disease and I uh…” you were starting to feel ill. “I have type 1 diabetes.”
“You’re running high.” He cut in. “I can smell it on your breath.”
You nodded weakly.
“How many units have you given so far?”
You opened up your phone and showed him what your levels were and how much insulin you’d given.
“Okay — let’s give you another shot now, get you home and take if from there.”
You couldn’t stop your tears — Langdon wiped them away and gave you a hug before getting into a cab with you.
Dr. Abbot watched the two of you the entire time, realisation slowly sinking in. He was crazy about you, and he was in deep trouble. He needed to understand more because he was falling for someone he knew so little about. And instead of channeling his feelings in a positive way, all he did was push you away, creating arguments where there should have been connection.
That night, as he got home, the conversation replayed in his mind over and over. Where did it go wrong? Was it flirting, or had the alcohol blurred things? What secret were you hiding? The questions spun in his head, leaving him more confused and frustrated than ever.
His phone pinging interrupted his thoughts. It was Lena
Need that number Jack.
Shoot — he’d forgotten all about it. He texted Robby; wasn’t too sure if he was still out drinking or in a long deep sleep.
“What’s up brother?” Robby called within seconds.
“Uh a bit of random one brother but have you got Frank’s number?”
“Yeah…” he paused. “Why?”
“Lena’s after it.”
“Okay… why?” He sounded confused. “Isn’t she working tonight?”
“Something to do with our duckling,” Abbot said, his voice tight. “But no one would tell me what’s going on, so that’s all I’ve got to go on.”
“Alright i’ll text it to you. Did she seem alright before she left? She was with you by the bar.”
“We were—” Abbot stopped himself, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “We were catching up, and she said she needed to use the bathroom.” He paused, his eyes flashing with a mix of regret and self-doubt. “I think I fucked up, brother. I may have flirted. Fuck. What was I thinking? I like her. Robby. Heck I think it’s something deeper than that.” Abbot added. “But I know nothing about her. And every time we… every time I feel like we are about to connect she runs away, or takes a break or… she hides from me.”
Robby let out a laugh, clearly trying to lighten the situation. “Dang it brother you sound like you’re stupidly in love.”
“With a complete stranger? I seem to scare her off. Am I too old for this shit?
“I’m sure you didn’t scare her off. Are you certain it’s not her diabetes causing problems?”
“W—what?”Jack felt a cold wave of dread wash over him. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “What did you say?”
“She’s diabetic I thought you knew that?” He paused. “Judging by your tone… thats a no. I thought HR would have told you.”
“No, no one said a word. This explains everything.” Guilt followed quickly, squeezing at his chest. All this time, he’d been judging you, thinking you were slow, taking too many breaks. He could feel his heart breaking at the thought of how he'd misread the entire situation.
“HR are entitled to inform her line manager despite her protesting against it, and they thought I was her line manager. I asked them to forward you the email.”
Abbot muttered fuck. “Robby you’ve gotta sent me her address, brother. Now.”
“I don’t think thats a good idea.” He protested.
“She’s running high. Fuck. I told her she smelled sweet, then she ran off home. She’s running high.”
And so Robby sent it over to Jack. He also sent him Langdon’s number which was forwarded to Lena.
He typed Lena’s number as he drove to yours. “Lena — how high?”
“Wh—what?” She tried to sound clueless.
“I know Lena about her diabetes. How high?” His voice broke despite his best efforts not to let it.
“It’s coming down but slowly.”
“Alright — I’m on my way to hers now. I’ll call you if anything changes.”
Lena paused for a second. “Go easy on her Jack.”
“I should have a long time ago.” He hung up, focusing on the short drive ahead.
The drive ahead felt like an eternity, and he fought back tears, clenching his jaw to keep the screams from escaping. For a doctor, he was pretty damn stupid. He'd missed all the signs, been so hard on you, blind to the reality of what you’d been going through. He'd been focused on the wrong things, on control, on rules, on his own frustration and never once stopping to consider what you were carrying.
so like...i know most people don't think or know a lot about diabetes but PLEASE don't joke about it. "i bet that tastes like diabetes" "this is going to give me diabetes" please don't. for one thing, that's generally not how it works; type 1 is an autoimmune disease and type 2 is insulin resistance, it's never as simple as "ate to much sugar and now i have diabetes". but also, diabetes kills people? it damages our bodies? it's expensive as hell? it just fucking sucks? it's something that i have to deal with 24/7 and it's never going to go away and hearing people joke about it without a second thought just feels awful. don't joke about it, don't talk to people you barely know like you're more informed than they are, and if you hear someone joking about it tell them to cut that shit out!!
There needs to be more Type 1 Diabetes representation in media.
I want to see characters with insulin pumps. Characters who do shots. Characters who have sensors. Characters who test their blood sugar manually.
I want to see characters dosing before a meal or snack. I want to see characters checking their blood sugar. I want to see characters deal with high or low blood sugar.
I want to see characters with type one diabetes in a variety of settings. The diabetic ruler or monarch. The diabetic detective. The diabetic magician or mage. The diabetic spaceship pilot.
There needs to be more Type 1 Diabetes representation in media.
[It’s okay if you don’t reblog! I don’t want anyone to feel pressured to reblog this. Again, it’s totally okay to not reblog this! /gen]
