Doctor Easterman was a demanding man. He wasn't too difficult to work for, actually. If you overlook the things he asks you to prep people for and the way he studies your every move. You didn't know the true nature of his work, but if your patient was conscious by the time they got to you, the begging made your stomach turn.
"Doctor, what exactly are you studying with the patients?" You probe gently one day, face feeling flush when he pins you under his gaze. There was always something cold and distant in his eyes, and having it all focused on you made your heart race.
"I've asked you, dear, not to ask about the patients and their problems. That's a violation of their privacy." His sharp scolding made your fingers shake a little as you grip your folders tight.
"Yes, Doctor, I understand that but -"
"There are no buts! Do you know why I hired you?" You jump slightly when he yells, lowering himself to your face. He could see your fear, eyes darting, pulse racing, your lips trembling just so... It was a beautiful sight, but he still felt a little bad. "I hired you, dear, because you are a very special, important piece of my work." He softens his tone immediately, placing his hands softly on your shoulders.
"I am?" Your voice was small now, which made his heart jump happily.
"Yes, my dear. Go home for the day. You've worked so, so hard for me." He coos as he guides you to the door. You don't question him about the patients again, and he buys you some headphones to work with when you're handling patients.
He would let you pick the music sometimes, as long as you listened to the "moral encouragement" messages that Dr. Easterman had made for you.
"You are such a valuable member to this team, my dear. You do not question me. You do not resist me. You simply listen and obey. You know, most people, dear, wouldn't do what you do. They can't. I say, Jump! They jump. You, my dear, say how high... Do you know how special that is?"
You weren't too annoyed by the interruptions to your music when his voice was so nice; and if you were honest, you really liked his voice. The encouragement came every hour on the hour. Dr. Easterman was always efficient. He valued his time and yours and would be very disappointed if things weren't moving along on schedule.
"Remember to work quickly, dear. You're very efficient in what you do. If you fall behind, you'll be forced to stay late... I would hate to keep you here past your usual time. But I know you won't disappoint me, will you, dear? Of course you won't. You're my little how high..."
Before you knew it, you'd been working with Dr. Easterman for almost three months. "Are you ready to go home, dear?" Dr. Easterman presses as he takes your files for the day. You weren't able to read most of the documents. They were blacked out. You simply stamped the completed box once you were done and moved on to the next patient.
"Yes Doctor. Are you going home soon?"
"Yes, dear. Are you worried about me?" He chuckles as he scans your face. You wanted to say no, but it would be a lie. Dr. Easterman had encouraged you to never lie to him.
"Yes, Doctor. I'm worried about you sometimes." His lips quirk slightly in a smile as he gently pinches your cheek.
"If you would like to make sure I'm taking care of myself, you will come home with me." Before you had registered what he had said, you were nodding along to his words. Of course you would go with him. When Dr. Easterman told you to do something; You knew you needed to do it.
"Of course, Doctor. Would you like me to get my bag?" He holds up your backpack, helping you put it on.
"That's my good little how high... Let's get you home."
