Embers and Ashes
Note: This is a little thing I wrote at 1am after a horrible day. It’s based on true events/feelings. Unedited. TW: Depression and mental illness mentioned.
Tess had no idea that she was the reason they were thriving.
There was her closest friend, one she only saw once a week if she was lucky. Having different shifts sucked more than anything, but that didn’t come between the two girls whose souls were inseparable. They made sure to take time every few months to go on an adventure, to get the hell out of that shitty town.
One fact that Tess would never know about her dear friend was that she was the main reason that friend, Shaina, kept on fighting. Sure, Shaina had her young daughter to look after, and parents who loved her. But, to Shaina, Tess was a touch of reality, of the life she longed for, a taste of normalcy. And, that taste kept Shaina trekking through her muddy, mundane life.
Then, there was Lena. Tess had only known Lena for a few months now, but those few months had been life changing. Through numerous medication changes, mental breakdowns, and a life-altering medical diagnosis, Tess had aided in Lena’s quest for mental safety. Sure, Tess was simply Lena’s manager. But, that didn’t keep Tess from trying to show Lena the positive inside the dark storm surrounding Lena’s mind. And because if that, Lena found the strength though yet another episod
Dr. Caine never took no for an answer. He didn’t tolerate incompetence, and wasn’t afraid to show favoritism. One of those favorites was clearly Tess. She was highly regarded by the head doctor for her vast knowledge and concrete work ethic. But that only led Dr. Caine to call on Tess for more than her share of duties. She was one of eleven nurses In her department, but the head doctor always sought out his favorite knowing full well that every task was as good as done once left in Tess’ hands.
Amongst the constant pull and pressure of those around her, Tess kept her head high and pushed forward in hopes of a lighter day. She kept quiet about the burden of other people’s needs, and reluctantly silenced her own for the sake of her career. Tess was partnerless, and was only greeted by the soft purrs of her two cats at the end of each day. Many of her friends and peers thought that was quite the life to lead. However, inside, Tess was not thriving like those around her.
Tess’ once glowing soul was now no more than the fleeting embers of a great fire. The silver sheen behind her eyes grew dim with the smoke of her soul burning out. She was exhausted; her flame was nearly gone. The lives she held up above hers didn’t fuel her fire, but instead smothered the once roaring flame until nothing was left but ash and scarlet embers of a once almighty warrior. She hoped that fire would somehow spark again, renewing her soul like a phoenix from the ashes. All she needed was a kindling, a reason to reclaim the life she once loved. She simply wanted to thrive again.
