Pain Wasn't Loud!

Elena's POV'

I walked out of the hospital with Sarah by my side as it was almost nighttime, so we were on our way back home. The hospital lights dimmed behind us as Sarah and I stepped out into the evening air. The city had begun to fold itself into night — headlights streaking by, the scent of rain lingering from earlier showers.

I exhaled softly, feeling the ache of the long shift in my shoulders, but the older woman beside me walked as if the day had barely touched her. It's more like she's used to it but hats off to the woman.

“Ah.”

Sarah sighed, tilting her face up to the sky.

“Nothing feels better than the air after a twelve-hour shift. Smells like freedom to me.”

I chuckled.

“Freedom and car exhaust.”

Sarah laughed, a bright, musical sound that cut through the tiredness clinging to them.

“Don’t ruin my poetry, dear. You’re too young to be this cynical.”

We crossed the parking lot together, the elder woman linking her arm through mine without waiting for permission — she never d