Chapter Text
“I need suction.”
Claire did as she was asked. They were in the middle of a surgery. A young boy had been sent in with stomach pains earlier in the morning. A quick scan showed a small mass in the lower abdomen. It was a fairly simple procedure with fairly low risk factors; nothing was expected to go wrong.
Claire couldn’t help glancing at Shaun. He seemed… off. She couldn’t see much of his face through his mask and goggles, but he looked a little strange. Normally, Shaun would jump to answer Melendez’s questions. But he had hardly said a word the entire operation. And when he did speak, it was hoarse and raspy.
“Murphy, hand me the scalpel,” Melendez held out his hand expectantly.
Shaun didn’t move; he simply stood as if he hadn’t heard him at all.
“Murphy?” Melendez slowly handed his tools to Claire, gazing at Shaun with concern.
All of a sudden, Shuan swayed, eyes fluttering shut as his knees buckled.
“Woah there,” Melendez exclaimed, managing to catch Shaun.
He carefully lowered the unconscious resident to the ground, bending over him. Claire watched worriedly as Dr. Melendez’s fingers moved to check Shaun’s pulse.
“Vitals seem okay,” He moved his head to Shaun’s chest,”And breathing is fine. Seems like exhaustion…”
He trailed off. Quickly removing his gloves, Melendez pressed his hand to Shaun’s forehead.
“Shit,” he murmured.
“What is it?” Claire asked anxiously.
“He’s got one hell of a fever,” Melendez turned to one of the nurses,”Page Dr. Lim to step in for me. Kalu, step in for Browne. Browne, you’ll help me with Murphy. Everyone else, continue with the surgery.”
Melendez heaved Shaun off of the floor before carrying him out of the room; Claire quickly followed after him.
Shuan fumbled with his seatbelt. Lea had showed up not long after Melendez had contacted her. Shuan didn’t fully comprehend what was happening, but the next thing he knew, he was climbing into the passenger side of Lea’s car.
“Don’t worry, Shaunie. I got it,” Lea murmured, fasting the buckle with a click.
“I don’t feel well,” Shaun mumbled, his eyelids fluttering.
“I know, Shuan. Rest for a while. We’ll be home soon.”
As the motor of the vehicle whirred to life, Shuan let his head fall against the glass. The last thing he felt before sleep claimed him was Lea’s hand on his leg as she mumbled soft reassurances.