Storms and Shelter

The emergency department erupted into chaos as ambulance sirens wailed outside. A massive pile-up on the rain-slicked highway had sent dozens of casualties their way. Mei Hua ran through triage, her mind racing through protocols while coordinating with the trauma team.

“Three critical in OR 2!” Yi Ning called out, efficiently directing paramedics. Her usual playfulness had transformed into laser-focused precision. “Kai's already scrubbing in!”

Chen appeared beside Mei Hua, passing her a tablet with incoming patient data. “Multiple trauma, possible internal bleeding in bay four. Want to take it together?”

Before she could answer, the trauma phone rang again. Yi Ning's face paled as she listened. “There's a school bus involved. Multiple pediatric casualties incoming.”

The next twelve hours became a blur of urgent decisions, rapid procedures, and coordinated teamwork. Chen and Mei Hua worked in sync, their movements choreographed by years of training and growing intimacy. Kai handled the most critical surgical cases while Yi Ning managed the pediatric emergencies with unexpected steel in her usual sunshine.

During a brief respite, Mei Hua found Chen in the staff room, staring at his coffee. “Lost one,” he said quietly. “Teenager. We did everything...”

She touched his shoulder, understanding the weight. “You gave her a fighting chance. Sometimes that's all we can do.”

“Like your father used to say,” he smiled sadly. “'We're doctors, not gods. Our job is to fight death with everything we have, but also know when to let go with grace.'”

Their moment was interrupted by Yi Ning bursting in. “Multiple trauma coming in! Bus driver's critical!”

Back into the fray they went. Hours stretched as they fought to save lives, the rain outside matching the intensity inside. It was near dawn when the last critical patient was stabilized.

Mei Hua found herself in the pediatric ward, checking on the recovered children. A small voice called out, “Doctor Lin?”

A little girl, Lei Lei, whom she'd treated for a broken arm, was awake. “My teddy... I lost him in the accident.”

Before Mei Hua could respond, she heard Chen's voice behind her. “Is this him?” He held up a slightly muddy teddy bear. “Found him at the crash site. Thought he might be looking for his friend.”

The girl's face lit up as Chen performed an impromptu “examination” of the teddy bear, complete with tiny bandages and a miniature cast matching hers. Yi Ning, passing by, snapped a photo of the moment, her eyes suspiciously wet.

Later, in their usual rooftop spot, the four friends sat in exhausted silence. Kai had brought coffee, while Yi Ning produced her seemingly endless supply of snacks.

“Forty-seven patients,” Kai reported. “Forty-three stable. Three critical but improving.”

“And one loss,” Chen added quietly.

“But twenty-eight children who'll go home to their families,” Yi Ning reminded them. “Including a very happy girl with a matching cast with her teddy bear.” She showed them the photo she'd taken.

Mei Hua looked at Chen. “When did you have time to get the bear?”

“During the second wave of casualties. Saw it in the wreckage, remembered the girl asking for it during initial assessment. Figured it might help her recovery.”

“Smooth operator,” Kai teased. “Using teddy bears to impress your girlfriend.”

“Please,” Yi Ning scoffed. “He's been doing that since residency. Remember the time he 'accidentally' ordered extra plush anatomical hearts for the pediatric ward?”

The rain had finally stopped, leaving the air clean and fresh. Dawn was breaking over Shanghai, painting the sky in soft pinks and golds. Mei Hua felt Chen's arm around her waist, steady and warm.

“Move in with me,” he said suddenly.

Three heads turned to stare at him.

“What?” he asked defensively. “We practically live together anyway. Between shifts, emergencies, and actual dates, we're always at each other's places. Why not make it official?”

“Well,” Yi Ning drawled, “there goes my bet in the hospital pool. I had money on a proposal first.”

“You bet against the move-in?" Kai looked shocked. "Amateur. Chen's been renovating his apartment for months. Why did you think he kept asking Mei Hua about her favorite colors and furniture styles?"

Mei Hua turned to Chen. "You've been planning this?"

He had the grace to look slightly embarrassed. "Since the military ball. I even got your mother's blessing... and Wei's threat assessment."

"My brother threatened you?"

"More like a friendly warning about treating his sister right. Very creative use of medical terminology."

Yi Ning and Kai were already planning the housewarming party, their excited chatter a familiar background noise. But Mei Hua focused on Chen's face, seeing the mixture of hope and nervousness there.

"Yes," she said simply.

His smile was brighter than the dawn. "Yeah?"

“Yes. But I'm keeping my books.”

“I already built you a library. Complete with that ridiculous reading chair you love.”

"See?" Kai nudged Yi Ning. "Told you he's been planning this.”

Their moment was interrupted by emergency pagers beeping simultaneously. New casualties arriving - a separate accident on the other side of town.

“Back to work,” Yi Ning sighed, stretching. “But this conversation isn't over. We need to discuss proper housewarming protocols.”

“And betting pool redistribution,” Kai added.

As they headed back downstairs, Chen caught Mei Hua's hand. “No regrets? About any of this?”

She thought about the long shifts, the emotional toll, the constant challenges. Then she thought about the lives saved, the moments shared, the love growing stronger each day. About teddy bears with matching casts and secret renovation plans.

“No regrets,” she assured him. “Though we should probably warn the building about Yi Ning and Kai's party planning tendencies.”

“Already took care of it. Bribed the security guard with my special dumplings.”

“Sneaky.”

“Strategic,” he corrected, stealing a quick kiss before they headed back to their duties.

Behind them, Yi Ning was already on her phone, presumably updating the hospital gossip network, while Kai started taking bets on the wedding date. Just another day in their chaotic, beautiful life of medicine and love.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***