Callum was jolted awake by a knock on his office door. Callum smiled despite his exhaustion, he had his own office. 8 years he had been with the Griffins, serving as an assistant healer, soldier, and combat medic. He had finally been made a lead healer, tending primarily to the families of soldiers. Today, his charge was a little girl about seven years old.
“Aye, what’s your name, kiddo?” He smiled warmly, trying his hardest not to scare the child. She spoke quietly.
“Nina.”“Nina, eh.” He suddenly remembered the child. He had helped deliver her. He smiled with nostalgia, that had been one hell of a night.
“Aye, I know you. I was there when you were born.” She beamed.
“Really?”“Really.” He grabbed her small frame and lifted her onto the table.
“Right then, let’s get you fixed up then, eh?” She nodded. She had came in alone, her parents likely busy with their jobs.
“So, what’s bothering you.”“My tummy hurts, and mommy told me to give you this note.”Dear, Dr. CalHe smiled, he wasn’t a doctor, but a lot of his charges ended up calling him “doc” anyways.
Nina likely has an upset stomach, give her some pepto bismol or something. She is, however, in need of a vaccine.
Good luck dealing with that,
Nina’s mother.He sighed. It looked as though giving her a shot was unavoidable. He gave her a dose of pepto, and told her what the note had said.
“No!” She cried
“I don’t wanna shot!”“Aye, I know you don’t, but I’m powerless here!”“You could lie.”“I could, but then what if you caught a disease that could have been prevented the shot?” He sighed.
“Tell you what, you close your eyes and count to three. By the time you’re done, we’ll be all done with the shot.” He leaned in closer and whispered.
“If you're real brave-like, I’ll give you a lollipop.”She nodded at him with teary eyes.
“One.”He slid the syringe into her arm and started pressing down the plunger. He tried his hardest to ignore her pained expression.
“Two.”He finished giving her the shot and removed the needle.
“Three” He wiped off her arm and stuck a band-aid on her. He smiled as he handed her a cherry-flavored lollipop.
“Alright, you’re right as rain. Real quick though, what do you want to be when you grow up?” “I want a soldier! Just like daddy!” She smiled innocently at him. He smiled back sadly and sent her on her way. Just as he was about to settle back into his chair, a messenger came.
“Cal, we got a problem.” He pointed out into the hall.
“We got a soldier, he was hit by an explosive round.” Callum winced with empathy.
“Dr. Karst needs your help.” Callum nodded and let the young messenger lead him away. He took one look back at the little girl walking away.
I hope to god that’s not an omen.
