Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise.
Written for Pairing the Character, DaphneCho.
Word Count - 523 (because clearly I can't stick to the word count, sorry babe).
Warnings - Alcoholism.
Until The Next Time
Your hair is in your face, little strands tickling the skin on your cheeks and nose. It's your alarm that tells you your shift is almost over, the charms you use are wearing off.
You have one more patient to see, and you've been putting it off as long as you can because you know it isn't going to be pretty.
There's no quick cure for alcoholism. You can't just hand over a potion or cast a spell and have the problem be fixed. You only wish it could be that simple.
With a sigh, you push back the curtain that's been wrapped around her bed to offer a small semblance of privacy.
"Miss Chang," you greet, when she doesn't even look at you.
She turns her head slowly, her wide, dark eyes already filled with unshed tears. "Daph."
You close your eyes briefly, because you can't do this. You know you should hand off her case to another healer, but you've never been able to do it, no matter how many times you say you will.
"I understand from the chart that you've fallen?"
Cho stares at you, her eyes beseeching, because you both know that she's not here because of a rough cut on her leg.
"Daph, please."
You shake your head and gesture to her muddied trousers. "I'm going to have to cut away the material on the bottom, I hope you don't mind."
"Leave the fucking cut," Cho snaps, and you raised your eyebrows. "I'm not here for the cut, Daph. It's the only way you'll see me!"
"If you don't want to be treated, Miss Chang—"
"I want you to love me again!"
You step back from the bed and hold the chart to your chest, sliding your wand back into it's holster on your forearm.
"I'll have it added to your form that you're refusing treatment," you say, and you curse yourself because your voice is shaky. "You should be discharged shortly."
"Daph, please," Cho begs, sitting up on the bed. She's a mess of tears and mud and stinks of cheap alcohol.
You shake your head sadly. "I can't be with you while you're drinking, Cho. I told you that."
"I love you!"
You step out from the cubicle and take a moment. You love her too, of course you do. You have for years. You tried to help her stop drinking, but it never worked. The bottom of the bottle was too strong a calling for her.
You're still hoping for her to stop, to get the help she so desperately needs, but every time she visits the hospital and refuses to see anyone but you, that hope degrades. You worry that soon, there will be no hope left.
"Daphne! Daphne, please!"
You walk away, every step adding cracks to your already broken heart. At the desk, you offer the chart over with a sad smile.
"Miss Chang is refusing treatment. She can be discharged."
The nurse looks back with understanding, and you can barely stop your tears from making themselves known.
You're so glad the day is over. Until the next time, at least.