I spend the better part of the evening in the supply closet, ensuring everything is in order for my first day in clinic. As I am counting the last of the bandages, I feel my eyelids slowly drooping, and I begin to nod off. I quickly finish the count and put the bandages and clipboard away, flipping off the lights as I leave the room.
The halls are dark, and even the Pit is starting to empty out. I cross the expansive floor, taking care not to step in any puddles of beer from the party that clearly happened earlier tonight. My mind is still reeling from my encounter with Eric earlier. Why didn't he acknowledge me? Didn't he know I was part of Dauntless? Does he hate me now? Why? I wrap my coat tighter around me as I cross the chasm, quickening my pace with each frantic question.
Finally, I find myself in front of the door that matches the number on the shiny key Max handed me earlier. With shaking hands, I unlock the door and push it open.
The apartment is nice, if sparse, tastefully decorated in shades of black and charcoal. There is a long black leather couch, and a gigantic bookshelf that stretches across the expanse of the room. The kitchen is to the right, with sleek black granite counters and stainless steel appliances. I walk tentatively to the bedroom, and my jaw falls slack as I push the door open. It is breathtaking. There is a window that stretches from floor to ceiling, and the room is dimly lit by the moon and stars in the clear sky. The room is furnished with a large black-framed bed and dresser.
I wander into the adjoining bathroom, where I flip on the lights and inspect myself in front of the large mirror. Is something wrong with me? Maybe I am unrecognizable? I scrutinize everything. I'm short, 5'3", and my years in Erudite have left me with curves in just the right places over my muscles that I built in training. My hair is long, dark and shiny. I have naturally olive-complexioned skin and a smattering of freckles over my nose (thanks, mom). My eyes are an unnatural shade of green, almost celery-like. When I first came to Dauntless and discovered that makeup was readily accessible, I used to rim them in layers of black liner to try and draw attention away from them, before realizing that it actually did the opposite. I felt like they made me appear too soft, they are too large and expressive. Now, they work in my favor as a doctor, softening the harsh lines that appear all too often when I am scowling in focus.
Frowning, I lean closer to the mirror. My normally tan skin is paling from exhaustion, and I have huge blue-purple circles underneath my eyes. How attractive.
I sigh as I tie my hair into a loose bun and slip into the pajamas I have packed in my overnight bag. Snapping off the lights, I cross the plush carpet in the bedroom and slide into the bed, savoring the way the sheets feel cool and crisp against my skin. I flip over to face the window, where the moon is still shining softly onto the floor and bed. Sighing, I finally close my eyes. Who knew the first night back at my faction would be so lonely?