Happy Day 5!I considered writing at least a little series based in COVID, because I thought it would be interesting (assuming that Derek would be unable to work due to his medical conditions, so Merder would be seperated and Derek would have to look after three kids full time) but I know lots of people don't like Covid-based stuff for obvious reasons. So, instead, I offer you a short, tense little one-shot.This one is definitely on the angst/whumptober side, but with Meredith (for once XD).Anyway, I hope you enjoy! :)
"So, how are you doing today?""Keep talking about the kids. Please." Meredith tried, ignoring his concern. She didn't care about herself and had no need to spew her own feelings to him; all she needed to know was that her babies were doing okay."I will, I will, don't worry. I just wanted to make sure that you're okay first." He said, refusing to give in to her begs that easily. He couldn't imagine how horrendous it was for her, but even what he could imagine was horrible enough. She was masked up in PPE for every working hour, she lost so many patients every day, and she was away from her family. He knew Meredith was strong, but she was taking it to a new level.She sighed. She was glad he was so concerned but, really, she just wanted to check that they were okay. She had read an alarming amount of articles about children losing their minds in lock down and developing all kinds of mental health conditions. "I am fine.""I need an honest answer, Mer. Fine is not a word we are allowed to use, remember? We disallowed fine and okay a very long ti-" He paused abruptly as the previous silence from her side of the phone of the phone was ruined by a fit of coughs. It died away quickly but Derek had a feeling she had just dropped the phone away from her face so he wouldn't be able to hear him. "Mer? You still there? You okay?"She swallowed before drawing the phone back up to her ear, hoping it would help the coughing fit subside. "Yeah." She choked out. Derek didn't need to be a doctor to know that that tone came from her resisting another cough."How long have you had a cough?" He asked. "When was your last test?""This morning. And I don't- Derek, I don't have a-" She trailed off again, her words lost to a heavy swallow."Mer?" He pleaded.She shook her head to herself. "'m fine Derek.""You don't sound fine." He replied pointedly. She sounded anythingbutfine."I just-" She tried, her voice disappearing as she made a grasp for one of the street lamps as another wave hit her. She was only half a dozen vehicles away from her own car. As long as she could get there and rest in the drivers seat for a few minutes, she was sure she would be fine."You just?" Derek prompted. "Meredith. Talk to me.""Feelin' a little 'ightheaded." She responded, her whole body resting against the pole now."Where are you?" He asked, as if that could help. He was in the house, and she was at the hospital."Car park-" She answered, pushing her hand against the pole in the help that the little velocity the shove would help her would help reach her car. She could have sworn her checkpoint had got further away than it was before. "I'll be fine, just nee-"
A ruffle.
A clatter.
Silence.
"Meredith?" He called, his voice small and worried. He couldn't shove power into that.
Silence.
"Answer me! Mer!" He begged, this time shouting into the phone. "Meredith, answer me!"
Silence.