Chapter Text
It was a cloudy, cold afternoon in New York. The world outside the apartment buzzing with live. People getting home from work, students going home, cars passing by. Everything drifted into the background as the man turned the page of his book. The cold air numbing his fingers. He was sitting on the windowsill in his kitchen. Round glasses sitting on his nose. The window open. A coffee mug in front of him, a book in one hand.
The kitchen was basic. White countertops with wood accents, a wood flooring, white fridge and oven, some cabinets hanging on the wall. A nice coffee machine was standing on one of the counters. On the other side of the room there was a wood table with two comfortable chairs. A few plants were decorating the space. Giving it a pop of colour and making it feel lived in. On the wall next to the door hang a calendar.
The man took a drag of his cigarette, resting in his other hand. Smoke filling his lungs and burning on its way down. His mind was immersed in the book he was reading. Romeo and Juliet. He bought it when he heard that the theatre would put on a play in a few months. Now he was almost halfway through the book. Reading it every second he could.
It took his mind of things. Just a few weeks back his girlfriend broke up with him. “I feel like your heart is somewhere else Neil.” She told him. Kate wasn’t mad. She was just stating a fact that he knew too well himself. A few people told him that already. He just couldn’t put his finger on it- What was missing. Neil wanted to love them properly. He just couldn’t- Not that he treated them badly. He was always supportive, understanding and caring. There was just a constant tug on his heart. Making him feel like there was something more out there. Something that could fulfil him.
Before he knew it his cigarette was finished. He set the book aside and put it out. Afterwards taking the book under his arm and his mug in one hand. Closing the window behind him.
He looked at the clock hanging above the door. It was 3:20pm. That meant he still had time before work, which started at 6pm. The brown-haired man woke up at 3pm to his alarm going off. The night- or rather day left him exhausted. Neil always had trouble changing his sleep routines. This week he had the night shift. The next he will be on the day shift again- Not the best working hours since his body never had time to adjust. So here he was. Feeling exhausted.
Now he was sitting at the table. Book in both hands now as he read with great focus. His cup was placed next to him. He took a sip every couple of pages. The day went on with Neil like this. When he looked up to the clock again it was already 4:30pm which meant he had to get ready for the day. His coffee was drained by then. With a sigh he put a bookmark in his book and closed it. He took his mug and set it next to the sink. Then he opened a drawer and prepared his food for work.
It was nothing big. Just two slices of bread with whatever topping he fancied that day. Neil wasn’t one to cook for himself. It was too much effort, so he stuck to the basics. He finished up, put the dishes next to his cup and put his food in a container. Before he made his way out of the kitchen, he grabbed the book and lunch- Or midnight snack, whatever- And put it in his bag. He placed his glasses in their case and put them in as well. Then he went into the bathroom.
First brushing his teeth. Afterwards Neil styled his hair. It reached a little under his ears and he brushed it back. Not completely though. He liked it to still be a little fluffy and untamed- Just out of the way and professional. The man went into his bedroom and took out his suit. It was black and plain but well fitted. Despite being a suit, it was also comfortable. Neil took off his shirt and sweatpants and put it on. The black tie being the finishing touch.
He looked into the mirror in the hallway, checking if everything was in place before he put on his shoes and a coat. Both items being black as well. Neil grabbed his cigarettes and lighter and put them in his pocket. Then he picked up his watch and left his apartment. Locking the door behind him.
The cold air hit his face as he went onto the street. It was already dark outside. Lit lanterns were the only light source. Dimly illuminating his surroundings. Neil regretted not wearing a scarf that day, but he didn’t want to turn around to get it, so he just went on. He lit another cigarette. Letting the smoke fill his lungs and calm his nerves.
Neil’s mind was restless. It mostly was and instead of dealing with it, he relied on constant distraction. Pushing the feelings and thoughts that still troubled him away. Usually it worked- Not that it was healthy but, oh well. What could he do? (Don’t answer that.)
Freezing wind hit his face and hands. He shoved one hand in his coat pocket after trying to get it to cover more of his neck. The other turning numb around his cigarette. Neil quickly looked for a trashcan. Upon finding it he put it out. Then he slipped his right hand in a pocket as well.
On the way to work he stopped by a bakery. The bell as he opened the door signalling his entry. The warmth welcoming him in. His face was flushed by the cold. A young blonde woman was behind the counter. She greeted him. Neil gave her a smile. “Hello. I would like a croissant please.” “That will be 0,99$.” She replied. He handed over the money and she gave him his food. “Have a great evening, sir.” The woman said kindly. “Thanks. I hope you do too.” Neil returned before leaving the store. Now with food in his hand. He ate it on his way.
It took another 20 minutes before he reached the clinic. Snow beginning to fall slowly form the sky. “Good evening, Dr. Perry.” The nurse at the front desk greeted him. “Good evening, Amy.” His hands were stiff and cold. So was his face, that was still blushed. “I have a patient for you.” She stated. “Let me change and then I will take a look at them.” With that he made his way to the personal rooms. Chugging off his coat and rubbing his hands together in a try to warm them up. He took his white lab coat and put in over his suit.
With that he left the room and went back to the front desk. The nurse handed him the case. Apparently a 60-year-old man slipped outside and fell. Dr. Perry went to check up on the patient and treat him. This was going to be a long night.