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Nell stood there, rocking the infant, her voice filling the room with a warmth that seemed to melt away the tragedy that surrounded her.

Lost in the song’s melody, her eyes closed. Her long lashes cast shadows on her cheeks. For once, she didn’t appear haunted. Usually, she looked vulnerable, yet now she seemed so powerful.

Maklr’s chest swelled with a strange feeling he couldn’t quite identify. Perhaps it was pride? Admiration? A combination? For her, this was incredible progress.

Everyone who was able watched her, mesmerized by the beauty of her sound. Nell’s raw emotions filled the room with hope.

Her eyes fluttered open, meeting Maklr’s for a brief, electrifying moment. A flush crept up her neck, staining her cheeks a delicate shade of pink. He offered her a smile of encouragement. As Nell continued to sing, her eyes never left his, and her voice grew stronger with every passing second.

Maklr’s heart raced at the sudden connection with Nell before a field medic burst through the doors, severing their connection.

“Maklr,” the new medic called from the farthest corner of the room. “Another one.” He brought another wounded soldier into the center. “I need your expertise.”

Maklr raced over, scanner in hand, to assess the newest arrival. So engrossed in his work, Nell’s enchanting singing faded into the background against the onslaught of more wounded entering the facility.

Wave after wave of more injured poured in. Maklr worked methodically, diligent in his care of each patient. He annotated digital charts, noting injuries and any immediate treatment taken. Finally, he slumped against a wall, exhausted.

“Who’s next?” Maklr wiped sweat from his brow.

“We’re done. Everyone’s in.” Charlotte handed Maklr a clean towel. “The others are treating the injured.”

“Where to?” Maklr tossed the now sweat-laden towel into a cleaning receptacle. “Let’s go.”

“Take a break,” Charlotte said.

“Not when there are patients to treat.”

“Maklr, look around. Everyone’s gone. Nell stopped singing a while ago. She and the baby are safe.”

“It’s my duty.” “Enough with the duty. You’ve gone above and beyond. If you keep going and go down from exhaustion, what good will you be to anyone? You’ll be out of commission and unable to help for who knows how long until you recover. No one will fault you if you leave and recharge. Go rest.”

“Sir, you’ve done all you can. We’ll take it from here, boss.” Another medic patted Maklr’s shoulder. “Take a break. You’ve been helping for hours. We know the toll it takes.”

“I know.” Maklr leaned against the wall, yawning. “I’ll be in soon to help, but I think you’re right. I’m going to rest for a few minutes.”“Take your time. You need a break.”

Maklr nodded. “Yes,” he said between yawns.

“Hey, Mak? Want to get up this side of the morning?” Charlotte shook Maklr’s shoulder. “Sleepyhead, it’s time to get up.”

Maklr groaned and cracked his eyes. “Where am I?” he asked, sitting up.

“We moved you into my office.” Charlotte sat on a plush navy blue chair. She rested her back against a cream-colored throw pillow. “How are you feeling? More rested, I hope?”

“A bit. How long did I sleep?” Maklr took his hands and fixed his sleep-tousled hair back into his signature mohawk, scrunched his nose and sighed.

“Almost a full day. Don’t sigh. And before you start with the ‘why didn’t you wake me,’ I wasn’t planning on it because your body needed the rest. If I’m being truthful, you still look drained.” Charlotte made a face.

Maklr stood and stretched. “Are you going somewhere?” He gestured to a duffle bag packed at the end of the couch he’d slept on.

Charlotte shook her head. “No.”

“Did we get a new patient?”

“No.”

“Am I being sent on a mission?” Maklr grimaced.

“Of sorts.”