Wake-up Call

Callie was no longer the inexperienced, wide-eyed doctor when it came to military matters, but this alarm was still new to her. The urgent alarm set the atmosphere on edge. Jamison cast a quick glance at Callie. ‘It means an urgent mission, Callie. The army needs to be battle-ready in just five minutes.’ Callie’s heart tightened with worry. Was Elias about to step onto the battlefield once more? This mission felt especially pressing and out of the ordinary. ‘Callie,’ Jamison noticed her sudden change in expression, ‘Are you okay?’ Callie placed her pen down and rose from her seat. ‘I’m sorry, Jamison, but I need to step out for a moment.’ Before Jamison could respond, Callie had already dashed out of the room, her thoughts racing. ‘Callie!’ Jamison wanted to convey that Elias might have already left by the time they heard the alarm, but Callie left abruptly, not giving him a chance to speak. He lowered his gaze, his smile tinged with bitterness. Though he didn’t want to accept it, Elia