Team8s and Counting

160. One of Those Days

Barf Bag was waiting for Donut to finish up his shift outside her car at the hospital parking lot. As the hospital doors slid open, Donut trudged out, looking more worn out than usual. She knew that today had been especially busy in the hospital just from the sheer number of patients that she was jumping between, and seeing Donut's slumped shoulders confirmed her suspicions. She offered a wave and a warm smile as he approached.

"Hey, Donut," Barf Bag greeted, her voice soft with concern.

Donut didn't say anything. He opened the door on the driver's side, and just looked inside of the car for a minute. He let out a long sigh, making Barf Bag a little worried.

Barf Bag approached him slowly. "Donut...are you oka-"

"AHHHHHHHH!" Donut slammed the car door that was in front of him, causing Barf Bag to jolt in fear. The loud slam echoed through the parking lot, and Barf Bag's heart raced. She took a careful step back, eyes wide with shock as she watched Donut, who was breathing heavily, fists clenched by his sides.

"Donut..." she said softly, trying to keep her voice steady. "What happened?"

Donut looked down as he shook his head. "I... I'm sorry, Barf Bag. I didn't mean to scare you." Donut looked back at the hospital in anger. "People complaining that they've been waiting for hours and treating me like I'm the one making them wait. It's like they think I'm just here to ruin their day." He sighed, clenching his fists as he tried to control his frustration. "No one seems to realize that I'm doing my best—trying to get them seen, trying to keep things organized. But it's never enough."

Barf Bag nodded, her face softening with empathy. She knew how much Donut cared about his job and how hard he tried to make every patient feel seen and heard, even when they were impatient or upset.

"Today was just... nonstop," Donut continued, his voice breaking slightly. "I had this one woman yell at me because she missed her appointment time. Then, a doctor complained that I wasn't moving fast enough with the next round of patients. And to top it off, someone threw a clipboard at me. A fucking clipboard, Barfy!" He laughed bitterly, looking down at his hands, which were still trembling. "I'm exhausted. I don't know how much longer I can keep doing this."

Barf Bag's eyes widened. "That does sound like quite a rough day."

Donut looked up at the night sky above him. "Maybe Golf Ball was right...I really don't know how to take control...do I?"

Barf Bag rolled her eyes. "You're really going to believe her? Donut, take it from me, I know you know how to take control!"

Donut's expression softened, feeling bad for venting to Barf Bag.

Barf Bag took a hold of his hand, offering him a reassuring smile. "Hey, how about I start driving us home and we can chat some more on the way, okay?"

Donut hesitated, but eventually nodded, giving her a faint smile. "Yeah... that sounds nice. Thanks, Barfy."

They got into the car, and as Barf Bag started the engine, Donut leaned back in his seat, letting his eyes close for a moment. The sounds of the busy hospital faded away as she pulled out of the lot, and for the first time all day, he felt a small sense of relief.

"I don't blame you for taking your anger out on the car." Barf Bag said with a small chuckle. "I wish I could say that I haven't had to run into the breakroom to find a pillow to scream in on those hard days. Even when I try my best, sometimes it'll never be enough for some patients."

Donut opened his eyes, glancing over at her with a look of surprise. "Wait...really?"

Barf Bag nodded. "Oh yeah. You don't want to know how many times people have said 'What's taking so long, all it is is stitches!' Well I'm sorry, but I think your stitches can wait, we just had someone code in the room next door!"