Matteo's POV

I was irritated that Sage wasn't going to be around today I needed to spend time with her. I craved her touch and being able to listen to her voice. I went back to sleep after Sage went to work this morning. I was up too late last night imaging her right next to me. 

I woke up around eleven in the morning. Which means it's only six more hours till Sage gets home. I didn't feel like going out today so I just made a quick breakfast. One of my many talents was cooking I enjoyed making food for my brother and I when we were younger. It was our job to feed ourselves. 

I made a salmon omelet and an oatmeal bake. As I ate breakfast I just sat around flipping through movies on TV. There was nothing on besides Hallmark and who wants to watch that all day? So I decided to go into Sage's room to find a book. 

She's always reading. I knew she would bring some from home. I grabbed the one on the top of her nightstand and started reading. I was a few chapters in and what the actual fuck? These books are so intense. I can't believe Sage reads this stuff, I'm in shock. 

Sage's POV

It was four in the afternoon. I was exhausted and ready to go home. I had a few more check-ins with patients before I went home. I look down at my chart "Room number fifty-five Mrs.Taylor" I say softly under my breath. 

I was having a bad day because last minute I got switched to the ER. The hospital was so busy today because of a local motorcycle race. We were so short-staffed I had to work until midnight. I was truly exhausted. I just wanted to Doordash Sushi and binge Criminal Minds. 

I slowly open up the door so I don't startle her. She's sitting upright in her bed looking out the window. "Hi, Mrs.Taylor How are we feeling today?" I say walking forward. Without any hesitation, she sprung from the bed and tackled me to the ground. 

I was fighting back trying to get her off me but she had me in a headlock. I tried to scratch and kick her but nothing was working. This lady was too strong, she started yelling at me. 

I tried to yell over her desperate for the attention of anyone. "Help!" I call out. "HELP" I kept yelling help over and over until one of the other nurses finally heard me while walking by. 

"What the fuck is going on in here," a random work colleague says while he pulls Mrs.Taylor off of me. He finally got her off of me and sat her in her bed. He pulled out his walkie talkie 

"Emergency in room fifty-five. I repeat emergency in room fifty-five; someone is attacking Sage!" he said. He sounded so distressed I assumed I didn't look too good. He finally got her to get off me and pushed her down.  

I'm sitting on the floor in shock, shaking with a burning sensation coming from my neck. Three other nurses finally arrived and helped me off the floor. They could tell I was still in shock so one of them offered to help me to the front desk so I could go home. 

I wasn't physically hurt at all, no blood or bruising. I knew exactly what it was but I couldn't let anyone at work know. Especially in Italy with completely different people than back home. I had experienced a panic attack/PTSD moment from my father. These happen often especially due to violence or witnessing violence. It brings back my childhood and I am unable to control myself. 

We finally reached the front desk "I'm not gonna ask you any questions right now due to your state. Do you have anyone I can call to get you?" our receptionist said.

I stand there in silence for a second "No Ma'am. I'll just walk home I will be fine" I say in a hoarse tone. 

"Are you sure? '' she says hesitantly. 

"Yeah I'll be ok I promise, I can pick up my car in the morning. Thankfully I have the next two days off" I say.  

The house is only a few blocks down the street. I've walked a million times before so I'll be fine. I'm so irritated about leaving my car though, it's so important to me.