[h1][center]Dr. Ellie Price[/center][/h1]
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Ellie woke before the alarm.

Not abruptly, no jolt of adrenaline or sharp intake of breath. Just the slow awareness of the morning settling into her dingy apartment bedroom. Bluish hues casting gentle rays through the thin curtains. She lay there a moment longer than she strictly needed to, listening to the city sounds of a hushed hum; that narrow space between night and obligation. Rain traced faint lines down the glass, steady but unhurried. Much like Elinor herself.

[color=#8FAF9A]“All right,”[/color] The woman murmured, gentle limbs prying herself from the warm comforts of the blankets as she settled into routine. Shower. Dress. Brown hair pulled in an efficient bun, no fuss. Makeup minimal, chosen less for appearances than habit. Glasses cleaned to a sheen before resting on her nose. Breakfast was similar. Kettle on, mug out, toast left untouched because she realised she wasn’t hungry yet. The mug had a small chip along the rim, old and familiar, its handle warm against her palms.

She checked the time. Early enough that she eased into her longcoat and knee-high boots, checking her appearance a second time in the hallway mirror she noticed was dusty, she’d need to rectify that later. Her smile was warm as she stepped out into the damp London morning streets.
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The walk was short. Purposeful in the sense she didn’t rush and was oddly at ease for what was essentially her first day on the job.

Rogue Row HQ, a building that was repurposed. Not new, not chosen. Plain in ways Ellie adored for its simplicity, lack of decor and missing pretense. The entrance gave a little resistant squeak before yielding, as though testing whether she really meant to come in. Ellie slipped inside, folding her umbrella neatly and shaking off the last of the common England rain.

The space was quiet save for the shuffle of boots scraping along the old floors. Colleagues, Ellie presumed. She took it all in without judgement.

She selected a desk along the side. Close enough to listen, far enough not to impose. Her bag went beneath it, the coat draped carefully around the back of the chair. She placed her home-brought mug at the corner of the desk, a small marker of presence, and adjusted her glasses as her eyes continued to roam.

That’s when she noticed the plant sitting in the box room that clearly passed for a private office, leaves drooping, soil pale and dry. Forgotten rather than neglected. Ellie crossed to it without hesitation, fingers brushing one leaf lightly, testing.

[color=#8FAF9A]“Oh,”[/color] The doctor straightened as she spotted the woman behind the desk only seconds after the plant. Her expression was warm, posture open. [color=#8FAF9A]“Good morning,”[/color] She said, voice carrying a gentle Welsh lilt. [color=#8FAF9A]“I’m Ellie- Dr. Price. Sorry, I know I’m early.”[/color]

She gestured faintly to the plant, almost apologetic. [color=#8FAF9A]“Just needs a bit of water. Might come back, given time.”[/color]

Ellie took a half-step back, lingering in the doorframe of the solo office. She waited, calm and unhurried, already settled into a place that didn’t yet know what to do with her.