The voice was calm yet authoritative, cutting through the chaos like a knife. Dr. Bennett stepped into the circle, his presence immediately commanding attention. His white coat flapped slightly in the breeze, a stark contrast to the casual summer attire surrounding him.
Tyler froze, hand still gripping my shirt, eyes wide with disbelief. “What did you say?” he stammered, his bravado suddenly faltering.
Dr. Bennett repeated himself, his voice projecting with an air of finality. “That’s my patient you’re assaulting, Tyler.” He emphasized the last word as though it were an admission of guilt. The tension shifted palpably; the crowd’s murmurs turned into whispers, questioning and unsure.
