The celebration was a mix of revelry and relaxation, with drinks flowing freely and laughter filling the room. The atmosphere was lively, almost chaotic, as everyone let loose after long, grueling shifts.

Meredith had a drink or two, but like Nora, he was careful not to overindulge. For people like them, who wielded scalpels and made life-and-death decisions, getting drunk wasn’t an option. They knew better than anyone how alcohol dulled the senses.

"Are you ...