The city sparkled in the dying light, its skyline ablaze with gold. The restaurant before me shone softly, its lights spilling onto the sidewalk like liquid amber.The air was heavy with the intoxicating scent of roses in bloom and the far hum of traffic.I stood outside, racing heart in my chest, amidst the soft rush of anticipation. My dark blue dress hugged my waist, modest yet sophisticated.Low heels clicked beneath me. My hair, undone, but finely brushed fell over my shoulders, ticking my skin like a whisper.I'd stuffed my cardigan into my bag at the last minute—half nerves, half indecision.David Peterson's words of the night before echoed in my mind: "Dinner. Just me, Just you, Just us." So simple. So out of nowhere. A surprise that sparked something in me after too many long, lonely nights.His invitation chipped away at the solitude I'd worn like armor. The cold that Victor left behind. The silence of my boys. The dist
My apartment was quiet, as it always is. The air was cool, scented with the subtle smell of lavender from the diffuser on the counter.I sat on the couch, cardigan open over a comfortable tee, pajama pants warm against my skin.My dark hair dropped to my shoulders, touching me softly as I ignored it. In my hand, my phone glowed. David's name appeared on the screen."Any opinion on the new hospital policy?" It was an excuse. He just needed something to start the conversation because our conversations had long surpassed the workplace.My heart skipped a beat. My solitude wasn't so biting. His warm words made the quiet apartment less empty.It began after the day he came. The business card we both exchanged when he asked. His voice still echoing, "I'll be in touch."That first message was business, a question about the maternity program. I answered warily, all business. Then yesterday, his tone shifted."Ever tired of hospital food?I’d laughed softly, surprising myself. “Only every day
(Emily's POV)The hospital waiting area hummed with expectation. Light from the capital city streamed through high windows, reflecting off the newly polished floors. Disinfectant and the perfume of cut flowers from the vendor stand filled the air.I leaned against the reception counter, new white coat, blouse buttoned, skirt tied securely at the waist.My dark hair was secured tightly in a bun, loose wisps fleeing, neglected. My heart remained steady, but nervousness persisted.The memo yesterday repeated in my mind: a politician's stop. David Peterson. He was here to sign off on bills for mothers delivering today, a theatrics move.I'd dismissed it. My assignment was simple: be cardiology's representative, be professional, let the pageant blow past me. My existence was still, yet vibrant. A lot were falling apart and out of place. But I was firm and unshakeableStaff rushed. Cameras clicked. A crowd accumulated, reporters, nurses, patients. Whispers vibrated the air with hum.I shif
The hospital hummed with its usual rhythm. Beyond the tall windows, the capital city stirred to life, its skyline sharp against a pale morning sky.I was in my office, like I always am when there is not too much to demand my attention. My dark hair was twisted into a tight bun, strands tugging at my scalp, ignored. Charts littered my desk.A mug of cold coffee, its rim chipped, held down a pile of reports.The air was perfumed with antiseptic and held the soft, steady whine of monitors. Outwardly, I was composed. Inwardly, an invisible pressure pressed against my chest.This opus, offspring of a life in service, all of it had been a gift from Mark Kennedy.Now he is no where to be found. His phone silent. My gratitude unspoken. Doubt had begun to creep in, softly and insistent. All I remember of him is the hot night that we shared, before he orchestrated all of this and it all happened I stood and brushed my coat straight. My heels clicked on tile as I moved to the window.Below, th
The quad glowed gold in the light the evening. Heat clung to my skin, thick with the bitter smell of food carts that lined the surrounding.I stood on the edge of the stage, my sneakers on grass, sundress flapping against my legs. My denim jacket was unbuttoned, hair loose and we'll brushed, resting on the nape of my neck.My heart pumped steadily, remembering all the madness that happened in the session. The pain mellowed, the shame less visible, but not blur at all.José's fingers clenched around mine, taut, warm. His companionship is something I can't undermine. All the moments flashed through my mind, all conversation, everything. He was fresh air. My body hummed, my breathing shallower, everything more acute with him near. The final ceremony whirled around us. Laughter filled the space, restless energy everywhere.My heart soared at the prospect.I noticed Sophie and Daniels navigating the throng. Her pink sundress radiating the fading light. His arm around her waist, the chem
I walked fast into the humanities building. The morning was cool and calm, with crisp hair that makes it looks like going to rain heavily.I slowed my pace when I got in, my denim jacket loosely over a black with tight jeans, and backpack straps digging into shoulders.My heart beat was steady, each beat reminding me of last night's sleepless spiral. My parents' split, Mom's tears, Dad's reaction, everything had haunted down.I pushed through the doors, as I head for Victor’s office. The corridor was quiet. Doors closed. A janitor's mop splashing. My jeans rubbing, clinging to my legs, and I felt like I was sweating heavily even though I was not. My backpack feeling heavy, my mind running all around. The picture, him, the boys. I was destroying a home, like ours was.My heart was shattered.I got to the front of his door, Dr. Victor Graham, my heart seized, my breath trapped, my hand frozen, my rap sharp, and my knuckles trembling as I gave three soft knocks."Come in," he said, from