I closed my eyes and felt the hot wind of New York City kiss my cheeks. I watched beautiful couples walk down the seashore with pretty smiles and contentedly holding each other's hands. It was perfect scenery, but not for someone who tried so hard to push the man away whom she loved so much. "Hey, pretty. What are you doing all alone here?" said a sweet voice. "Stop with the teasing and come grab Lance for me?" I teased with her same sarcastic voice.  "Maybe you remembered something or someone while looking at clouds, h

ISLA'S POINT OF VIEWAs I slowly opened her eyes, I felt a wave of pain wash over me. I  groaned softly and shifted in my bed, trying to find a comfortable position. That's when I noticed the colorful bouquet and basket of fruits on my bedside table.Confused, I glanced around the room, trying to figure out where they came from. That's when I spotted the small note attached to the flowers. With trembling fingers, I reached out and picked it up, reading the elegant script."Get well soon, Isla. I hope these flowers and fruits will brighten up your day. -Dr. Colin"A warmth spread through my chest, and I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes. I couldn't believe that Dr. Colin, the son of the doctor who had been attending to me, had taken the time to do something so thoughtful and kind.Feeling deeply touched, I held the note to my chest and closed my eyes, feeling a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude towards him. I couldn't remember t

"Mom, we need to talk," I said while watching television in the living room. I had just finished putting Isla to sleep."What's wrong?" she asks."This is about Lily's pediatrician," I said slowly."Yeah? Doctor Felix? Why?" she asked, looking intently at me."She's Lily's father," I shook my head, as I said those words."She's your ex-boyfriend?" mom almost whispered."Yes, mom," I said, I let out a deep sigh."What's your plan? Are you planning to tell him now that you had a child together?" "No. I'm not ready, mom," I said, on the verge of crying, "what if it's too late for me to tell him?""I understand that you're feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do," mom replied. "But it's important to consider Lily's best interests in this situation. Have you thought about how keeping this a secret from her father might affect her in the long run?""I know, mom," I said as I leaned into the sofa.

 I stood nervously in front of my mother, my heart racing as I tried to find the right words to say. I had been thinking about it for weeks, but now that the moment had arrived, I was filled with anxiety."Mom," I began tentatively, "I want to talk to you about something."My mother looked up from her book, her eyes scanning my face. "What is it, honey?""I've been thinking about moving to Maryland," I said in a quiet voice. My mother's expression hardened, and her lips tightened into a thin line. "Absolutely not," she said firmly. "You are not going anywhere without telling Felix the truth."I felt my shoulders slump in disappointment. I had hoped that my mother would be more understanding. "Mom, I know I need to tell him. But I'm scared.""Iris, you can't keep running away from your problems," my mother said sternly. "You need to face them head-on." I let out a sigh."I know," I said, feeling defeated. "But what i

I watched Max and Lance continue to chat and laugh, feeling genuinely happy for them. As I observed their interactions, I couldn't help but wonder about my own past relationship with Felix.I thought about our past. I wondered if we could put our differences aside and be friends, like Max and Lance.As I looked at Max and Lance, I saw the ease with which they communicated and how comfortable they were with each other. I couldn't help but feel a sense of jealousy, wondering if I and Felix could ever have that kind of relationship.Despite my doubts, I felt a glimmer of hope. Seeing Max and Lance reminded me that time really could heal all wounds. Maybe, someday, I and Felix could move past our differences and be friends too.But for now, I was content to watch Max and Lance interact, feeling grateful for their ability to be civil with each other. I knew that their positive relationship would make things easier for everyone in our social circle, and I couldn'