The afternoon at the hospital in Lagos had grown quieter as the day slowly moved toward evening. The earlier rush had faded, leaving behind a calmer atmosphere. Nurses walked more slowly through the halls, and the distant sounds of traffic outside blended softly with the hum of hospital machines.
Amara Bello finally sat down in the staff lounge, letting out a small sigh of relief. It had been a long day, and for the first time in hours, she had a moment to breathe. She wrapped her hands around a warm cup of tea, letting the heat comfort her tired fingers.
But her mind refused to rest.
Images from earlier in the day kept replaying in her thoughts—the patient learning to walk again, Ethan's calm voice encouraging him, and the gentle pride in his smile when the man succeeded.
Amara frowned slightly.
Why was she thinking about him so much?
She shook her head and took a sip of tea, trying to push the thoughts away.
Just then, the door to the lounge opened quietly.
Amara glanced up—and nearly choked on her drink.
Ethan Cole stepped inside.
For a brief second, surprise flashed across both of their faces.
"Oh," he said with a soft laugh. "I didn't realize someone was already here."
Amara quickly placed her cup on the table. "It's fine."
He hesitated for a moment before walking in and sitting across the room.
For a few seconds, silence filled the lounge. It wasn't uncomfortable exactly—but it felt strangely noticeable.
Ethan broke the silence first.
"Long day?"
Amara nodded slightly. "That's every day in a hospital."
He smiled, leaning back in his chair.
"I guess that means you're used to it."
"I am," she replied.
Ethan studied her for a moment, as if trying to understand something beneath her calm expression.
"You're very dedicated," he said.
Amara shrugged lightly. "Someone has to take care of the patients."
"And who takes care of you?" he asked.
The question caught her off guard.
She looked down at her tea.
"I take care of myself."
Ethan nodded slowly, respecting the quiet wall she had placed between them.
After a moment, he stood and walked toward the small coffee machine in the corner.
"Coffee?" he asked.
Amara hesitated.
Normally she would say no.
Normally she would keep conversations short and polite.
But something about Ethan's calm presence made the room feel… lighter.
"Okay," she said softly.
He handed her a cup a few moments later.
"Careful," he said with a small smile. "It's hot."
Their fingers brushed for the briefest moment as she took the cup.
For reasons she couldn't explain, Amara felt a sudden warmth spread through her chest that had nothing to do with the coffee.
"So," Ethan said, sitting across from her again. "How long have you been working here?"
"Four years," she replied.
"That's impressive."
Amara gave a small smile. "It feels longer."
Ethan laughed softly.
"I just moved here recently," he said. "Still learning my way around."
"Why move all the way here?" she asked.
His expression softened slightly.
"I wanted to start something meaningful," he explained. "Helping people recover… not just physically, but emotionally too."
Amara watched him carefully.
There was honesty in his voice. Not the kind people used to impress others, but the quiet kind that came from genuine passion.
"You really care about your patients," she said.
"I do," he replied. "Everyone deserves a second chance to stand again."
His words lingered in the air longer than either of them expected.
For a moment, Amara felt as though he wasn't just talking about physical recovery.
She quickly looked down at her cup.
It had been a long time since she had shared a conversation that felt this… easy.
But easy things could still hurt.
So she gently placed her cup down and stood.
"My break is over," she said.
Ethan nodded, though a small hint of disappointment crossed his face.
"Thanks for the coffee," she added quietly.
As she walked toward the door, Ethan spoke again.
"Amara?"
She turned slightly.
"I'm glad we talked," he said with that same gentle smile.
For a moment, Amara didn't know what to say.
Then she gave a small nod before leaving the lounge.
But as she walked back down the hospital hallway, she realized something that made her heart beat just a little faster.
For the first time in years…
Talking to someone had actually felt nice. ❤️📖