Celestial Ties

CHAPTER 1

Evelyn POV

"How are you feeling today, Mr. West?" I asked gently, my voice soft yet carrying the warmth I always tried to infuse into my interactions with my patients.

Mr. West looked up at me, his eyes twinkling with a light that hadn't been there the last time we met. "I feel as strong as a newborn today, Evelyn," he responded, his voice unexpectedly bright and cheerful. Hearing that made my heart swell with relief and a small smile tug at the corners of my lips. It was moments like these that made everything worth it—the early mornings, the long hours, the emotional weight of it all.

Mr. West had become one of my regular patients at Serenity Springs, the healthcare center where I volunteered. Despite my busy days, I always found myself looking forward to our time together. There was something about him, something beyond the quiet demeanor and the deeply etched lines of his face. It was in the way his eyes, a little clouded with age, still held the stories of a life well-lived—stories he rarely shared, but when he did, they stayed with me long after our conversation ended.

Volunteering here wasn't just another activity to fill my time—it was my sanctuary. Sure, I volunteered at other places—the library, the daycare for kids, which was always a joy because I love kids—but Serenity Springs held a special place in my heart. It was where I felt needed the most, where I could make the biggest difference, even if just by offering a kind word or a listening ear.

I'd come to enjoy Mr. West's company more than I ever expected. There was a comfort in our routine, in the simple exchanges that were always tinged with a touch of humor or a glimmer of wisdom.

To me, caring for people like Mr. West wasn't just about checking their vitals or ensuring they took their medication on time. It was about making sure they felt seen in a world that often moved too fast to notice them anymore. It was about listening, connecting, and offering them a small piece of comfort—something that, in truth, I think we all need, whether we're young or old.

As I sat with Mr. West, his words still echoing in my mind, I realized that, in a way, he had become more than just a patient to me. He was a reminder of the kind of person I wanted to be—someone who could bring a bit of light into the lives of others, no matter how small.

As I finished speaking with Mr. West, I glanced at the clock. My time at the healthcare center had flown by, and I was already an hour late for my shift at the library. But leaving wasn't easy, not when conversations with Mr. West were always so captivating. His stories had a way of drawing me in, making me forget the outside world, even if just for a little while.

"Mr. West, thanks for sharing those stories about your grandchildren. They sound like amazing people," I said with a laugh, still feeling the warmth of his words lingering in the air.

His face softened, but I could see a hint of sadness behind his smile. "Evelyn, don't tell me your time is up already? It went by so quick this time."

I returned his smile, trying to reassure him. "It wasn't quick, Mr. West. It was just perfect." I meant it too. Every minute spent here felt like a moment well-spent.

He chuckled softly, though I could tell he didn't want me to leave. "Okay, Evelyn, I'm sure you're rushing off to another one of your volunteering gigs, aren't you?" He knew me too well.

"You know I love helping," I replied with a grin, standing up from the stool by his bed. I didn't need to say more; he knew how much I cherished this work, even if it stretched me thin at times.

"You could rest, you know," he teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Let me recommend a nice movie for you, Evelyn."

I opened my mouth to respond, but we both spoke at the same time, the words tumbling out in unison. "You know I don't watch television." Our laughter filled the room, a shared joke that had become a staple of our conversations.