Love and Resilience

Under the Same Sky

JOVANA’S POV

The hospital is bustling as usual, but today, there's a noticeable shift in my mood. It’s been two weeks since Serena and I admitted our feelings for each other, and I can’t help but radiate a newfound energy. My coworkers, and even some patients, have picked up on it.

As I’m reviewing patient charts, Dr. Sanchez, a senior oncologist, pauses beside me. "Jovana, you’ve been unusually upbeat lately. What’s going on?"

I glance at him, trying to hide my grin.
"Nothing much. Just had some good news in my personal life."

Dr. Sanchez raises an eyebrow, a knowing smile on his face. "Mabuti kung ganon. Ang saya na makitang masaya ka. Ang tagal na rin simula nung huli kong makita na ganito kasaya." I nod at him and he left.

Later, in the break room, I overhear a conversation between nurses Analyn and Zoey.

"Nakita mo na ba si Dr. Rommer nitong nga nakaraan? She’s been walking around at may mga ngiti na para bang in love siya." Analyn says with a chuckle.

Zoey laughs. "Hindi pa pero naririnig ko na may may kinikita syang espesyal na tao. Tingin ko tuloy totoo yon dahil sa sinabi mo?"

I try to keep a straight face as I join them for coffee. "Morning, ladies."

"Good morning, Dr. Rommer." Analyn replies, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, any updete po sya special someone mo Doc?"
I sip my coffee, pretending to be nonchalant. "Oh, you know, just taking things one day at a time."

As I continue with my day, my thoughts inevitably drift back to Serena. Later, in the oncology ward, I’m greeted by a patient I’ve been seeing regularly, Mrs. Rivera.

"Doctor Rommer, you seem so cheetful today. Something wonderful must have happened" Mrs. Rivera observes.

I smile warmly. "Yes, actually. I’ve had a lot of good things happening lately. It’s been uplifting."

"You deserve it, Doc Rommer." Mrs. Rivera says, her eyes twinkling. "It’s always nice to see someone na desidido sa trabaho nila habang nakakahanap ng saya sa personal nilang buhay."

I thank her, touched by her kindness.

As the day winds down, I finally get a chance to chat with my close friends, Max, Connie, and Gia, who are catching up in the staff lounge.

"Alam mo parang may kakaiba sayo, Jovana." Connie notes as she pours herself some tea.

I laugh softly. "Napapansin mo rin yan?"

Max eyes widen.  "Is there something we need to know? you’re  glowing this past two weeks. Add that beautiful smile of yours."

I shake my head, smiling. "Well, me and Serena... we admitted our feelings for each other two weeks ago and I’m planning something special tonight."

Gia leans forward, his curiosity piqued. "Planning of what Jovana? wag kang pabitin."

Connie leans to her chair while smiling "Kaya naman pala nag gglow."

I pause for a moment, savoring the excitement bubbling up inside me
"We were meet later at the coffee shop where we admit our feelings for each other and I’m going to ask her to be my girlfriend."

The room goes silent for a beat before Max grins widely. "That’s cute, Jovana. Asking Serena to be your girlfriend at the same coffee shop where you both admitted your feelings ha."