Hope Never Died

7︱"You stuck around."

For the next couple of weeks, Cory and I spend more time in each other's company.

Whether it's her working on the laptop in my office or me relaxing in her office after a long day in the hospital, we found comfort just in each other's company.

We don't talk much—well, I don't talk much. Cory's annoying chatter barely stops even when she's working, but I've grown to find solace in listening to her talk about some random bullshit.

"How's your grandma?" I ask as I walk into her office one Friday, carrying two bags of Chinese takeout.

She smiles at me from her seat. "Better," she says, then pauses. "Hopefully."

I give her a smile and set the bags on the coffee table. She strolls to the window and gazes at the setting sun, seeming lost in another world.

"Anything on your mind?" I ask, handing her a box.

She shrugs and sits next to me on the sofa. "Too much and nothing at the same time."

"How come?"

She twirls her chopsticks and wrinkles her brows. "I miss her."

I blink and lower my box. "Who?"

She shakes her head. "Never mind. How was your day?"

"Hectic," I groan. "But at least I had some interesting surgeries today."

I describe the surgeries, but she remains silent; a sharp contrast from the usual wide-eyed intrigue and curious questions. She just nods and smiles, and that's all I can get out of her.

When the silence that follows stretches even after we finish eating, I have enough. "All right, speak up," I say sharply, crossing my arms.

She gives me that wide-eyed, confused look.

I narrow my eyes at her. "What's going on? You're never so quiet."

"I have work?" she says, raising an eyebrow and gesturing at the piles of paperwork in front of her.

"Yeah, you always have work, and you always never shut up," I say, proud of my new mature role. "What's up?"

"The ceiling," she mutters with a smile that widens a great deal under my glare. "El?"

"Yeah?" I say, trying not to smile at the nickname.

"How long have I known you for?"

I start counting back in my head. "Two months, maybe. Add or take a couple of days. Why?"

She shrugs. "You stuck around."

I give her a questioning look, and she smiles.

"People don't usually stick around for no reason."

I stare at her, shocked. Does she really think I want anything from her?

"What, never had a friend before?" I say unapologetically, regretting it when hurt flashes in her eyes.

She forces out a laugh. "Funny."

"How's Orion doing?"

"I sent him back to the apartment with one of the maids."

"You know, if he's older, I would've thought he'd enjoy his time alone with her."

"Gross, Elias!" she says loudly, throwing a balled piece of paper at me.

I grin, and she laughs and shakes her head.

"Mind if I play some music?" she asks, her finger hovering over her iPad.