I'll Be Seeing You

Three.

Returning to work felt like a breath of fresh air. Getting back into my routine and seeing familiar, friendly faces brought me a sense of peace I didn't realize I'd been craving. More than anything, it reminded me that I had a purpose. Working in a hospital wasn't for the faint of heart—it demanded compassion, strength, and grit—and I took my job seriously.

"It's good to see you're doing better!" Mark called out as I passed the security desk.

"Well, hey there, stranger," I replied with a smile. "Thank you. I feel so much better, and I'm glad to be back."

"That boyfriend of yours better have taken good care of you."

"Yeah... about that. We've got a lot of catching up to do." I chuckled.

"I'm all ears. Let me know when you're on lunch—I'll join you."

"Sounds like a date," I said, flashing a grin, hoping he understood I didn't mean it literally.

The morning dragged on, but once noon hit, I found Mark in the cafeteria and sat down with my tray. I had only planned to give him a vague summary of everything that had happened the past couple of weeks—just enough to explain my absence. But once I started talking, it all came out. Every detail. I half-expected him to get up and walk away, overwhelmed or maybe even a little scared. But he didn't.

"Alyssa, you have got to get out of there," he said, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"I know. I'm trying," I admitted. "I need to get a car first, then find my own place. It's been hard, being out of work for so long—and then the accident kept me down even longer."

"God, this pisses me off. I'd love to have a little chat with that guy. You'd probably end up bailing me out of jail—or visiting me in prison—but what he's done? It's not right."

"There will be none of that," I laughed, shaking my head. "His karma will catch up to him. That's what I keep telling myself. Sooner or later, what he's done will come back around."

"I worry about you," he said, his voice softer. "I hate that you're in this position. Seriously—if you ever need anything, or just need to talk, I'm a message or phone call away."

"Thanks, Mark. I really appreciate that."

"No man should ever treat a woman like this. He's an idiot."

"And that's exactly why I'm done with men after this," I said with a smirk.

"Oh? Switching teams?" he teased.

"Actually, fun fact about me—I play for both."

"No way. You're into girls?"

"Yeah. My relationship before Chris was with a woman. We were together for a couple years, but it was nonstop drama. She couldn't let go of her ex, and she was constantly causing issues between us. Eventually, I had to walk away."

"Huh. Wouldn't have guessed that," he said thoughtfully.

"I get that a lot," I replied. "But being gay or bi doesn't come with a sign on your forehead."

"No, no—I didn't mean it like that. That came out wrong. I just... I never would've guessed. Not that there's anything wrong with it."

"I'm just messing with you," I laughed. "It's not something a lot of people know. I don't exactly broadcast it like some people do. But honestly? I think I'm better off with women. Men have been nothing but a disaster for me. Chris was the worst, but none of them have given me much hope."

"Don't give up," he said with a crooked smile. "We're not all that bad."

"I know, I know," I said with a soft sigh. "I just don't think there's anyone out there for me. And after seeing some of those cute little messages your girlfriend sends you, I'd say she was lucky enough to find one of the good ones."