November 4 2020
HOSPITAL CAFETERIA, MIDDAY
The buzz of midday chatter filled the cafeteria as doctors, nurses, and staff grabbed a quick break. AJ was seated at a small table, carefully eating her lunch while scrolling through patient charts on her tablet. The exhaustion from the morning showed faintly in the dark circles under her eyes, but her posture remained steady — a mix of strength and weariness.
Across the room, Camilla spotted AJ and smiled. She was already halfway to the table when a tall, confident man entered the cafeteria, holding a small bundle in his arms — Mateo, AJ's one-year-old son, bundled up in a soft blanket.
Dave moved purposefully toward the exit, spotting AJ.
Dave- Hey, love, I thought I'd steal you away for a minute
he said warmly as he approached, setting Mateo gently in a nearby baby seat.
AJ looked up, her face lighting with a tired but genuine smile.
AJ - Dave, you're here!
Just then, Gabriel, carrying his own tray, turned a corner and nearly bumped into Dave.
Gabriel - Oh—sorry, didn't see you there
Gabriel said politely, stepping back. His eyes flicked to Mateo, curious but respectful.
Dave smiled, nodding.
Dave -No problem. This little guy keeps me on my toes.
Gabriel nodded, then extended a hand.
Gabriel - I'm Gabriel — one of the neuro interns.
Dave shook his hand firmly, his expression friendly but with a hint of cautious professionalism.
Dave- Dave. Good to meet you.
Gabriel glanced at AJ and back to Dave, an unspoken question hanging in the air, but he didn't ask.
AT AJ'S TABLE
Camilla arrived with a fresh plate of food, setting it down beside AJ.
Camilla- I figured you'd need a refill. Dave's here with Mateo
she said with a knowing grin.
AJ's eyes softened as she glanced at her son, then at Dave talking quietly with Gabriel.
Camilla leaned in, whispering conspiratorially.
Camilla - Gabriel doesn't know Dave's your husband yet. That's going to be interesting.
AJ chuckled softly, grateful for the small moment of normalcy.
Aj- Well, he'll find out soon enough.
---
CAFETERIA, MOMENTS LATER
Dave watched Gabriel with a quiet curiosity. He could tell the kid admired AJ — but there was no way he'd let anyone get close to her without a fight.
Gabriel caught Camilla's gaze from across the room and gave a slight, awkward smile before turning back to his lunch.
Mateo gurgled happily in his seat, and Dave reached over to squeeze AJ's hand gently.
Dave- Ready to get back to it?
AJ nodded, steeling herself for the afternoon ahead, but grateful for this little pocket of peace.
