Breathless ✓

Eight ✔

As my shift at the city hospital stretches into the late hours of the night, I find my focus shifting between patient care and the clock on the wall. The hospital corridors echo with the subdued sounds of medical equipment and hushed conversations among the night staff.

Amid the routine tasks, my phone buzzes with an incoming call, breaking the monotony of the night. Glancing at the screen, I see Christian's name displayed. Surprised, I answer the call.

"Hey, Victoria," his voice comes through, low and steady. "Just checking when you'll be done with your shift. I can pick you up."

I check the clock on the wall, realizing it's well past midnight. "I'm scheduled to finish around 3 am. It's kind of late, you don't have to worry about picking me up. I can grab a cab."

There's a brief pause on the other end, and then Christian speaks, "Nonsense. I'll be there. It's not safe for you to take a cab this late."

I appreciate the concern in his voice but assure him, "Really, Christian, it's fine. You don't have to inconvenience yourself. I can manage."

He insists, "I'll be there. You focus on your work, and I'll see you at 3 am."

With a mix of gratitude and curiosity, I thank him and return to my duties. As the night wears on, I can't help but wonder about the unexpected gesture. Christian's willingness to wait for me at such a late hour strikes a chord, a silent acknowledgment of the connection that has slowly developed between us.

When the clock finally approaches 3 am, I wrap up my shift and make my way out of the hospital. Stepping into the cool night air, I half-expect to see a cab waiting, but instead, my eyes meet Christian's familiar silhouette leaning against his car.

Surprised and touched by the gesture, I approach him with a smile. "Christian, you really didn't have to do this."

He shrugs, a nonchalant smile playing on his lips. "I promised to pick you up, didn't I?"

Grateful for the unexpected kindness, I nod, realizing that sometimes, it's the smallest gestures that speak volumes.

The drive back is accompanied by a comfortable silence, the only sounds being the hum of the engine and the occasional soft patter of raindrops on the car roof. I steal glances at Christian, who seems lost in his thoughts, the streetlights casting fleeting shadows on his profile.

"Thank you for waiting, Christian," I finally break the silence as we approach my house. "I genuinely appreciate it."

He glances my way, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "It's not a big deal. I wasn't doing anything important anyway."

I chuckle, appreciating his casual demeanor. "Well, it means a lot to me."

He parks the car, and we both step out into the quiet night. The air is crisp, and the scent of rain lingers. I turn to him, feeling a sense of gratitude and camaraderie that has grown between us.

"Goodnight, Christian," I say, offering a sincere smile, once we are in the living room.

"Goodnight, Victoria," he replies, his eyes holding a warmth that transcends the darkness around us.

....

The morning unfolds with a gentle glow, the sun casting its warm rays across the neighborhood. Deciding to go for a run to clear my mind, I slip into my running gear and lace up my sneakers. As I'm about to head out the door, Christian emerges from his room, a determined look on his face.

"Mind if I join you?" he asks, surprising me with the request.

I raise an eyebrow, noting the seriousness in his expression. "Sure, but why the sudden interest in morning runs?"