The Acute Coincidence

As Carolina Scottley, a fourth-year undergraduate nursing student, prepared to embark on her final 10 weeks of clinical before graduation, the last thing on her mind was encountering her nursing senior from years past in the very same surgical neurology ward. Yet, as fate would have it, Zachary Smith's name resurfaced in her thoughts, a lingering reminder of their brief but impactful encounter during her first year of nursing school.

Back then, Carolina had been a wide-eyed novice, eager to learn the complexities of the clinical environment. Zachary, a seasoned fourth-year student, had captivated her attention with his confidence and expertise. Despite her lack of interest in boys and zero dating experience, Carolina found herself drawn to him, her admiration gradually morphing into an unspoken crush.

However, Carolina had kept her feelings hidden, uncertain of how to navigate the unfamiliar territory of romance amidst her academic pursuits. As she focused on her studies and clinical rotations, Zachary remained a distant figure in her memories, a reminder of a fleeting moment in time.

Now, as Carolina unexpectedly crossed paths with Zachary once again, a whirlwind of emotions swept over her. The familiarity of his presence reignited the feelings she had long suppressed, leaving her grappling with the question: was this encounter brought about by fate, or was it simply a mere coincidence?