Chapter 1 : The Patient in room 402
The hospital fluorescent lights hummed a familiar tune, one that Arlyn didn't mind anymore.
At thirty-two, she had finally traded the many failed attempts of her twenties for the crisp, blue scrubs of a Patient Care Technician.
It was hard work, and her feet usually ached by noon. But every time she clocked in, she felt a quiet surge of pride.
She thought of her mother waiting at home, and her two faithful roommates-Luna, the sleek black tabby, and Mimis, the white-and-gray bundle of fur.
They were the only ones who saw her after a long shift.
No boyfriends. No nights out in bars. Just the cats and the quiet.
She pushed her supply cart toward the end of the hallway.
"Good morning, Mr.Garcia," Arlyn said, her voice softening as she entered the sunlit room.
The elderly man looked up from his pillows, his face wrinkling into a bright smile.
"Buenos dias, hija," he replied, his voice raspy but warm.
"How are we feeling today? Did you sleep through the night?"
Arlyn moved efficiently, checking his vitals and making sure his leg was elevated correctly. He had been here a week since the accident, and he was easily her favorite patient. He didn't complain; he told stories.
"I am good, Arlyn. Better now that I see a friendly face," Mr.Garcia chuckled.
"But my grandson-he is the one who worries. He is a doctor for animals, you know? He thinks he can treat me like one of his golden retrievers."
Arlyn laughed, adjusting his IV line. "A veterinarian? That's a good job. He must be very busy."
"Too busy," Mr.Garcia sighed. "Like you. No time for fun in life."
Just then, the heavy door swung open.
A man in his mid-thirties stood there, wearing a wrinkle button-down shirt and carrying the scent of cedar and something clean. He looked exhausted, but his eyes-warm and sharp-instantly locked onto his grandfather.
"Abuelo?" the man asked, his voice deep and filled with relief.
"Samuel!" Mr.Garcia cheered, gesturing toward Arlyn. "You are just in time. I was telling my favorite girl here all about you how you have no love life."
Arlyn felt the heat rise in her cheeks. She stood frozen with the blood pressure cuff in her hand, looking at the man who had exactly four hours to spend with the only person who seemed to know both of their secrets.
