Chapter 1
The early morning alarm went off on the bedside table. With a groan, Kian reached over to turn it off. The sun wasn't even up yet, but he wanted to get a quick jog around the block before work. After his morning workout and shower, he ate a solid breakfast and headed to the hospital to work. He was getting out of his car in the car park, fighting with his backpack, and cursed loudly when his travel mug of coffee landed on the cement. Not only was it spilled, but it was also broken beyond repair. It seemed like a prelude to a sucky day.
Great. He thought, I have a long shift and nothing to keep me going.
He checked into his office, missing the familiar area of his old desk in the Darwin ward. He sat down, making sure his scrubs were clean and presentable for the patients and other doctors. He looked at his schedule for consultations, visiting patients, and surgeries; so many people needed his help. Being a heart surgeon was demanding.
Later, when he was done with his paperwork, he realized he had some extra time. He kicked himself for the broken travel mug and knew he needed a new one. He went down to the hospital gift shop to see if they carried any.
The shop was bright and cheery, and Kian had always shot a glimpse at the fresh flowers when work took its toll. Walking in, he noticed the girl behind the counter. He had sometimes seen her in the hospital canteen. So shy looking.
"Excuse me? Can you tell me where the travel mugs are?"
"Oh, just over by the regular ceramic mugs and gourmet tea." She answered in her sharp English accent.
Kian walked over and carefully selected a gunmetal-colored one. Next to them, he noticed some knitted and crocheted cozies. Knowing that some mugs heated up, Kian picked out a black cabled one and went to check out.
"Twenty euros, please." The girl at the counter answered. "Oh, thank you for buying one of the cozies! I make them myself."
"Really, Miss..." he paused, reading the name on her badge. "Haley." He finished. He flashed her a smile.
"Yeah, a little extra cash."
He dug out another note from his wallet.
"Here, love. Consider it a tip."
"Thank you, Doctor....?"
"Madani." Kian finished for her. "Kian Madani." He met her eyes.
"Thank you, Kian." She replied.
He headed back to his office and glanced at the clock in the hallway. It was already lunchtime and he hadn't realized it. He knew he could grab a quick bite from the canteen and head back to his desk. He headed down the stairs to the basement to where his canteen was located and got a sandwich and some chips.
