“Hazel!”
Hazel stopped and turned around.
Bram was walking toward her. He stopped just a few steps away, and they stood facing each other.
“Can I talk to you for a moment?” Bram asked.
Hazel froze, but then she nodded. Bram gestured for Hazel to lead the way, and he followed a step behind her.
The hospital cafeteria was quiet that night, with only a few nurses and staff members still there, finishing their shifts. Bram and Hazel headed to a quiet corner, away from the sparse foot traffic.
“Here,” Bram said, pulling out a chair for her.
Hazel would normally have been cold and proud, but her heart was too fragile at that moment. The small gesture of kindness felt deeply significant. It made her choke back a sob, and she began to cry silently.
Bram turned away for a moment, walking to
