HIDDEN SECRETS

It was a busy day at the hospital. Patients and staff were coming and going, and the hallway was bustling with activity.

Ava was hurrying to her next appointment, her white coat fluttering behind her. Suddenly, she collided with someone and stumbled backward.

As she caught her balance, she looked up at the person she'd bumped into. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with dark hair and a kind smile.

“I'm so sorry,” he said, offering a hand to help her up. “Are you okay?” Ava smiled, taking his hand. “I'm fine,” she said. “Just a bit flustered.” The man chuckled, and Ava couldn't help but laugh too.

“I'm glad you're not hurt,” the man said, releasing her hand. “I'm afraid I wasn't paying attention to where I was going.” Ava nodded, still smiling.

“I'm afraid I was in the same boat,” she said. “It seems we were both a little distracted.”

They stood for a moment, smiling at each other, before the man spoke again. “I'm Ryan, by the way,” he said.

“Ava,” she said, extending her hand again. “It's a pleasure to meet you, even if it was under less than ideal circumstances.” Ryan laughed.

“I couldn't agree more,” he said. There was an easy familiarity to their exchange, as if they'd known each other for years instead of minutes.

“Well, I should probably be on my way,” Ava said. “But it was a pleasure to meet you, Ryan”.

“Likewise, Ava,” Ryan said, giving her a warm smile. As Ava turned to leave, she heard him say, “Maybe I'll see you around?”.

She turned back to look at him and smiled. “I hope so,” she said. And with that, she continued on her way, wondering if she'd really see Ryan again.

As Ava walked down the hall, she couldn't help but feel a little giddy. She wasn't sure why, but something about Ryan had made her feel lighter and happier than she had in a long time.

Maybe it was his easygoing demeanor or his friendly smile, or perhaps it was just the unexpectedness of their encounter. Whatever it was, Ava felt like her day had taken a turn for the better.

Ava was walking down the hall, feeling happy and a bit flustered after her encounter with Ryan. Suddenly, she heard someone calling her name. “Ava, hey, Ava”.

Ava turned around to see a familiar face hurrying towards her. It was her old friend, Emma. “Emma, Hi” Ava exclaimed, embracing her friend in a warm hug. “It's been ages, how are you?”.

“I'm doing great” Emma said, beaming. “And it's so good to see you, too. How have you been?” Ava smiled, thinking of how to answer the question.

“Well,” she began, “I've been keeping busy with work, and I've been trying to make time for friends and family”.

“That's wonderful,” Emma said, her smile widening. “I'm so glad to hear that you're making time for the important things in life. How's your family doing?”.

Ava's face lit up at the mention of her family. “Oh, they're doing great” she said, a hint of pride in her voice. “My parents are as happy and healthy as ever, and my siblings are all doing well”.

Emma listened with a look of pure delight on her face. “That's so remarkable, Ava. I'm so happy to hear that your family is doing well”.