Hidden Secrets

nts and staff were coming and going, and

white coat fluttering behind her. Suddenly, sh

person she'd bumped into. He was tall and broa

kay?” Ava smiled, taking his hand. “I'm fine,” she said. “Just a bi

g her hand. “I'm afraid I wasn't paying attention

boat,” she said. “It seems we

each other, before the man spoke aga

's a pleasure to meet you, even if it was unde

easy familiarity to their exchange, as if they'

my way,” Ava said. “But it wa

arm smile. As Ava turned to leave, she hea

e so,” she said. And with that, she continued on

tle giddy. She wasn't sure why, but something about Ryan had

rhaps it was just the unexpectedness of their encounter. Whateve

it flustered after her encounter with Ryan. Suddenly

. It was her old friend, Emma. “Emma, Hi” Ava exclaimed, embr

so good to see you, too. How have you been?” Ava

busy with work, and I've been trying

I'm so glad to hear that you're making time for the

g great” she said, a hint of pride in her voice. “My parents are

her face. “That's so remarkable, Ava. I'm so

in catching up with her friend. Emma grinned, clearly excited to share.

, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I'm now the

n so rewarding”. Ava clapped her hands and whoop

wing with pride. “It's rea

r a while, catching up on each other's

their current lives and plans for the future. As they talked,

an old friend and to know that th

ittle gasp. “Oh my gosh, look at the time. I'm so sorry, A

“Don't worry about it. It was s

ther hug. “Let's make sure we don't let it be so long betwee

n. “I would love that” she

'll work out the details,” Emma sa

but not without promises to stay in to

r face, feeling grateful for the time she'd spent with her

how good it felt to reconnect with someone she

invigorated and ready to tackle her w

, she felt a renewed sense

ce of connection and friendship, and she felt more motivate

whatever the day had in store. This was just

as ready to face it head-on, knowing that she h

e her way, and she couldn't wa