A Face to Love

haven away from the world of beeping monitors and fluorescent lighting. Vibrant flowers bloomed in wild colors-pinks, yellows, and purples-appearing to sing against a background

ut survival and bravery." His words struck a chord deep inside her, arousing long-buried emotions. Perhaps he was correct. Perhaps it was time to reconsider what beauty meant to her. "I want to believe that," she said, barely above a whisper. "But it's hard when the world seems to judge based on appearances."The wind rose up slightly, rustling the leaves above, and for a little while, quiet fell over them, leaving only the sounds of nature and the distant hum of the hospital. Suzan could feel the weight of the moment pushing in, creating a real bond between them."What about you, Dave?" She inquired unexpectedly, fascinated by the guy who had become a vital role in her path. "What do you fear?"His demeanor changed as a flash of something darker passed across his eyes. "I fear failure," he said, his voice low, as if saying the words out would make them seem more true. "As a surgeon, I have seen the results of my judgments. I lost a patient some years ago. She, like you, came to me hoping to regain her life after a tragic accident. I thought I could assist her. However, the outcome did not align with expectations.The admission sat thick in the air, contrasting sharply with the beauty that was around them. Suzan felt a jolt of empathy, a profound understanding of his struggles.He was more than simply a physician; he was plagued by ghosts from his past."I didn't see the signs," he said, his voice full of sorrow. "I was so intent on perfection that I overlooked the warning flags. I believed I could rescue her, but when I couldn't... It devastated me. "I've been carrying that weight ever since."The sensitivity in his words struck a connection with her, and for the first time, she viewed his perfectionism in a different light. It wasn't just about the art or the plaudits; it was about the people whose lives were entwined with his work and the consequences of each choice he made. "Dave, I'm so sorry," she murmured, her heart breaking for him. "That must have been incredibly difficult."He nodded, his eyes drawn to the flowers, as if seeking refuge in their beauty. "It was. I've had to learn to live with the fear of losing patients and failing to meet my own standards. It's a daily struggle for me."But that's what drives you, isn't it?" Suzan spoke quietly; her eyes met his understanding. "Your ambition for excellence stems from your devotion to your patients. "You want to make a difference.""Exactly," he said, his gaze fixed on hers. A spark of connection flickered in the air between them. "But sometimes I wonder if my desire for perfection drives people away." I do not want to remain aloof; I want to connect. How