I reached our office.
Miriam was already there.
“Juliet, why are you glowing this early?”
She studied my face like she could read secrets in my skin.
I smiled.
Went for my water bottle.
“You’re really glowing,” she pressed.
“Thank you,” I said lightly. “Maybe it’s the new soap.”
“Really?” She leaned closer.
“What soap?”
“What soap?” Joy asked, walking in.
I choked on my water.
Joy laughed.
“You always choke when you’re hiding something.”
I laughed too.
“I was joking. Why are you stressing me?”
Joy smoothed her hand down my back—playful, comforting.
Work that day felt… good.
Light.
I smiled more.
Laughed when checking patients.
Everything felt brighter.
But I hadn’t seen him yet.
Vincent had been in surgery all morning.
I worried quietly—hoping he wasn’t pushing hims
