I approached Caleb with my heart pounding like a drum in my chest, so hard I feared he might hear it. The cafeteria buzzed with conversation and the clinking of cutlery, but all of that faded into the background as my eyes locked on his tall, slender figure standing by the entrance. He wore his spotless white coat, the stethoscope hanging around his neck like a symbol of authority, yet his expression was soft—almost expectant.
He gave me a subtle beckoning motion, and without thinking twice, I set my tray down on the table and walked toward him, ignoring Betty’s curious gaze following me from behind.
“Do you need me, Doc… I mean, Caleb?” I asked when I reached his side, trying to sound casual, though my voice came out a little higher than usual.
Caleb smiled—that warm smile that seemed
