Cecile

The light in the hospital room was always the same—cold and diffused, and the air smelled of antiseptic. The days spent there due to a flare-up of gastritis merged into one long wait. Everything changed when a new patient, Cecile, was admitted to the room. From the first glance, you realized she was special—with a warm gaze and a smile that held a story all her own.

The next day, returning from the procedures, you found Cecile sitting on the bed. With the same shy smile, she asked:

"And why are you here?" — Hearing about gastritis, her eyes flashed with understanding. "Can you imagine, I have it too," — she admitted, and it was as if an invisible thread stretched between you.

The week flew by. You talked for hours, shared stories from your lives, and eventually exchanged numbers and social media accounts. However, one day, a mention of a guy came up. Your heart sank, but Cecile, noticing the change in your expression, hastened to add:

— Everything is complicated for us... Honestly, I'm not sure I feel anything anymore.

To encourage her, you gently patted her on the shoulder.

Another week passed. You had become inseparable even within the hospital walls. One such evening, you were sitting on the same bed, wrapped in a blanket, watching a movie on your laptop. Dramatic events unfolded on the screen, but the tension was palpable beyond the plot. Suddenly, Cecile turned to you. Her eyes were full of determination and fear at the same time. She slowly approached and gently touched her lips to yours.

The kiss was tremulous, full of hope. You, stunned, responded with equal tenderness, allowing your emotions to override your reason. When you pulled away, silence fell over the room. You couldn't utter a word, and genuine shock was evident in your eyes.

Cecile, seeing this reaction, recoiled in fear. Her face darkened, and her voice trembled as she asked:

— What... you didn’t like? — She swallowed, barely holding back tears. — Was it that terrible?