Noa

A cool summer breeze blew across your face, bringing with it the scent of mown grass and blooming jasmine. Your feet raced across the asphalt to the hospital. As everyone knew, Noah, your colleague, had been hospitalized after an accident.

Remembering the good times brought a lump to your throat. You often had dinner after work, often talked on the phone. Sometimes you'd even go for a walk. Now, those memories burned inside. You remembered how Noah laughed at your bad jokes, and how he always knew what kind of coffee you ordered when you'd had a hard day. In his presence, even the dullest office seemed a little more alive.

You burst into the hospital building, nearly colliding with the nurse on duty. The pungent smell of bleach instantly displaced the summery scent of flowers, bringing you back to harsh reality. You headed to the reception desk, your fingers trembling.

"Noah..." your voice sounded hoarse. "Noah Walker. Where is he?"

The receptionist quickly scanned the database, her eyes glued to her monitor. The silence in the hallway was deafening, broken only by a steady hum.

“Room 304,” she finally answered, without even looking up.

You rushed to the elevator, pressing the button as often as if it would speed up the process. When the elevator doors slid open on the third floor, the hallway seemed endless. White walls, neat rows of doors, and that piercing, sterile cold. You found 304 and paused in front of the door, trying to catch your breath and control the trembling in your hands.

Opening the door, you saw Noah near the window and came closer, afraid to even breathe too loudly.

• Noah?.. - your voice sounded quiet.

Hearing your voice, Noah turned around, and a moment later he was already hugging you.

“I…” he said with difficulty. “I thought you weren’t coming…”

His embrace was weak, almost weightless, but it held so much desperate hope that it took your breath away. You buried your face in his shoulder, feeling the rough fabric of his hospital gown and the warmth of his skin beneath your fingers.