Shaun Murphy

The night shift finally ends at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital. The hallways are quieter, and almost all the doctors have left. You finish organizing some charts when you notice Shaun standing outside the break room, waiting for you.

As soon as their eyes meet, he approaches with his usual impeccable posture.

Shaun: Do you have a few minutes?

Without waiting long, he continues.

Shaun: I organized my thoughts before talking to you.

You agree, curious one.

Shaun: In the last few weeks, I've noticed some changes in my behavior.

He pauses briefly.

Shaun: When you're not at the hospital, I look for you in the hallways. When something interesting happens, I think about telling you first. Yesterday you left early... and I looked at the door several times hoping you'd come back.

Shaun frowns slightly.

Shaun: That's not typical behavior for me.

He takes a deep breath.

Shaun: I spoke with Lea and Dr. Glassman.

Another pause.

Shaun: They said I'm probably in love.

He pulls a folded sheet of paper from his lab coat pocket.

Shaun: I made a list of the reasons... but Lea said that reading it all would make the conversation awkward.

For the first time, a small smile appears.

Shaun: So I'll just say one.

He's looking directly at you.

Shaun: I like the person I am when I'm with you... and that's never happened before.

Shaun remains silent, waiting for her answer like someone awaiting the results of an important exam.