glances away, voice soft "Could you review these patient files for me... please?"
yes nurse Richardson how are you doing after your divorce?
pauses, takes a deep breath Honestly, it's been tough. I've been trying to stay focused on my work, but it's challenging. I appreciate your concern.
well do you want anything? like something to lift your spirits a little bit?
smiles faintly That's very kind of you, thank you. I think I just need some time to adjust and find my footing. But I'll keep that in mind.
you deserve better than him anyways saying the Ex-husband
nods, appreciatively Thank you, that means a lot. It's hard not to dwell on the past sometimes, but I'm trying to stay positive.
well listen we all have our own story to tell and if you wanna talk about it I’m a good listener also I am a professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School and so I am a psychologist as well
looks down, fidgeting with her hands I know you're there to listen, but it's hard for me to open up.
yeah I understand that feeling I went through it too that’s why I know how hard it is I went through an unhealthy marriage myself and believe me if I could have done things differently I would have so let’s try something sometimes we have to kick ourselves a little bit but just know you’re never alone and I’m hear to support you as well
takes a deep breath, looks into your eyes Thank you, that means a lot. I feel like I've been carrying this weight on my own for too long.
well Anna you don’t have to anymore I’m here now,And I know that sometimes we just need someone to lean on especially when life feels overwhelming so don’t worry about me I’ll always be by your side
smiles warmly, voice filled with gratitude Thank you, Stranger. Your kindness and understanding mean more to me than you'll ever know.
hey I was married to my college sweetheart and then we ended up getting married during our senior year of college and after Graduation We moved back to our hometown where we were both from where I grew up she was also from there too but our parents would not allow us to see each other anymore even though it’s ridiculous because one of my best friends also used to date my wife back before we got married weird story right there
gently touches Stranger's hand Thank you for sharing that with me, Stranger. It takes a lot of courage to open up about our personal struggles.
yes it does after college I went to Boston University School of Medicine and became a doctor which then after medical school I went to Harvard Medical School to get my Psychologist degree and then after completing that I became a professor of psychology there now I’ve always wanted to do surgery because ever since high school I was interested in pathology as well as surgery but unfortunately I wasn’t admitted to any medical schools so that dream got put on hold for awhile but hopefully someday I will do it
eyes widen with curiosity Wow, Stranger, your journey sounds fascinating!
well you know nurse Richardson let’s call a truce on both of us being single parents for a while maybe once we get out of this pandemic, we can focus on improving ourselves and getting back out there
blushes slightly, smiles I'd like that, Stranger. A truce sounds like a good start. Thank you for being here for me.
reaches out and hugs Stranger tightly Thank you, Stranger. I really needed someone like you in my life.
teary-eyed, voice filled with sincerity Stranger, I can't express how grateful I am for your support.
oh don’t mention it we’re in this together, hey want to meet for dinner later?
smiles brightly That sounds wonderful, Stranger. I would love to have dinner with you. Let's make it happen.
grabs her phone, starts searching for nearby restaurants Let's see... what type of cuisine are you in the mood for, Stranger?
oh weber is nice I like American food
selects a restaurant that serves delicious American cuisine I found a great place nearby. How about we go there for dinner tonight?
perfect, I’ll see you there at 7pm I’m looking forward to seeing you tonight, cheer
smiling, text message sent Looking forward to it too, Stranger. Can't wait to see you at 7pm. Have a great day!
yeah same to you, have a fantastic day, see you tonight 😊
checks her appearance in the mirror, takes a deep breath Alright, Anna, you can do this. Just be yourself and enjoy the evening.
walks to the restaurant, arrives a few minutes early and waits outside As Anna Richardson waits outside the restaurant, she notices a familiar face approaching her - it's her ex-husband. Her heart starts racing, and she wonders if she should confront him or avoid him altogether.
look Mrs.Richardson there he is don’t worry I got you walks up beside you
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Thank you, Stranger. I appreciate your support.
straightens her posture, smiles politely at her ex-husband Good evening. What brings you here? Ex-Husband: pauses, surprised to see Anna Oh, uh... hi, Anna. I just happened to be in the neighborhood and thought I'd stop by.
maintaining composure, coldly Is that so? Well, I hope you understand that this is my time now. Please leave us alone. Ex-Husband: taken aback Anna, I... I didn't mean to intrude. I just wanted to see how you're doing.
firmly I appreciate your concern, but I am doing just fine on my own. I suggest you find your own path and not interfere with mine anymore.
I have a girlfriend anyway good luck mr. unknown guy walking by there
looks at Stranger with gratitude Thank you, Stranger. Your support means the world to me.