I never expected a chance meeting in a hospital to change my life. A conversation, a laugh, a spark—everything felt so easy, so right. What began as something simple grew into something real. But just when happiness felt within reach, an unexpected truth turned my world upside down.
I hated hospitals—the long lines, the sick people, the endless coughing and sneezing. But more than anything, I hated hospitals because of the memories they brought back.

Painful memories. I could still see my mother lying in a hospital bed, her strength fading with each passing day.
I had been just a little girl, helpless, unable to do anything but watch as she slipped away.
I shook my head, forcing the thoughts aside. This was just a routine check-up after recovering from the flu.

Nothing more. I sat in the waiting room, restless, counting the seconds until my name was called. Then, a man sat down beside me.
I glanced at him—and froze. His eyes were the most beautiful I had ever seen.
He noticed me staring and lifted an eyebrow, his lips curving into the hint of a smile.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” I blurted out. “You have such beautiful eyes. I got lost in them.”
My hands flew to my face. My cheeks burned. Why had I said that out loud?
“I don’t know why I said that,” I mumbled into my palms, squeezing my eyes shut. Maybe if I didn’t look at him, the moment would pass.

Silence. Then a chuckle. I peeked through my fingers. He was smiling. His eyes—those same beautiful eyes—sparkled with amusement.
“No one has ever flirted with me in a hospital before,” he said, his voice light.
“That wasn’t flirting!” I protested, shaking my head. “You really do have beautiful eyes.”

“Still sounds like flirting,” he said, his grin widening.
I groaned. “I swear, I wasn’t trying to.”
He held out a hand. “Paul.”
I hesitated for only a second before shaking it. “Linda.”

His grip was warm, firm. I felt something flutter in my chest.
“So, what brings you here, Linda?” Paul asked.
“Just a check-up after the flu,” I said. “You?”
“Picking up some test results,” he said

A pause. I hesitated, then asked, “Anything serious?”
He shook his head. “Illnesses tend to stay away from me,” he said with a grin.
I smiled. I wanted to stay, to keep talking. But just then, a nurse called my name.
“Looks like it’s my turn,” I said. “It was nice meeting you.”

Paul glanced around, grabbed a magazine, and tore out a page.
“What are you doing?” I asked, laughing.
He scribbled something, then handed it to me. “I really wish that had been flirting,” he said. “Guess I’ll have to take matters into my own hands.”
I looked down. His phone number.

A smile spread across my face. “I’ll call,” I said.
“I’ll be waiting,” he replied.
“Good luck with your results,” I said, standing up.
“I’m immortal,” Paul said with a wink.

I laughed as I walked into the doctor’s office, my heart still racing.
I wanted to be the kind of woman who played it cool, who waited a few days before calling.
But I couldn’t stop thinking about Paul—his smile, his laugh, the way his eyes lit up when he spoke. By the time evening rolled around, I gave in and dialed his number.

He picked up on the first ring. “I was starting to think you wouldn’t call,” he teased.
“I almost didn’t,” I admitted. “But here we are.”
“Here we are,” he echoed, his voice warm.
That phone call led to our first date. Then another. And another. With each one, I fell harder.

Paul had a way of making me feel special, like I was the only person in the world. He listened when I talked.
He made me laugh until my sides ached. I had never felt so understood, so wanted. He always knew when I needed coffee, when I was cold, when I was tired.
After a few dates, we stopped pretending it wasn’t serious. We were together. And from the very first date, I knew—Paul was the man I wanted forever.

Months passed. Our relationship grew deeper, stronger. One evening, we were lying on my couch, his arms wrapped around me.
The sound of his heartbeat filled the quiet room. I traced small circles on his chest, my thoughts racing. My heart was so full it ached. If I didn’t tell him how I felt, I might burst.
“Paul,” I said softly, my heart pounding.

“Yes, honey?” he replied, his voice warm.
I hesitated, taking a deep breath. “I have something to tell you.”
Paul raised an eyebrow, a playful smile on his lips. “Oh no, am I in trouble?”
“Depends on how you look at it,” I said, meeting his gaze. His beautiful eyes searched mine. I could see a flicker of nervousness.

I reached for his hand, holding it tight. “I love you, Paul,” I said. “I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone.”
His smile grew wide. His fingers brushed my cheek.
“And why would that be a problem?” he asked.
“Because now you’re stuck with me,” I said. “Forever.”

Paul let out a soft laugh. “That sounds perfect to me,” he said. He pulled me closer and kissed me. “I love you too,” he whispered. “More than anything.”
That night, wrapped in his arms, I felt like the happiest woman alive.
But happiness can be fragile. And mine was about to break.
Less than a week after we confessed our love, Paul vanished from my life. He stopped answering my calls, ignored my texts.

At first, I thought he was busy. But as hours turned into days, worry clawed at my chest. I called him again and again, my fingers trembling each time. Nothing.
Panic set in. I imagined him hurt, lying in a hospital bed, alone. Maybe he had been in an accident.
Maybe something terrible had happened. I was seconds from calling hospitals, maybe even the police, when my phone buzzed.

I’m fine. But I need you to stop calling and texting me.
I stared at the screen, my heart racing.
Are you joking? Where have you been all this time???

It doesn’t matter. Just stop texting me.
Can you at least explain?
I don’t love you. I lied. I don’t want you in my life.

The words hit me like a punch to the stomach. My hands shook as I read them over and over. I tried calling again. Straight to voicemail. I tried again. Blocked.
I sat frozen, tears spilling onto my lap. The man I loved had thrown me away like I was nothing.
He had lied to me, used me, made me believe we had something real. I cried every day.

Then, weeks later, I found it. A note tucked inside my drawer. My breath caught as I unfolded it, recognizing Paul’s handwriting.
I hope you find this note when you’re feeling sad. I love you, Linda, and I always will. I hope this makes you feel a little better 🙂
Tears blurred my vision. If he never loved me, why would he write this?
I needed answers. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to his place.

I banged on his door, shouting his name. The neighbors peeked out, frowning. I didn’t care. I wasn’t leaving without the truth.
Finally, the door opened.
A man stood in front of me—thin, weak, almost unrecognizable. His skin was pale, his cheeks hollow. My heart pounded. Then I looked into his eyes.

His expression was unreadable. “What are you doing here?” His voice was rough, barely above a whisper.
I reached out, my fingers grazing his cheek. His skin was warm but fragile, like he might break. “What happened to you?” I whispered.

Paul took a small step back. “It doesn’t matter. Please, go.”
I shook my head. “I’m not leaving! I deserve the truth!” My voice cracked.
His hands clenched into fists. “I’m dying!” he shouted.
The words hit me like ice. “What?” My legs felt weak.

Paul sighed and stepped aside. “Come in.”
I walked in, my breath shallow. The apartment was dim, lifeless. I turned to him. “Tell me.”
He lowered himself onto the couch. “I have cancer. I’m dying.”
I gripped the edge of a chair, my body trembling. “How long have you known?”

His eyes met mine. “Since the day we met.”
I swallowed hard. “How could you keep that from me? That’s so selfish!” Anger and pain clashed inside me.
Paul ran a hand through his thinning hair. “The doctors thought treatment would work. I believed them. But it’s not working. It’s getting worse. I didn’t want you to go through this again. Not after your mom.” His voice wavered. “That’s why I pushed you away.”

Tears blurred my vision. “But you did hurt me. You lied. You told me you didn’t love me!”
Paul’s face twisted in pain. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.
“How long?” I asked, my voice shaking.
“A week. Maybe days,” he said, tears slipping down his face.

I gasped. “Oh God, Paul,” I whispered. I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around him.
He held me close. “I’m sorry,” he said again. “I love you, Linda.”
“You should have told me,” I said, my voice breaking. “I should have been there.”
Paul pressed his forehead to mine. “You already gave me more happiness than I ever deserved.”

That night, Paul lay in my arms, calling himself an idiot, saying that just being near me made him feel better.
His voice was weak, his body frail, but he still tried to smile. I held him close, whispering over and over, “I love you, Paul. I love you so much.”
His fingers curled around mine, his grip light. His breathing slowed, becoming softer, quieter. Then, it stopped.
I heard his last breath. And with it, a part of me died too. The room felt empty. Cold. I held him, unable to let go.

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