5

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Alex walked down the hospital corridor, his heart heavy with grief. He had come to visit his mother who had been in a coma for several weeks after a car accident. Alex had been visiting her almost every day, sitting by her bed, holding her hand and talking to her, hoping that she would somehow hear him and wake up.

The hospital staff all knew him by name. They greeted him with smiles and hugs, happy to see such a devoted son. Patients in the hospital had also gotten to know him, and they loved his kindness and how he always listened to their stories. Alex was a gentle soul, always willing to lend a helping hand.

Not even the nurses and patients could lift his spirits today. The room felt empty and cold without his mother's voice. He sat there for hours sobbing, telling her everything he had wanted to say for weeks. The pain of her being there but not really there was almost overwhelming.

As afternoon turned into evening, Alex knew he needed to leave. He wiped his tears and whispered goodbye, hoping somehow, some way, she could hear it. Alex stood up, took one last look at his mother's peaceful face, and began to walk out the door when he saw Elizabeth.

Alex had met Elizabeth a few weeks earlier while waiting for the subway. She and her dad had been playing guitar and singing. Alex was captivated by her voice and the way she played. They had talked for a few minutes before he had to leave. However, as he turned, he accidentally hit her guitar with his backpack, setting off a string of apologies.

Elizabeth looked stunned as Alex approached her with eyes still puffy, a tell-tale sign of his hours-long sorrow. "I'm sorry," Alex said with sincerity. "I didn't mean to hit your guitar the other day. I hope it's not damaged."

Elizabeth smiled back at him, perhaps a little shy, as she remembered him. "It's okay. It's not damaged at all. I'm Elizabeth, by the way."

"Alex," he said, extending his hand. "I saw you playing your guitar it's happens I ruined your mood that I hit you, I'm so sorry for that ,do you remember?.Your voice is incredible."

Elizabeth blushed,yeah if course I do remember, a little embarrassed. "Thank you."

"I'm actually a business man myself," Alex continued. "I work with some digital marketing company owned by my dad.

Elizabeth's eyes widened in surprise. "That would be amazing. I would love that."

As they said goodbye, Elizabeth couldn't help but feel that meeting Alex was more than just a coincidence. She had been coming to visit the hospital just like how Alex had been visiting his mother. She couldn't help but agree that Alex was indeed nice, and something about him made everyone feel comfortable and at ease.

Time would tell what would come of Elizabeth and Alex's new-found friendship. But in that moment, Alex realized that even in the darkest of times, a chance encounter could bring even a little bit of joy.