Our Special Place

"I don't want you anywhere near Dolly," Lauren said, her voice edged with a quiet intensity as she idly twirled the wine glass between her fingers. "I want you to stay away from her as far as possible."

They were seated in a quaint eatery just a short walk from Medstar Hospital. It was a favored spot for families visiting patients and hospital staff looking for a change of scenery from the cafeteria's usual offerings. 

It had the hum of quiet conversations, the clinking of silverware, and the gentle lull of soft music in the background.

Steffan looked up from his plate, an indulgent smile spreading across his face. "But that's not possible, sweetheart. At least for now," he added. "We work at the same hospital, remember? I can't just pretend she doesn't exist."

"But you can still avoid her," Lauren insisted, her lips curving into a stubborn pout that tugged at Steffan's heart.