I entered the hospital, and a familiar smell greeted me the scent of antiseptic and faint traces of alcohol. It was something I smelled every day, and oddly enough, I found it comforting. Some people hated that smell, but for me, it brought me a peaceof mind. Maybe that's why no one was surprised when I became a doctor.
I walked to the receptionist's desk, and she greeted me with a warm smile.
"What can I do for you, miss? Are you here for a visit, or are you not feeling quite well? But before that, I'll need your name and identification, please," she said politely.
Without hesitation, I handed her my ID card.
"I'm here to visit my grandfather. His name is Adam Faux," I replied.
She smiled as she began typing his name into the system.
"Please wait a moment, miss. I need to contact his guardian first. We can't let anyone into the VIP ward without their consent."
I nodded. I knew how the hospital's procedures worked I'd been through them countless times myself. A few minutes later, she hung up the phone and said,
"You can go in now, Miss Erin. He's in room eighty-eight on the eighth floor. If you need assistance, the nurses nearby will be happy to help."
"Thank you," I said with a small smile before making my way to the stairs. The elevator was full anyway.
The hallways were unusually quiet that morning. The soft hum of machines and the distant echo of footsteps created a stillness that felt almost sacred. It was peaceful, and yet, it sent chills down my spine.
When I finally reached room 88, I paused. The blinds were drawn, and I couldn't see inside.
"Here it goes… Assalamualaikum," I whispered as I knocked gently and stepped in.
Grandma was asleep in the chair beside Grandpa's bed, her hands clasped together. Grandpa was resting too, his face calm, his breathing steady. I sat down quietly, watching them. For a moment, I wondered what illness had made Dad so anxious. I glanced around for medical charts, but there were none in sight. That was odd.
As I turned back, a soft voice called from behind me.
"Erin dear, when did you come? I must've dozed off. I see your father already told you about everything," Grandma said, forcing a tired smile.
"I just arrived," I said, smiling faintly. "I didn't mean to wake you. I thought I should visit after all, I'm your only grandchild. And I miss you both. Grandma… what's Grandpa suffering from?"
She sighed and motioned for me to come closer. When she hugged me, the faint scent of lavender filled the air, bringing back memories of childhood running barefoot in their garden, her laughter echoing through the house.
"Unfortunately, he suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke, dear," she said softly. "It was sudden. He was planting trees when it happened. I hate seeing him like this, but what can I do? I'm no doctor. He often talks about seeing you in a wedding dress, meeting your husband. He said that was his last wish."
Her voice trembled with every word. I could feel her pain.
"I don't know if I can fulfill that wish, Grandma… You haven't forgotten what happened during my last engagement, have you?" I whispered.
She gently patted my back.
"I know, dear. But maybe that's why he wants this. He's worried about you about your future. Maybe what happened was fate's way of telling you that he wasn't the one."
I stayed quiet for a moment, thinking about Harris about the life we almost had. Then I looked at her and smiled weakly.
"Fine, Grandma. You win this round. I actually came here to convince Grandpa to change his mind, but since he's unable to answer at the moment… I guess I'll try to fulfill it instead. If, and only if, I meet someone who can make me fall for who he truly is. I'll pray to God that when I meet him, I'll know that I won't be able to get him out of my head. And if that happens… I'll be the one to propose first."
Grandma chuckled softly, tears glistening in her eyes.
"Thank you, Erin. Your grandfather will be so happy to hear that. I'll tell him once he wakes up. I never stop praying for your happiness, dear. I just hope you find him in time."
We stayed together for another hour, talking about everything and nothing Dad, the hospital, old family stories. I missed moments like this and never realized how much until now. I'd buried myself in work for so long.
"I'll visit more often from now on," I promised as I stood up. "Dad gave me six months off to find a husband he said it was Grandpa's last wish so I'll try my best and hope it goes well, I guess. It's nice seeing you again, Grandma. I hope he's awake on my next visit. He needs his rest."
She smiled, and I hugged her tightly before leaving. As I walked down the hall, I sighed to myself.
"How on earth am I supposed to find a husband in six months? This whole thing is insane!"
---
Meanwhile, inside the room…
"The coast is clear, you can open your eyes now, darling," Hazel whispered.
Adam opened his eyes slowly and grumbled, "Oh my, that was tiring. I didn't even get the chance to talk to her. Why did I have to be the one pretending to be sick? I think I'm actually feeling ill now."
Hazel giggled, crossing her arms. "Well, you're the one who insisted on this plan, remember? You said you wanted to see her married before you die. Don't blame me if you actually get sick pretending to be sick!"
Adam chuckled. "My, my, you're still as feisty as ever, Hazel. But I don't care what it takes I just want to see her happy. She deserves it. I even convinced Heiri to trick her. Even he, as her father, was in on this plan."
They both laughed softly, clearly proud of their scheme. They'd known Erin would come visit that week Heiri had told them she'd taken time off work, so they decided to set up everything perfectly. The room wasn't even being used by a patient; it was meant for family members of VIP patients. Hazel had requested permission for them to stay there for a week, just long enough for Erin's visit. Everything was planned down to the smallest detail even the nurse at the reception was in on it.
He pulled her into a warm embrace. "Come here, my love. I'm sorry if I upset you. I just want her to have the same kind of love we've had all these years."
Hazel smiled softly against his chest. "I love you, Adam."
"I love you too, Hazel. Forever yours," he said with a cheeky grin, kissing her forehead tenderly.
As they laughed together quietly, under the rays of the sun seeming through the the window. A love that goes against time, a love destined for one to the other until end. They say everyone is destined to meet their pair either here or in the hereafter, they just wished for Erin to meet her other half in this life.