Friday, 9:40 A.M.
Morning sunlight poured through the tall glass windows of Steel Medical Center, bathing the lobby in a warm golden glow.
Patients moved in and out of the reception area while nurses hurried through the corridors.
It was another busy day.
Celina had just finished polishing the information desk when Emily approached with a mischievous grin.
"So..."
Celina looked up.
"So... what?"
Emily folded her arms.
"Your mysterious visitor yesterday."
Celina laughed.
"You mean Lucas?"
"The very handsome Lucas."
"He's my childhood friend."
Emily narrowed her eyes.
"Just a friend?"
Celina nodded.
"We grew up on the same street. Our mothers were best friends."
Emily sighed dramatically.
"What a pity."
"For who?"
"For every man secretly hoping you're single."
Celina shook her head, laughing.
"You watch too many romantic movies."
Before Emily could answer, James, the hospital director, approached.
"Miss Bakers."
"Yes, sir?"
"Mr. Steel would like to see you."
Celina blinked.
"Me?"
James smiled politely.
"His office."
"Now."
A few minutes later...
Celina stood outside Aaron's office.
She knocked gently.
"Come in."
She stepped inside.
Aaron was standing beside the large window overlooking the hospital gardens.
Without turning around, he said,
"Please, have a seat."
She sat quietly.
For a few seconds...
Silence filled the room.
Finally, Aaron turned to face her.
"I wanted to thank you."
She looked confused.
"For what?"
"The children's activities."
"The staff has noticed a significant improvement in their emotional well-being."
Celina smiled modestly.
"They're wonderful children."
"They just need reasons to smile."
Aaron nodded.
"I agree."
He picked up a small document from his desk.
"The board has approved additional funding for the pediatric recreation program."
Celina's eyes widened.
"Really?"
"We'll be adding more books, art supplies, and educational games."
Her face lit up.
"That's amazing."
Aaron found himself watching her smile longer than necessary.
It was genuine.
Unrestrained.
Contagious.
"You seem happier about this than anyone else."
She looked down shyly.
"Because the children deserve it."
Just then...
A secretary entered carrying a tray.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, sir."
"Your coffee."
She placed two cups on the table.
Aaron looked at Celina.
"Coffee?"
She hesitated.
"I shouldn't..."
"It's already here."
A small smile touched his lips.
"It would be a shame to let it go to waste."
She smiled back.
"In that case..."
"I'll have a cup."
The secretary quietly excused herself.
For the first time...
Aaron and Celina sat together without a crowd around them.
Without reporters.
Without curious onlookers.
Just two people...
Sharing coffee.
Aaron took a sip.
"Do you always smile this much?"
Celina looked surprised.
"Do I?"
"I've noticed."
She laughed softly.
"I suppose it's a habit."
"Why?"
She thought for a moment.
"My mother used to tell me something."
Aaron waited.
"'Smiles are free.'"
"'If they can make someone's day lighter...'"
"'Why keep them to yourself?'"
Aaron lowered his eyes to his cup.
"My father believed something different."
She looked at him.
"What did he say?"
"'Never let people know what you're feeling.'"
Celina became quiet.
"I'm sorry."
"You don't have to apologize."
"It made me who I am."
She looked at him thoughtfully.
"Maybe..."
"What?"
"Maybe both of them were right."
Aaron raised an eyebrow.
"How?"
"You need strength to survive."
She smiled gently.
"But you also need kindness..."
"...to live."
Her words lingered in the silence between them.
Aaron couldn't remember the last time someone had spoken to him so honestly.
Not because of his position.
Not because they wanted something.
Simply...
Because they believed it.
Outside the office...
Ethan had been waiting with several documents.
He stopped as he heard laughter from inside.
Laughter.
From Aaron's office.
He looked toward the secretary.
"Did..."
"...Mr. Steel just laugh?"
The secretary smiled in disbelief.
"I think he did."
Ethan chuckled.
"The hospital should probably record today's date."
Inside...
Neither Aaron nor Celina realized how much time had passed.
For the first time...
Their conversation wasn't about charity.
Or work.
Or responsibilities.
It was simply about life.
And somehow...
That made it even more meaningful.
As Celina stood to leave, Aaron walked her to the door.
"Thank you for the coffee."
She smiled.
"Thank you for inviting me."
She reached for the doorknob.
Then paused.
Turning back, she asked,
"Mr. Steel..."
"Yes?"
"Do you think people can really change?"
Aaron looked at her for a long moment.
Then answered quietly,
"I didn't."
"...Until recently."
Their eyes met.
Neither of them said another word.
Some answers...
Didn't need explaining.