"What's the name of the patient?"
"Jasper O'Brien."
"Okay. Just a minute." the receptionist said, inputting his name into a computer system. "He was discharged about six months ago."
"You sure?"
"Yes, ma'am. He was a patient in this hospital, but not anymore."
"Alright, thanks."
"You're welcome. I hope you don't have a problem with that."
"Not at all."
…
Zoey left the hospital for a nearby cafe. No ordering, she just sat back to cool off her mind. These few days had been rough and hectic. First, Jasper's sudden appearance, then the news from Adrian.
The light breeze tingled on her skin. Then she closed her eyes, forgetting her existing world, and wished he would reappear.
"Thinking of me?" a soft whisper came in her ears.
"Jasper."
Just like a dream come true, he was right beside her. But she was scared he'd leave without a trace again.
"Please, don't go–"
"Shh, I'm not a ghost. Don't be afraid. I came to take you with me."
Doubtlessly, he knew she'd come searching for him. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly, not wanting to ever let go. His signature perfume filled her lungs, she had missed the scent badly.
"I- I thought I lost you forever. I was completely shattered when I heard of your fatal accident. You nearly lost your life, then you fell into deep coma. I thought you'd never make it alive. I gave up on you, I gave up on us, and I gave up on the love we had for each other. I felt I should move on with my life. I–"
He pressed his index finger on her lips, "Listen. It's all in the past, okay? Now, what matters is that I'm here for you. You are the reason I'm still alive. We were almost engaged years back, but life happened. My recklessness landed me in a near-death experience. You should never blame yourself for whatever happened. When I was told you left, I was grieved. I tried to forget about you, including the memories, but I just couldn't. As they said true love never dies, my love for you kept growing. You taught me never to lose hope. You always said I should never stop fighting. When I learnt of your pregnancy, I almost gave up, but the love I have for you is worth fighting. I'm willing to have you in my life till eternity. I won't stop until I make you mine. And I'm here to make things right again."
The speech got her so emotional. She had never imagined a day like that would come. All hope wasn't lost after all. "Jasper, I–
"Marry me."
"W-what?"
"Just say yes."
Yes?
"No. Right now, I can't make any life-changing decision. I know we both wanted this, but I need time to think about it. You should understand, my life isn't the same way you left it five years ago."
"If that's what you need, I'd give you your space and time. Whenever you're ready to accept my proposal, let me know."
"Thanks for understanding, Jasper. I'm leaving."
"Mind if I drop you home?"
"I will pass. Maybe another day. Until then, we'd be in touch."
"Alright, bye."
"Take good care of yourself. Bye."