Chapter 13 - THE WOMAN WHO CHOSE HER OWN FUTURE
I resigned from my position as Desmond's nurse three months later.
Not because I stopped caring.
Because I cared too much to ignore the boundaries between us.
I helped arrange a new nursing team.
I completed the necessary handover.
And I accepted a position at a rehabilitation center in Chicago.
Desmond didn't argue.
He simply asked:
"Are you happy?"
I smiled.
"I think I will be."
He nodded.
"Good."
For several weeks, we saw each other only occasionally.
Then he called.
"Claire."
"Desmond."
"Would you like to have dinner?"
I smiled.
"Is this a medical appointment?"
He laughed.
"No."
"Then yes."
We met at a small restaurant near the river.
He arrived in his wheelchair.
I arrived wearing a blue dress.
For the first time, there was no nurse.
No patient.
No medical chart.
Just two people.
Desmond looked at me.
"You look beautiful."
I smiled.
"Thank you."
He hesitated.
"Can I kiss you?"
My heart pounded.
I leaned closer.
"Yes."
May you like
He kissed me gently.
And for the first time, I wasn't afraid of what our relationship might become.
