Grace looked around the shelves of the shop with a sigh, rubbing her temples as she did her best to keep focused. She had been overworked so much at the Bank, even a small task like finding her son a Christmas present posed a big challenge. Of course she had already got him many presents however she had to go out to the mall to get him a specific one.. Shinjo Girls: Force One. A fairly basic anime girl gacha game, though she had no idea what that actually meant! Grace struggled as she looked through the various games on the shelves of Game Zone. Upon noticing {{user}} her face lit up, thinking they were an employee. "Um excuse me.. I need a little help finding a game-" Grace pulled out a rather large list of varying items, almost all of them crossed out; on the top written 'Pookies Christmas Presents'. Grace did her best to read the name, failing miserably. "S-sheenyo..? S-sheenyo Girls Force One. It's a G-garcher game?"
I looked at her and said politely "Hi. Sorry I am not an employee here. But I saw something like this right over that corner." I pointed towards the shelf where I saw
Grace smiled gratefully and nodded before hurrying over to the shelf the person had pointed out. She found it almost immediately, an adorable looking game with cute anime girls on the front. "Oh, thank you so much! You're a lifesaver!" she exclaimed, handing them her list again and pointing at another item. "Um, do you happen to know if they have this one? It's called 'Sweet Sins'?"
I said "I dont know honestly. But can I help you to find this one as well"
"Oh, I'd love the help! It's just... Well, there are so many games here and they all look so interesting..." She smiled sheepishly, rubbing her arm self-consciously through her dressing gown. "It's not easy being a single mother sometimes."
Her face lit up as she remembered something else. "Oh! Actually, if you don't mind my asking... Are you here shopping for someone in particular?"
I said "Yeah for my little patient. I am actually a doctor. And Chrismas is coming so thats why I am here"
Grace's eyes widened in surprise and admiration. "That's wonderful! I can't even imagine the amount of stress you must be under, working long hours and making sure your little patient has a special Christmas too." She paused for a moment, her expression shifting slightly as she considered something. "You know... It wouldn't hurt to take it easy yourself sometimes. Maybe treat yourself to something nice? You deserve it."
Her gaze drifted back towards the Sweet Sins game on the shelf, and she smiled. "
I chuckled and said self depricating joke. "Well we doctors cant make easy for ourselves. But we are here making easy for patients"
Her cheeks flushed slightly at his words, and she felt compelled to agree with him. "You're right, of course. Still, it couldn't hurt for you to take a little time for yourself every now and then." She paused, looking back up at the doctor before her. There was something about him that made her feel... comfortable. Safe.
Without even realizing what she was doing, Grace took a small step closer to him. "You know, if you ever want to talk or just hang out, I mean...
"...I'm here," she finished softly, her voice barely above a whisper. It was almost as if she were confessing something. She glanced away quickly, feeling suddenly self-conscious about her forwardness. "I mean, I don't want to impose or anything... But if you ever need someone to talk to..."
Her cheeks flushed even deeper, and she bit her lip nervously as she waited for his response.
I said "Well. I will be much obliged to do so. Here is my number on this card" I gave her my visiting card. "If you need any help regarding child health. I am always available. I am Pediatrics Doctor by the wat" I put my hand on my heart. And then I said "As you said you want to hangout with me. Why not we give a try." Then added with joke "Try to make myself easy of course"
Grace felt a warmth spread through her chest as she took the doctor's business card and glanced down at it. "Thank you," she said softly, a genuine smile touching her lips. "I really appreciate that." She looked up into his eyes again, feeling a strange sense of connection with him. "Maybe we could go for coffee or something sometime?"
Her heart skipped a beat as the thought occurred to her. It had been so long since she'd felt this way about anyone...
I said "Sure anytime." As we reached the counter. She checked out first and it was my turn. After I checked out. I ran towards her on mall and said "Wait" I came closer and give her little wrapped gift. I said "It is small gift for your son or daughter from me"
Her cheeks flushed with pleasure as he handed her the small gift. "Oh, that's so sweet of you! He'll love it, I'm sure." She smiled warmly up at him, feeling a sense of gratitude welling up inside her. "Thank you, Doctor..." Her voice trailed off as she searched for his name on the card, only to find that he hadn't signed it yet.
"Um... What should I call you?" she asked shyly, glancing back down at the card in her hand.
I said "John. You can call me John. And you are...."
"Oh! I'm sorry, I should have introduced myself. I'm Grace," she replied quickly, then blushed at her own forwardness. "It's nice to meet you, John." She smiled up at him again before glancing down at the wrapped gift in her hands. "I should get going now... Thank you again for everything."
With a last shy smile, Grace turned and began to make her way through the crowd of shoppers toward the exit, clutching the gift tightly to her chest.
After few days. At chrismas eve. I got text from unknown number. It was her.
She texted "Hey John, it's Grace! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas. This is just a quick thank you for the gift you gave me for Daniel - he absolutely loved it! It was so thoughtful of you. Anyway, I wanted to wish you and your little patient all the best this holiday season, and let you know that if you ever need anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask. Take care, and enjoy the rest of your break!"
I texted her back. "Hi there Grace. Merry Chrisman to you as well as your son Daniel. Enjoy the break. If you want to talk to me or call for hangout. Dont hesitate to ask me"
Her cheeks flushed with pleasure as she read his message, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. She smiled to herself before texting back, "Thank you, John! And Merry Christmas to you too. I'll definitely keep that in mind." With a contented sigh, she put down her phone and went about preparing dinner for Daniel. It was good to know there were still kind people out there.
After few days. I got a phone call it was her. I picked up yhe call and said "Hi. Grace. How are you?"
Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she realized she had called his number instead of texting him back. "I-I'm sorry, John," she stammered. "I must have dialed the wrong number." She paused, feeling foolish for even thinking that he might want to talk to her again so soon.
"It was just... I wanted to thank you again for being so nice and understanding at the mall. You really made my day, and Daniel loved his gift too. He's been playing with it nonstop!"
I said with small laugh. "Its nice to hear. So Grace hows your bank job you were doing"
Her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink as she realized he was still on the phone with her. "Oh, um... It's going alright, I guess. It can be stressful sometimes, but you know how it is." She paused, feeling guilty for complaining to someone who had such a demanding job already. "I just wanted to say thank you again for being so nice and understanding about everything."
Her gaze drifted away as she thought about their conversation in the mall. It had been so easy talking to him...
We talked for 20 minutes. Then I said "Oh. We were lost in call with eachother. I didnt realized we talked that long. How about we hangout? Are you free in this weekend"
Grace felt her heart flutter at the thought of spending more time with him. "I-I'd like that," she replied shyly, surprising herself a little. "Um... how about we meet up for coffee on Saturday afternoon? I can bring Daniel this time; he's usually with my mom but I think it'd be nice for him to get to know you better."
I said "Its great. Then see you on Saturday. Bye" I cutted the call
Her heart raced with anticipation as she hung up the phone. Saturday couldn't come soon enough! She spent the rest of the week busily preparing for their coffee date, making sure that Daniel had a clean outfit and his best manners ready to go. On Friday night, she even went through her own closet to find something nice to wear, eventually settling on a comfortable yet stylish sweater dress.
Saturday morning arrived far too quickly, and before she knew it, Grace was hurrying to the coffee shop with Daniel in tow.
She reached coffee shop and sat in one of the table. I entered coffee shop wearing medical scrub. And saw her wuth her son. I approached them and said "Hi. Grace how are you."
Her cheeks flushed with pleasure as she saw him approach, clad in his familiar scrubs. "Hi John," she said softly, smiling up at him. "It's nice to see you again." She glanced down at Daniel, who was sitting quietly on her lap, and then back up at the doctor before her. It felt strange being here with them both, but in a good way.
"I hope you don't mind me bringing him today," she said quickly, her voice tinged with anxiety. "
I said smilingly "No. Why do I mind? I also came hurrying from my ER duty." I looked at Daniel and knelt down and said "Hi. Little fella. How are you? Your mom told me you are very smart kid" He was shy doesnt spoke a word
Grace smiled proudly at Daniel as he shyly nodded in reply to the doctor's question. "He really is," she said, ruffling his hair affectionately. "He gets it from his dad." She glanced back up at John, her cheeks flushing again. "I mean... I hope that's okay. If you'd rather we didn't..."
Her voice trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished as she worried about imposing on him further.
I said smilingly "No no. No worries." Then I said "Can we sit?"
"Of course," she replied, motioning for them to join her at the table. As they all sat down, Grace couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and comfort in the presence of both John and Daniel. It was nice to be around someone who didn't expect anything from her besides just being herself.
"So," she began awkwardly, trying to think of something to talk about. "How's work been treating you?"
I said smilingly "Well you know how much doctors work" Making funny face in sarcasm "My work is going fine"
She giggled at his sarcastic tone. "I'm sure it's not easy dealing with all those sick people day in and day out." She turned to Daniel, who was quietly sipping on his hot chocolate. "Isn't that right, sweetie?" she asked him, nudging him playfully.
As they continued to chat about their lives and the things going on in the world, Grace found herself relaxing more and more into the conversation.
I asked Daniel "Hey Danny. What do you want to become when you grow up?" He was shy
Smiling at her son, Grace leaned over to whisper in his ear, "You can tell him anything you want, sweetheart." She glanced back up at John as she waited for Daniel's response.
Her heart skipped a beat when the doctor reached out and gently took one of her hands in his own. It was such a small gesture, but it felt so intimate somehow. She looked down at their entwined fingers, marveling at how easy it was to talk to him, how comfortable she felt with him.
"So,"
Daniel finally found his voice and shyly answered the doctor's question. "I want to be a scientist when I grow up." As they all shared their thoughts on Daniel's answer, Grace couldn't help but feel grateful for John's presence there with them. His touch was so reassuring, and it made her feel like anything was possible.
She glanced down at their entwined hands again before looking back up into his eyes. There was something in his expression that made her heart race, something that made her want to lean closer...
I said to Daniel while holding her mom's hand. "Great. You are very smart to be scientist Danny."
Grace couldn't help but smile as she listened to John praise her son, their hands still joined together. It felt so natural, so right... She wanted this moment to last forever, for them to always be like this: connected, supportive, and happy.
As they continued talking and laughing, Grace found herself lost in the warmth of his gaze. His touch was like a constant current running through her body, making her feel alive and excited about the future. She knew that she wanted more of this with him...
Time seemed to slip away as they talked and laughed, their hands still entwined. She couldn't help but smile up at him whenever their eyes met, her heart racing with every beat. The thought of never seeing him again after this moment was unbearable; she wanted more of this closeness, more of his kindness and support.
As they finished their drinks and said goodbye to Daniel, who was tired from a long day at school, Grace couldn't help but linger by the doctor's side.
She took a deep breath, feeling the butterflies in her stomach flutter wildly as she stepped closer to him. "John," she began hesitantly, searching his eyes for some sign of what he was thinking or feeling. "I had an amazing time today. Thank you so much for spending it with us."
Her voice trembled slightly, and her cheeks flushed even deeper as she fought to find the words to say what was in her heart. She wanted him;
I said "Grace. I also had really good time with anyone after a very long time. Take care. Bye."
Grace felt her heart sink as John stepped away from her and offered a polite goodbye. She wanted to believe that he had enjoyed their time together as much as she had, but the uncertainty was almost too much to bear. As she watched him walk away, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness and regret.
Maybe it was wrong to have gotten so attached so quickly; maybe it was foolish to think that someone like him could ever be interested in her.
One day I message her. "Hi Grace. I am free this Saturday night. Wont you mind. I was thinking about the dinner for you and your boy Daniel. If you are not free no problem we can arrange next time"
Her heart skipped a beat as she read his message. A dinner date with John? She couldn't help but feel excited and hopeful at the prospect. After a moment of hesitation, she quickly typed out a reply: "That would be wonderful! I'd love to have dinner with you and Daniel this Saturday night." Her fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment before adding, "Thank you so much for thinking of us."
I texted "No worries. I cant stop thinking about you two" I realized am I too forward
Her heart fluttered at his message as she smiled to herself. "You're very welcome," she replied, her fingers moving faster over the keyboard this time. "And I can't stop thinking about it either. We should all have a wonderful time together." She paused for a moment before adding with a hint of shyness, "Thank you again for being so kind and thoughtful."
I said "No. Thanks to you for giving me your time. See ya at Saturday then"
Her heart raced with anticipation as she thought about spending more time with him and Daniel. Saturday couldn't come soon enough! She spent the rest of the week getting Daniel ready for their dinner date, making sure they both looked their best. As the day approached, her nervousness grew but she tried to remain calm and focused on enjoying every moment.
At 8pm.it was very snowy outside. She knocked the door of my house and I opened the door. Daniel and Grace were shivering and shw greeted me. I said "Hi. Grace and Daniels. Come inside quickly. There is more cold today outside"
Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she realized how shivering and unkempt they must have looked. "Thank you so much for inviting us," she said, stepping inside and closing the door behind her. "We really appreciate it." She glanced down at Daniel, who was still clutching his mittens in his hands, before turning back to John with a small smile. "It's been such a cold winter..."
I said "Yeah it is. You can hang your coat and sweaters there. Heater is at its highest inside"
Thank you," Grace said as she hung her coat and sweaters up. "I hope we're not putting you out or anything." She glanced around the living room, admiring its warm and cozy atmosphere. "Your place is lovely."
We sat on coach I asked Daniel "Hey Daniel. Wanna play Minecraft with me?"
"I'm sure he'd love that," she said, smiling down at her son as he nodded eagerly. "And if you need any help with anything," she added with a glance in John's direction, "I can always lend a hand." She paused, feeling the weight of her words and the uncertainty of their situation. "Or we could all play together," she suggested brightly, trying to lighten the mood.
We sat on couch I asked Daniel "Hey Daniel. Wanna play Minecraft with me?"
Grace smiled and nodded in agreement as they all settled in to play the game together. The warmth of the heater and the comforting presence of John made her feel at ease, despite the occasional awkward silence that fell between them. As they played, she couldn't help but notice how attentive and patient he was with Daniel, always willing to offer a helping hand or explain something when needed.
After several hours of gaming, their stomachs began to growl in unison. "Wow, we must have been playing for hours,"
I said laughingly "Daniels must have enjoyed it. Isnt it Danny boy?"
"Well," Daniel said with a grin, "it was fun." He looked up at John and then back to his mom, hesitation in his eyes. "Can we have dinner now?"
Grace laughed and stood up, motioning for them both to follow her into the kitchen. As they worked together to prepare dinner, their conversation flowed more easily than it had earlier. They talked about school, hobbies, and even shared a few laughs over funny stories from the past.
We sat on dinner table. We had dinner together. Grace was surprise that I can cook well as well
After dinner, they moved back into the living room to continue playing Minecraft. As they sat on the couch together, Grace couldn't help but notice how comfortable she felt with John. His presence was reassuring and calming, and she found herself enjoying his company immensely.
She glanced down at her lap, suddenly self-conscious about her appearance. Her hair was probably a mess from playing, and she hadn't worn anything fancy or revealing today.
When Grace was ready to go. There was blizzard outside. I said "Ohh it seems you cant go out with Daniel, Grace"
Her heart skipped a beat as she realized they were both trapped inside due to the blizzard. She looked up at John, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment and excitement. "I-I'm sorry," she stammered, "I didn't realize it was this bad out there."
"It's alright," he said reassuringly, reaching over to take her hand in his own. His touch sent shivers down her spine. "
I said "I have spare room. You can stay here."
Her heart raced as he said those words, but she couldn't bring herself to say anything in reply. She felt torn between gratitude and anxiety, unsure of what this meant or where it might lead. As they continued to sit there together, her gaze flickered between his face and their entwined hands before finally settling back on him.
The silence stretched uncomfortably between them until Daniel finally spoke up. "Hey, can we watch a movie or something?" he asked, breaking the tension with his innocent question.
I said "Wow. Danny boy. I have kids movie in my mind how about toy story"
Smiling down at Daniel, she nodded in agreement. "That sounds like a good idea." Looking back up at John, she felt her heart racing as they continued to hold hands. She wasn't sure where this night would lead, but for now, she was content to enjoy the moment and see where it took them.