Mine to Leave

I broke up with my ex four years ago, but now he’s the head surgeon at the hospital where I work as a nurse.

A year ago, his father was rushed into the ER during my shift, but he didn’t make it.

Now my ex is back, working down the hall, and we barely speak to each other unless we have to.

Sometimes I still wonder if he still blames me.

But this morning, after my shift, he caught me leaving and asked if I’d meet him outside.

I almost said no, until I saw him sitting on a bench beneath the oak tree, his father's plaque just below.

I stepped closer, and ran my fingers over the In memory of Dr. William Grant. Always watching.

When I turned around, he stood up and took my hands, as he whispered,

“I lost him… but I’m not losing you.”

Then he stepped back, pulled out a small box, and dropped to one knee.

“Will you marry me?”