<p>They told him their names, and Dr. Ammar adjusted his glasses before speaking. “We have a patient in a coma who needs special care, and after my assessment, I believe one of you is best suited for the task. The nurse will need to attend to him promptly and without delay. What do you both think?”</p><p>Fanan was about to speak when Amira quickly intervened. “Doctor, I think Fanan should take on the role.”</p><p>Both Fanan and Dr. Ammar looked at her, curious to hear her reason. Amira continued, “Honestly, even if I were assigned to care for him, I wouldn’t be able to come early because I just got admission to Pen Resources University for my degree. That’s why I believe Fanan is the right person for this.”</p><p>Dr. Ammar nodded, satisfied with her explanation. “Alright, Fanan, the task is now yours. I trust you'll provide the patient with the care he needs.”</p><p>Although Fanan agreed outwardly, internally she felt uneasy. She wasn’t thrilled about the added responsibility, knowing it would demand more time and effort. Forcing a smile, she replied, “Okay, doctor. May Allah grant him recovery and give me the strength to care for him.”</p><p>Dr. Ammar commended her for her maturity and dedication before dismissing Amira, who left the office. Turning back to Fanan, he said, “Let me take you to his ward.”</p><p>She followed him to the room, keeping her gaze down as he led the way. Inside, the patient lay unconscious, hooked up to various machines. Dr. Ammar stared at the patient’s face, feeling a strange sense of recognition. He was certain he’d seen this face before but couldn’t recall where or when. Shaking off the thought, he turned to Fanan.</p><p>"Come closer," he urged, seeing her hesitating at the door.</p><p>Fanan stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room before landing on the patient. The man, despite his state, was undeniably handsome. His chiseled features and fair complexion were striking, making him look like someone of mixed descent or possibly an Arab. She found herself momentarily captivated.</p><p>Dr. Ammar called her name sharply, snapping her out of her thoughts. Embarrassed, she responded, and he gave her instructions on what she needed to do for the patient before leaving.</p><p>Fanan set to work, preparing warm water to clean the patient and feeding him through an IV. It took her until 8 PM to finish everything. Exhausted, she headed home.</p><p>At home, her parents asked why she was late, and she explained the new responsibility at work. Her father advised her to always call if she’d be late so someone could pick her up. After eating, she went to her room, showered, and lay down, reflecting on the patient’s plight. She silently resolved to include him in her prayers before falling asleep.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>Three Weeks Later</p><p>It had been three weeks, and Fanan was seated in the patient’s room, observing him closely. Despite their efforts, there had been no significant progress. Even Dr. Ammar was growing concerned, given the earlier prognosis that the patient might not last more than a month without waking up.</p><p>Exiting the room briefly, Fanan missed the moment when the patient began to regain consciousness. Flashbacks of his accident and moments leading up to it played in his mind. The man’s name, Azaad, was mentioned repeatedly in a voice filled with anguish.</p><p>Opening his eyes, he looked around, realizing he was in a hospital. Slowly, he got out of bed and walked to the mirror. His reflection shocked him—he looked unkempt and weak, confirming he’d been out for a long time. Seeing a monitor flashing "AWAKE," he quickly switched it off, deciding to act as though he were still unconscious.</p><p>When Fanan returned, she locked the door and approached the bed. Assuming the patient was still in a coma, she removed her scarf, adjusted her tight uniform for comfort, and began eating snacks. She had no idea he was watching her every move, trying to stifle his amusement.</p><p>After finishing her snacks, she fetched a towel and began cleaning him as usual, unaware that he was awake. The man marveled at her courage, given his condition, and silently prayed she wouldn’t accidentally cross any boundaries.</p><p>Later, as she stood by the mirror adjusting her headscarf, she suddenly saw his reflection behind her and screamed, dropping everything. Panicked, she turned to run, but he grabbed her by the waist to stop her. Startled by the contact, Fanan fainted on the spot.</p><p>Looking at her unconscious form, he sighed in frustration. "I didn’t mean to scare her." Gently, he placed her on the chair, fetched water from the fridge, and prepared to revive her.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
