Marina tiredly adjusted her white coat, smoothing the wrinkled folds on the fabric with her palm. She had been working in the local hospital only a week, but already felt the full weight of tense shifts, unexpected calls, and cold attitude of senior colleagues, especially one of them, the senior nurse, Tamara Williams.

Well, what, again something wrong. Marina calmly looked at the boss, trying to keep a neutral expression on her face. Tamara Williams heavily sighed, crossed her arms on her chest and shook her head.

What kind of punishment is this for me, why did they send you to me specifically? Her voice was filled with unconcealed irritation. Marina silently shrugged, hiding awkwardness behind even breathing. She knew that in their small town it is impossible to get a job in a prestigious medical center, about which she dreamed, but despite this, she never regretted her choice.

Since childhood, the profession of a nurse seemed special to her. She often observed how medics help people and dreamed of being one of them, but her mom thought otherwise. Daughter, why do you need this? Tried to dissuade her mother, when Marina chose the profession.

You will work in one place all your life, at most become a senior nurse. Is that really okay for you? But Marina only smiled in response. Mom, and is it pleasant for you yourself, when a nurse can’t hit the vein or does the dressing sloppily? I want to do everything conscientiously, so that patients appreciate my work.

Is that not enough? The mother only heavily sighed, but arguing with her daughter was useless. Now, being in the hospital corridor under the piercing gaze of Tamara Williams, Marina again thought about her choice. She knew that she was a good nurse, despite the recent experience.

Do you want to work? — mockingly squinted the senior nurse, clearly enjoying her embarrassment. Marina clenched her teeth, but remained silent. Excellent, then go to the emergency department.

Today is Friday, drunks will have fun there, and you will definitely find something to do, — threw Tamara Williams, smirking, and went about her business. Marina deeply inhaled and headed to the emergency room. She understood that this was not just a shift, this was punishment.

But she didn’t care, because whatever the person rich, poor, drinking or neat, all of them needed help, and therefore, she must provide it. In the emergency room, real chaos was happening. A drunk woman with a dirty bandage on her head was singing loudly at the top of her lungs, a man in an intoxicated state was yelling something at a frightened nurse, and nearby an elderly lady, with a face red from indignation, threatened the staff, demanding immediate examination of her husband…

Marina froze for a moment, and then headed to the frightened nurse, on whom the patient was yelling. «Let me help,» — she said calmly, gently standing between the girl and the aggressive man. He frowned, measuring her with a heavy gaze.

«And who are you?» Marina did not avert her eyes, maintaining calm. «A nurse, let me take your blood for analysis, and everything will be fine». The man snorted, but did not argue.

She skillfully inserted the needle, and even he, despite the alcohol, surprisingly raised his eyebrows. After a couple of hours, the chaos in the emergency room subsided a bit. Marina, though tired, felt satisfaction, she really helped people.

«Well, newbie, what did they send you here for?» — smirked one of the nurses, watching her with interest. From the office looked out a middle-aged man, with a kind expression on his face. He took off his glasses, examining her.

«Are you the newbie?» — he asked. Yes, Marina nodded embarrassedly. And already managed to annoy Tamara Williams….She hastily shook her head. «No, what are you, just she doesn’t trust me to work independently yet». The nurse smirked, and the doctor, Alex Peterson, handed her a mug with warm tea.

«Well, let’s get acquainted. This is Susan, and I am Alex Peterson». Marina cautiously took the mug, enjoying the aroma of the hot drink.

«In an hour, it will be hell here again», — warned the doctor, glancing at the clock. «How do you know?» — Marina was surprised. «It’s simple», — he smirked.

«Now everyone has stocked up, because alcohol is not sold at night. First, they drink quietly at home, and then it turns out that it was not enough and the fun begins». Marina listened admiringly.

«Experience», — smiled the doctor. «I have been working in this hospital for a long time and have lived in this town even longer». Susan suddenly turned to Marina.

«I will talk to Tamara Williams», — she said. «I watched how you work. You already have everything going great».

Marina widened her eyes. «Really?» «Really», — nodded Susan. «Just continue in the same spirit».

Marina felt warmth inside. Let the senior nurse not accept her, but other colleagues have already begun to see her efforts. And that meant that everything was not in vain.

Marina hardly suppressed a yawn, rubbing her tired hands. Alex Peterson was right, exactly an hour later, a new stream of patients poured into the emergency room. The first one brought a man about forty, with a broken face and bruises all over his body.

«What happened?» — asked Marina, while the doctor examined him. «I went out for cigarettes to the convenience store. The patient croaked, wincing from pain.

And there, tipsy guys decided that I displeased them in some way». The doctor examined his bruises and shallow cuts. «No fractures, but the wounds need to be treated.

Let’s take him to the dressing room», — he calmly commanded, gesturing to Marina. She deftly prepared the antiseptic and dressing material, helping to apply bandages. The man nodded gratefully.

But as soon as he was taken away, the next patient was brought into the reception, a young guy, clearly overdone with alcohol. This one behaved aggressively, picked on passers-by, explained the policeman accompanying him, in the end got a punched face. The guy was holding his nose, from which blood was flowing, and his lip was swollen from the blow.

Marina sighed, preparing everything necessary for the examination. «Does it hurt a lot?», — she asked, gently touching his arm. «Yeah», — muttered the guy, wincing…

«She left me, and I…» He did not finish, but Marina understood everything. «You are lucky that it ended only with bruises», — she said calmly, starting to treat the wound. The guy tried to smile, but soon he was sent further to the dressing room.

They didn’t have time to catch their breath, as they brought an elderly woman who received burns, she accidentally tipped a kettle with boiling water on herself. Next came a man who slipped on the stairs and hit his leg hard, and after him a woman who in the heat of a family quarrel managed to break her arm. The hours stretched endlessly, patients arrived one after another, and Marina only managed to run from one to another.

Finally, closer to five in the morning, the flow subsided a bit. Alex Peterson put aside the gloves and looked at the tired nurses. «Everyone to sleep, in a couple of hours the morning patients will go».

Marina nodded gratefully, but could not fall asleep, she looked at the ceiling, recalling her mother. She always endured to the last, just not to bother the doctors. One case was etched in memory especially vividly, high temperature, which could be knocked down only for a few hours, but mom refused to call the ambulance.

«If it’s not better by morning, then call», — she said weakly, lying in bed. Marina was not a nurse then, but understood that mom was risking, and yet arguing with her was useless. The next morning she still had to call the doctor, and then Marina firmly decided, she will become the nurse whom people will not be afraid to ask for help.

Heavily sighing, she still closed her eyes. But her rest did not last long. The next morning, taking the shift, Marina immediately understood that something was wrong.

As soon as she entered the corridor, Tamara Williams literally ran into her. «Well, did you complain?» — said the senior nurse with a smirk. Marina blinked in confusion.

«I, no, I didn’t complain», she said, not understanding what it was about. «Of course, of course», — nodded Tamara Williams mockingly. But then Alex Peterson appeared in the corridor.

«I really want to talk to you, Tamara Williams», — he said calmly, removing his glasses. The senior nurse sharply turned to him. «Yes, and what do you want to say to me?» «That you have a talented nurse in the department, who should not be hindered», — he answered coldly…Tamara Williams’ face turned red from indignation. «If so, let her deal with a special patient», — she said with a cunning smile. Marina tensed, anticipating trouble.

At the end of the corridor lies a homeless man. Everyone thinks there’s no point in fussing with him. So let her deal with it.

Marina looked at Alex Peterson, but he only calmly nodded. «If she agrees, I don’t mind». She silently clenched her teeth and headed to the end of the corridor.

There, behind the screen, on an old cot lay a man, thin, in worn clothes, with many bruises and cuts. Marina carefully examined him and frowned. It feels like he fell from a cliff, — she muttered.

At that moment, Alex Peterson appeared next to her with the patient’s medical card. Strange, he said thoughtfully, examining the man, judging by the condition, he hasn’t eaten for several days, but he has no signs of dehydration, and he has severe frostbite on his fingers. Marina thought.

«So, he spent several nights on the street?» Judging by everything, in severe frost nodded the doctor. Marina clenched her fists. Whoever he is, she will do everything to help him.

She did not notice the gaze of Tamara Williams, who was watching them, clearly satisfied with her decision. But if she calculated that Marina would refuse, then she was mistaken. Marina had already made her decision…

She will fight for this patient. Like for any other. Marina carefully removed the worn clothes from the patient, trying not to cause him additional pain.

Under the layer of dirt and dried blood were hidden numerous bruises, deep cuts and traces of frostbite. She expected to see a dried, exhausted body, as is usually the case with people living on the street. But what opened to her gaze surprised.

Under the torn rags was hidden a strong, muscular body. This person clearly was not always homeless. «Strange», – muttered Marina.

«Something wrong». Next to her again appeared Alex Peterson, looking into the medical card. «He looks.

Not like ordinary homeless», – Marina answered more attentively. «The muscles are not atrophied, which means, earlier he led an active lifestyle. Athlete? Worker?».

Marina nodded. «But how did he end up in such a state?» Alex Peterson did not answer. Instead, he concentratedly checked the pulse, shone a flashlight into the patient’s pupils and sighed.

«Severe hypothermia, exhaustion, injuries. It’s unclear what happened to him. Marina quietly sighed and continued the work.

She carefully treated the wounds with antiseptic, applied bandages and made sure that the patient was breathing evenly. As soon as she finished, Tamara Williams entered the ward. «Still fussing with him?» Her voice sounded with mockery.

Marina tiredly straightened up and calmly looked at her. «He is a patient, he needs care». «Ah, just don’t imagine that he will thank you later», — smirked the senior nurse, folding her arms on her chest.

Marina disapprovingly shook her head. «Now the main thing is the patient». She turned to him, adjusting the blanket.

And suddenly. He stirred. Marina froze, watching as his eyelids tremble, and fingers weakly clench.

«Do you hear me?» — she asked quietly. The man with difficulty opened his eyes, they were cloudy. «Where am I?» — he croaked.

«In the hospital. Everything is fine, you are safe», — Marina gently put a pillow under his head. The man blinked, his breathing became a bit even.

«Water». Marina immediately took a glass and cautiously brought it to the patient’s lips. He made a few weak sips, after which he closed his eyes again.

«Thank you», — he whispered barely audible. Marina weakly smiled. «Everything is good, rest»…But now he looked completely different. Clean, expensive clothes, confident posture, a light smile on his lips. Behind him stood two men in strict suits, clearly bodyguards.

In his hands he held a bouquet of flowers, tender white lilies mixed with scarlet roses. Marina felt her cheeks burning. «I just returned from Boston», he spoke, approaching closer.

«Went through a course of treatment». Around gathered nurses, orderlies, even doctors. From the nursing room looked Tamara Williams, her face burning from surprise.

Marina did not know what to say. And he continued. «I just wanted to thank you, if not for you, I would not be here».

He extended the bouquet to her. She cautiously took it, feeling the dizzying aroma. And suddenly he asked.

«Marina, when can you meet with me, maybe go to a restaurant, or just take a walk?» In his eyes there was no arrogance. Only warm sincerity. Marina felt that her heart was beating too fast.

The whole corridor held its breath. Tamara Williams seemed so shocked that she even did not find what to say. And Marina, as if in a fog, nodded.

Tomorrow after lunch. Her voice sounded quietly, but in the ensuing silence it rang like thunder in a clear sky. Daniel’s eyes sparkled.

«Then I will pick you up right from here». He smiled again, slightly leaning towards her, added «Thank you». Then turned and headed to the exit with a confident step, accompanied by security.

In the corridor hung complete silence. Marina looked after him, feeling how something new burst into her life. Something to which she was completely not ready.

The next day Marina could not find a place for herself. She constantly caught the glances of colleagues on herself. Nurses whispered, doctors exchanged looks, and Tamara Williams walked with a stone face, but from time to time threw meaningful glances at her.

«Well, preparing for a meeting with the prince?» snorted one of the nurses, when Marina was changing after the shift. «Uh-huh», — she answered distractedly, understanding that her voice sounds unconvincingly. She was not sure that she is making the right choice…

Why did she agree? But inside still glimmered curiosity. What does he want to say? Why did he come? As soon as she left the hospital, she saw him. Daniel stood near a black car, leaning on the hood.

When he noticed her, he smiled. «Hi». Marina nodded, feeling how her heart accelerates the rhythm.

«Hi». Daniel approached closer, and only now she noticed that his gaze became different. Earlier it was lost and broken.

Now confident. «Are you hungry?» — he asked. Marina was confused, but honestly nodded.

«Then I suggest having dinner». They arrived at a cozy restaurant with soft light and unobtrusive music. Daniel caringly moved the chair for her, sat opposite, and when the waiter left, suddenly looked at her seriously.

«Marina, I want to tell you something». She froze, attentively watching his face. «You were the only person who treated me not as a problem, but as a person».

Marina squeezed her fingers into a lock. «I just did my job». «No, not just», — Daniel shook his head.

«There, in the hospital, everyone considered me written off. And you, you even did not ask who I am». She felt something tremble inside.

«It’s not important to me», — she answered quietly. Daniel smirked. «That’s why I am here».

Marina slightly lowered her eyes, not knowing what to say. «Tell me about yourself», — he suddenly asked. She was confused.

«And what do you want to know?» «Everything», — he answered simply. Marina fell silent, but then still began to speak. About how she dreamed of being a nurse, how she fought for her place, how she first encountered the real pain of patients…Marina smiled. «Unexpected, but amazing». Daniel nodded, as if he knew that it will be so.

«I have long wanted to ride again, but time was not found», — he confessed. «And now it was found?» Slyly clarified Marina. He smiled.

Now appeared that, for the sake of which it is worth finding time. Marina felt how warmth spreads through her body. What is this? She tried not to analyze, just enjoyed the moment.

When they returned to the car, the sun was already beginning to incline to the sunset. Daniel opened the door for her, and Marina sat in the salon, still immersed in light intoxication from emotions. When the car started, he suddenly said.

«Marina, I am leaving in a week». She sharply turned to him. «Where?» «To California», — he answered calmly.

«I have business, affairs, obligations». Marina felt something unpleasant squeezed her heart. Of course, she knew that he will not stay here.

But for some reason the thought that he will leave was unpleasant. For long, — she asked, trying to make her voice sound calmly. «I don’t know», — he confessed honestly.

Marina turned away to the window, looking how street lights float by. «I am not asking you to wait for me», softly said Daniel, «but I want you to know». He fell silent.

Marina turned to him, expecting continuation. «I will not forget you». She felt chills run down her back…

They drove in silence, but it was not awkward silence. And silence, full of unspoken words. When he dropped her at home, Marina already knew that this is not the end.

She looked after him, when he left, and for the first time in a long time understood that her life will no longer be the same. A month passed. Marina tried not to think about him.

Life in the hospital went on as usual, endless shifts, patients, documents, fatigue, short breaks between calls, everything was the same as before, except for the emptiness inside. She did not wait for him. But every time someone entered the department, the heart involuntarily froze.

Every time the phone rang from an unknown number, she for a moment held her breath. But he did not appear. And here, on that day, when Marina finally convinced herself that life returned to the previous rut, everything changed.

She was sorting documents at the post, when suddenly noise sounded in the corridor. Dull male voices, hasty steps, muted whispering. «What happened?», yes here, began that, but suddenly fell silent, widely opening her eyes.

Marina frowned. And felt someone’s presence behind her back. She slowly turned.

And froze. He. Daniel.

He stood before her, in a perfectly sitting dark blue suit, restrainedly smiling. Behind his back were two men in strict suits, probably bodyguards. But Marina looked only at him.

At the one she did not wait for, but thought about every day. And most of all she was struck by what he held in his hands. A huge bouquet of scarlet roses.

A wave of silence rolled through the corridor. Even those who mocked before, now did not dare to say a word. Tamara Williams, who stood at the post, from surprise even not immediately found what to say…Marina felt her fingers got cold, but warmth spilled inside. He came. He did not forget.

Daniel took a step forward, his dark eyes looked straight into her soul. Marina, he pronounced in a low, slightly hoarse voice. She held her breath.

«You returned?» Her voice trembled. He smiled. «Yes, and hope forever».

And before she managed to understand what is happening, he knelt down on one knee. The corridor held its breath. Marina covered her lips with her palm, her heart pounded loudly in her ears…

Daniel took out a velvet box from his pocket and opened it. On the soft velvet lay an elegant ring with a thin platinum rim and a shining stone. He looked at her firmly and confidently.

«I thought long, Marina. But understood one thing, I don’t want life without you». She froze.

«You saved me, you changed me, you taught me to see the world differently». He deeply inhaled, and his voice suddenly became softer. «Become my wife!» Someone shouted.

Someone gasped. And then? The corridor exploded with applause. The nurses who teased her all these months, now openly wiped their eyes, wiping teary faces.

Even the orderlies, who were usually indifferent, smiled. Doctors nodded to each other, and even Tamara Williams could not hide the suddenly surged emotions. She hastily turned away, but Marina managed to notice the shine in her eyes.

But all this was somewhere in the background. Because the only thing that mattered now is he. His eyes — full of hope.

His warm hand, extended to her. His words, from which inside everything contracted from emotions. Marina deeply inhaled, and her lips trembled in a smile.

Yes. The corridor exploded with applause again. Someone even clapped louder, and someone shouted.

Bitter. Marina burst into laughter, and Daniel, rising, cautiously put the ring on her finger. She looked at him, at his sincere, full of relief smile, and felt that now is the most important moment in her life…

«Thank you», — he whispered, pressing her to himself. And at this moment Marina understood finally. All this was not accidental.

Their meeting was not just a coincidence. He was her destiny. Marina could not even imagine that her life would turn exactly this way.

She came to the hospital to just do her work, help people and be useful. But fate disposed otherwise, giving her a meeting that changed everything.

And what do you think, did Marina deserve her happiness? How would you act in her place? And could you imagine that a random meeting can lead to something so important?