Hannah explained that she’d stayed past the end of her nursing shift because the hospital was short-staffed. I had been heavily medicated, frightened, and barely conscious. I kept reaching for her hand, begging her not to leave. She sat beside me, held my hand, and promised she’d stay. Later, Rachel arrived, and Hannah helped gather my belongings. When she lifted my jacket, a small ring box fell from its pocket. Rachel opened it and saw the engagement ring I’d intended to give her that evening.”

Hannah asked whether I’d told Rachel about the proposal. Rachel closed the box and said nothing. Hannah had already felt an emotional connection with me during those hours, and seeing the ring made her ashamed. She requested a transfer and never returned to my room. She assumed Rachel and I would marry after I recovered. Seeing me alone at the café three years later brought all her guilt rushing back.