Chapter 42

Zen and Tasha walked through the hospital entrance, their footsteps echoing in the bustling hallway. The scent of antiseptic in the air, mingling with the quiet hum of activity. Nurses and doctors walking around, their faces set with the seriousness of their duties. Zen is scanning the surroundings, still thinking about the run-in with Sonia, when a familiar voice calls out.

“Tom!”

Zen turns and sees Nia approaching, her face lighting up with a smile. She was wearing yunusual vibrant scrubs, her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. Zen’s surprised to see her here; he hadn’t expected to run into Nia today. He stops in his tracks, and Tasha glances between them, sensing an old connection.

“Nia,” Zen says, a genuine smile spreading across his face. “What are you doing here?”

Nia shrugs, a playful glint in her eyes. “I could ask you the same thing. But I guess you’re not here for the same reason as everyone else—you’re probably trying to save the world one patient at a time.”

Z