Two crossing paths

part 4: a connection

Halfway through the journey home, a notification on her phone interrupted Ann’s nostalgic thoughts. She picked it up and saw it was from the language app she had recently downloaded. Even though her English was nearly at a native level, she felt it had grown rusty in her struggle to maintain fluency in Arabic. The idea of preparing for the IELTS exam lingered in her mind, and she knew she needed to use English more frequently. Ann had a habit of rushing into future plans without always considering where she currently stood.

Curious, she opened the app to see who had sent the message.

“Hmm... interesting,” she mused. “A man who isn’t flirting or trying to hook up? But come on, girl, he’s still a man, and we hate men... But to be fair, he does look handsome. Still, an Egyptian like me? What could he possibly offer me? Maybe he’s just another guy looking to score. Let’s check his bio… Hmm, interesting. He’s a doctor planning to travel abroad and wants to practice English... Okay, let’s give him a chance.”

Ann accepted his request and replied with a simple "Sure" to Dr. Adam, who had politely asked if she’d like to practice English together. Meanwhile, Adam was sitting in an OB-GYN lecture, reviewing management plans for high-risk pregnancies. He noticed her reply but couldn’t respond immediately.

Later, as he walked home under the scorching sun, he sent her a voice message. His voice was deep and calm as he apologized for not replying sooner, explaining that he had been caught up with work at the hospital.

Adam hesitated for a moment before sending the voice message. “I’m sorry for the late reply; I was at the hospital. But, um, I realize that was a bit rude of me. Let me introduce myself properly. My name is Adam, and I’m a doctor, currently in my last year of med school. I wanted to ask you—how would you rate my English? Is it good? Bad? And what do you think of my pronunciation?” His voice carried a hint of nervousness; after all, he’d never really talked to a girl about himself like this before.

Ann responded quickly, her excitement growing as she became more curious about him. “Oh, you’re so polite for apologizing! No need to be sorry—it’s okay, we all get busy sometimes. Honestly, your English is impressive. You’re much better than I expected. But your accent… it’s funny. I can’t quite tell if it’s American, British, or a mix of both. As for your pronunciation, I haven’t noticed any mistakes so far, but if I do, I’ll be sure to tell you.”

She then noticed something odd—he hadn’t mentioned his age. Suspicion crept in, and she playfully accused, “Hmm, you’re hiding your age... Are you a serial killer or something?”

Adam couldn’t help but laugh, a wide smile spreading across his face. “Obviously not! But who knows, maybe *you* are the serial killer. Being 19 doesn’t exactly clear you of suspicion,” he teased. “Anyway, I’m 24.”

Ann grinned, letting the cheeky side of her personality shine through. Trying to sound like a cautious, protective mother, she replied, “Of course not! I’m just a harmless biscuit, a little princess. But you never know... Men these days can be awful. What reassures me that you’re not trying to abduct me or something? Oh, poor Ann…”

Adam’s voice took on a slightly provoked edge. “Okay, Mrs. Teacups, take it easy. I’m just kidding. Not all men are the same, and not all women are angels. A bad person is a bad person, regardless of gender.”

Ann replied, her tone semi-persuaded but still stubborn. “Well, that’s true... but still, the world would be a better place if it were just women.”

Adam chuckled softly. “Alright then, Mrs. Teacups. But what’s with the name? Do you just really love tea, or is it mugs you’re into?”

Ann’s voice brightened with excitement. “Yes! I love tea—it’s my favorite drink. I’ve tried every flavor, but green tea with mint is the best... so refreshing. And I do love cute mugs. I have a favorite one.”

“Oh, well,” Adam responded, “I’m a tea lover too. I prefer green tea over black tea, but to be honest, coffee’s my go-to. Keeps me focused and energized.”

Ann made a face, even though he couldn’t see it. “Ew, no! I don’t like coffee. I only drink it when I really need to, like on exam days or something, but it just makes me dizzy and uncomfortable.”

Adam laughed, then his tone shifted as he glanced at the time. “Well, it’s different for everyone. I’ve got to run now—I have a training session.”

Ann felt a sudden curiosity, wondering what kind of training he was doing, and with whom. She wanted to ask a million questions but held back. “Okay then, see you soon. Bye.”

The conversation, though brief—just two hours—felt like an eternity. Both of them sensed a connection that kept them engaged, a chemistry as natural as yin and yang. Their communication flowed effortlessly, each text matching the other in perfect harmony. As they logged off, they were left with a sense of unfinished business, a growing curiosity, and a longing for more.