Two crossing paths

part19: a reason why

9:30 AM

*Recording a voice message...*

Ann's heart leapt as she saw Adam's notification pop up on her phone while she sat at the breakfast table with her mom and siblings. It felt like fate-every time, just when she was about to reach out to him, Adam would already be there, as though their hearts were in perfect sync. Today was no different; she was about to share the excitement of her first day at her new company, and there he was, thinking of her at the same moment. It wasn't the first time this had happened. They often found themselves typing the same words at the same time, missing each other in unison, feeling the other's presence even when they were miles apart.

Adam's voice flowed into her ears like music. "Hey, honey bunny. Good morning, sir lady boss! I hope you have a great day today. I'm headed to the hospital now for my quiz. Ugh, medicine-it's just a curse of exams in this faculty. But I'm super excited for you and wanted to check up on you. I hope you hear this soon to cheer you up. I love you, kitty cat."

Ann listened to his voice again. And again. It was the way he said it-his words full of love and appreciation despite his own busy morning. She could barely finish her breakfast; her heart raced as though she'd just run a marathon, yet she felt like a princess in love. She blushed, her lips softening into a smile, and her eyes fluttered closed, savoring the moment.

She quickly replied, *"Oh, Adam. How did you know I was just about to text you? This connection we have feels surreal. I'm so happy to hear your voice. Keep thinking about me, okay? Because I'll be thinking about you. Love youuuu, mwah."*

Adam smiled at her reply but couldn't respond right away-the quiz had started. He glanced at the first question, which was about the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. He almost laughed. It was a topic Ann had complained about so many times that he felt like a consultant on it by now. He chuckled inwardly, imagining her reaction if he teased her about helping him ace this quiz. She'd probably give him a lecture about women's suffering, throw in pregnancy and labor pains for good measure, and then finish with her classic *"ugh, men."* It was cute, really, he thought, as he quickly answered the question and sent her a brief text saying he'd talk to her after the quiz.

Meanwhile, Ann was battling the heat as she left work, dreading the long Uber ride home. She dialed Adam's number.

"Hey, I missed you... ugh, the sun is melting me," she groaned, breathless.

"I missed you more. Why do you sound so out of breath?" Adam asked, concern creeping into his voice.

"Wait... oh no, not him," she muttered.

"Wait, what? I'm confused. What are you doing?" Adam asked, growing more worried.

"I'll call you when I'm back-Uber driver's here," she said, hastily.

"Okay, text me when you're safe," Adam replied, uneasy about her rushed tone.

"Don't worry, I'm okay. I missed you so much," she reassured him.

"I missed you much more, princess."

After a few exchanges about her day and his exam, Adam hesitated but decided to bring up something that had been on his mind. He wanted to be completely honest with her, even if it upset her. "Ann, I thought I should tell you... it's nothing significant, but a girl texted me on Telegram to ask for medical advice about her mom."

Ann's tone immediately shifted. "What? Why do you even have girls on Telegram?"

"She probably knows me from one of the groups I'm in," Adam explained, trying to keep things light.

"Oh, one of your groups, huh? Show me a screenshot."

Adam sent her the screenshot, showing the brief, professional exchange, but Ann wasn't satisfied. Her jealousy flared. "Why do girls even text you in the first place?"