Extra (3) :

Sophia Marie Gray had grown into a striking young woman. With her mother's grace and her father's determination, she carried herself with a blend of elegance and resilience that caught people's attention wherever she went. Now twenty-one, she was studying to become a nurse, driven by a deep desire to help others. 

One summer afternoon, Sophia was driving home from a volunteer shift at the local clinic when she saw a car accident up ahead. Instinctively, she pulled over, grabbed her first-aid kit from the trunk, and rushed to the scene.

A small crowd had gathered around the wreckage, where a middle-aged man lay on the ground, conscious but in pain. His car had skidded off the road and collided with a tree. Sophia immediately assessed the situation, her training kicking in. 

"Everyone, please step back. I'm a nurse," she announced with authority, kneeling beside the injured man. She began to check his vital signs and address his wounds.

As she worked, she noticed another person assisting from the other side. A young man in his late twenties, with tousled dark hair and a focused expression, was applying pressure to a bleeding wound on the man's leg. His hands moved deftly, revealing his medical training.

"Hold still," the man said to the injured driver in a calm, commanding voice. "Help is on the way."

Sophia glanced up, her eyes meeting the intense gaze of Liam Thompson, a newly graduated doctor known for his dedication and sharp intellect. She had seen him around the clinic but had never spoken to him.

"Good work," Sophia said, trying to make a connection. "I'm Sophia, by the way."

Liam barely acknowledged her, his focus unwavering. "Hand me the bandages," he ordered, and Sophia complied, feeling a twinge of annoyance at his brusque manner.

Despite the lack of conversation, they worked seamlessly together until the ambulance arrived. As the paramedics took over, Liam stood up and dusted off his hands, ready to leave without a word.

"Wait," Sophia called after him, determined not to let him slip away so easily. "Thanks for your help. We make a good team."

Liam finally looked at her, his expression unreadable. "I was just doing my job," he said curtly, turning to walk away.

Sophia watched him go, a mixture of frustration and intrigue bubbling within her. She had always been drawn to challenges, and Liam Thompson was certainly one. Ignored or not, she resolved to break through his cool exterior.

In the days that followed, Sophia found herself thinking about Liam often. She encountered him several more times at the clinic, each interaction leaving her more determined. His dedication to his patients was admirable, but his aloofness was a barrier she was eager to break.

One afternoon, she decided to make her move. She knew Liam often spent his lunch break in the hospital's small courtyard, a rare moment of solitude in his busy schedule. She packed a lunch and headed there, finding him sitting on a bench, engrossed in a medical journal.

"Mind if I join you?" Sophia asked, not waiting for an answer as she sat down beside him. 

Liam glanced up, slightly irritated but too polite to refuse. "Sure."

"I brought extra," she said, offering him a sandwich. "Thought you might be hungry."

Liam hesitated, then took the sandwich with a nod. "Thanks."

They ate in silence for a few moments before Sophia broke it. "So, why did you become a doctor?"

Liam looked at her, clearly surprised by the question. "To help people. Why else?"

Sophia smiled. "Same reason I want to be a nurse. But I guess there's always more to it. Like, for me, it's about giving back what was given to me. My parents sacrificed a lot for me."

Liam's expression softened slightly. "My dad was a doctor. He passed away when I was young. I guess I wanted to follow in his footsteps."

Sophia nodded, feeling a connection forming. "That's admirable. And it makes sense why you're so dedicated."

Liam's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, then he nodded. "Thanks."

As the days turned into weeks, Sophia continued to find ways to interact with Liam, slowly breaking down his walls. Her persistence paid off, and gradually, he began to open up, sharing bits of his life and even seeking her out for lunch.

One evening, after a particularly grueling shift, Sophia and Liam walked out of the clinic together. The setting sun cast a warm glow over the city, and Sophia felt a sense of contentment.

"Thanks for today," Liam said, his voice softer than usual. "I couldn't have managed without you."

Sophia smiled. "Anytime. We're a team, remember?"

Liam looked at her, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, we are."

In that moment, Sophia knew she had finally won his attention. And perhaps, something more.