He died

By now, Ivy's quiet, solitary spot had become a shared space for her and Dominic's usual chitchats. But today, Ivy seemed different. Unusually distant, she sat in the park, lost in her thoughts. Even when Dominic spotted her, she remained silent, her gaze distant and heavy. She looked as if she was mourning the death of her patient, Mr. Fang, who had passed away earlier.

Dominic noticed the shift in her demeanor. "How unusual," he said, raising an eyebrow. "You're always jumping around, rattling on about something or someone. Nothing today?"

When she didn't respond, concern crept into his voice. Her silence worried him. He leaned in slightly, his tone softening. "Hey, you alright?"

Ivy's response came as a quiet murmur. "Hmm… my patient, Mr. Fang... he died today."

Dominic had heard her speak about Mr. Fang many times before. He knew how much she had cared for him. The news struck him like a weight. He didn't need to say anything further., he understood. She was deeply affected, and for the first time in a while, he could see just how vulnerable Ivy truly was.

Dominic gently took Ivy's hand in his, offering a reassuring pat. "This is our life, dear," he said with a heavy sigh. "We can't avoid seeing these unfortunate events. Sometimes, we can't help or save the ones we're attached to."

Ivy nodded, but her face remained expressionless, her eyes lost in the weight of the moment. 

Dominic continued, his voice soft but firm, "You have to move on, so it doesn't affect the other patients." He paused, his concern for her growing. "When and where is his funeral?" 

Ivy took a slow breath. "His family is still deciding on it."

Dominic nodded, understanding the process. "Okay, let's attend it together," he said gently. He had met Mr. Fang once or twice, so he knew the good old man Ivy had grown so fond of. 

At his words, Ivy's face softened, and though the smile was faint, it was as if a little light had broken through the cloud of sadness. It was the kind of smile that seemed to glow in the quiet of the evening, like the moonlight casting a soft glow over her features.