Alex spent every spare moment—after long work shifts, after sleepless nights at the hospital—training for scuba certification. He studied until 2 AM. He practiced breath control and buoyancy in cold pools that made his lips turn blue. He saved every dollar he could scrape together, skipping lunches and selling old belongings online.
There were days he wanted to quit. Days he felt guilty for planning something joyful while Jenna lay in bed fighting through waves of pain.
He kept going.
After two months, he passed the final dive exam, shaking from relief. The aquarium approved the plan. The staff prepped the tank and rehearsed the moment. Everything was ready.
All he needed was Jenna.
The Day She Thought Was Just Another Hospital Escape
It was the first morning in weeks she felt strong enough to step outside. Alex came into her room carrying a soft scarf to cover her bald head and said, “We’re going on a mystery date.”
She rolled her eyes. “Alex… I look sick.”
“You look like my favorite person,” he said simply.
And she didn’t argue after that.
He wheeled her gently through the quiet halls of the aquarium. Children stared, some with curiosity, some with concern, but Jenna hardly noticed—her gaze was fixed on the shimmering tank ahead.
“It’s been so long,” she whispered.
He slipped away.
She remained, her hands folded in her lap, her eyes softening as she watched the fish drift by like living confetti. A tiny smile touched her lips—the smallest one, but one Alex had been starving for.
Then the divers entered the tank.
