Hello World!

In front of him was a large glass case full of seemingly important trinkets and photographs of medical miracles.  Although it wasn’t the certification or different colored graphs that sparked interest, but the gleam off the glass, and how well he could see his reflection because of it.

He pinched his fingers down the flaps of his already crisp, gray suit in short, defiant strokes.  Satisfied, Will adjusted his tie a little looser then patted his front pockets to make sure his phone was still there.  He wasn’t expecting a call until this evening, but he always made sure to check his messages at least every thirty minutes in case there were any work emergencies that came up.  Ever since the last event, his phone had been non stop buzzing, however, this time it remained still.  

It felt different that Will wasn’t behind some sort of desk, but even more so to be in such a dreary place.  The hospital was nice, but it always left Will with a feeling of never wanting to visit again.  This was quite a change from New York, and despite the staff constantly moving up and down the hall, the quietness was awkward and unsettling.  Sure, other people had offered to accompany Will, but he obliged, as he thought it would be best to speak to the family alone.  

After he knocked, the door opened moments later and a young woman appeared.  Chocolate hair fell in ringlets below her shoulder and swept behind her petite ears.  She had brown skin and matching eyes with rings of honey in them.  While small, probably a head and a half shorter than him, the most startling thing about her was her gaze that stood curiously and intentionally.  Behind her were a couple of chairs that had been smooshed together, where a man was fast asleep, using a backpack as a pillow.  

He stuttered unusually, “I’m Will, and you must be Mariana.”

“Si,” the woman nodded.  Her thick Colombian accent explained more of her hesitancy and her dark, defined features.  Despite her foreign background, she didn’t seem scared by the American, but maybe just a little skeptical.  From the light in the hall, he realized she had deep crevices under her eyelids, which differed from the picture he saw on the news.  No doubt she was exhausted, but somehow she still seemed attentive.  

Before he could get a word out, she slammed the door into his face.