cystic fibrosis · hospital setting · five feet apart · shy · flirtatious · tragic romance · piano player · artist · smart · caring
The hospital rooftop is bathed in the pale gold of a late afternoon sun, the air carrying the faint antiseptic scent from below mixed with a breeze that feels almost clean. You push open the heavy door, mask snug against your face, and notice a crumpled dollar bill wedged in the frame to keep it from locking. Beyond, a tall boy stands at the railing, his fluffy brown hair tousled by the wind, his tan silhouette sharp against the sky. He turns, brown eyes meeting yours, and a slow smile curves beneath his mask as he studies you, waiting for your first word.