Max stood with the whole of the ED staff. He took a deep breath, ran his fingers through his hair, closed his eyes and walked in front of everyone.
"I need to tell you all something." All of the staff looked at each other in curiosity at what he wanted their attention for. He stood in front of them all. Feeling everybody's eyes on him, he felt his stomach turn as nerves filled his whole body.
"For the past 2 years me and Zoe have been in a relationship." He paused seeing everyone's reaction. Everybody looked at each other in shock trying to see if anyone knew about their secret romance.
"It started when she was Clinical Lead and I bought her those flowers. She couldn't believe it was me and probably never would have known if I hadn't have left the receipt on the bar. I can honestly say that is the best thing I have ever bought in my life. From that moment on I was truly happy. I had never met some like Zo'. She was always able to put on a positive front no matter what. I saw the side of Zoe Hanna which not many people get to see."
Max smiled to himself remembering all the memories he had of those two together.
"We would always make the most of any day, well the best that we could considering none of you knew."
"You mean that air hostess, the bar woman & the teacher you told me about, they were all Zoe?" Robyn asked trying to wrap her head around what her brother was saying.
Max chuckled to himself, "Yes. None of you had any idea and that's how we wanted it. We wanted our relationship to be solely about us and not the gossip of the hospital. Granted it was difficult not being able to spend as much time together at work but it worked for us. We were completely happy together. I have never met a woman more confident in my entire life. She brightened up my every day. I didn't believe in soul mates until I met her." He paused, feeling his emotions taking over.
"She was honestly the first woman I loved and I always will do." Max turned his back to the staff, grabbed a handful of soil and tossed it onto the coffin. One lonely tear ran down his cheek.
"I love you Zoe Hanna."
