Her shift had ended an hour ago, but Jasmine couldn’t bring herself to leave the hospital—not when she knew her 92-year-old patient was spending Thanksgiving completely alone. While other rooms were filled with laughter, balloons, and family, Walter’s room sat dark and silent, the way it had for years. He’d outlived everyone he loved. And just as he turned his face to the wall to sleep the holiday away, Jasmine walked back in with a warm Thanksgiving meal… and a decision that would change both their nights.

He looked up, surprised by the invitation. Slowly, with hesitant breaths, he began to talk—about Margaret, his wife of fifty years who baked pies so sweet the neighbors came knocking; about his daughter Lily, who moved to Seattle before losing her battle with cancer; about the friends from the factory who used to share beers after work.

Every memory felt like a door he hadn’t opened in a long time.

Jasmine listened, not rushing him, not pitying him—simply being present. When he paused, she smiled. “Mr. Reeves… you’ve lived a full life.”

He nodded. “But it’s quieter now.”

Jasmine touched his hand lightly. “It doesn’t have to be tonight.”

That small act of kindness cracked something inside him. His shoulders shook ever so slightly. “Thank you,” he whispered. “You don’t know what this means.”

But she did.

She knew exactly what it was like to feel alone on holidays. Her parents had passed when she was young. Her brother worked nights. She’d spent more Thanksgiving shifts in the hospital than she could count.

And maybe that’s why she couldn’t walk away.

After they finished eating, she wrapped the leftovers neatly, tidied his blankets, and checked his vitals like it was still her shift.

Walter leaned back against the pillows, exhausted but peaceful. “You’re a good girl, Jasmine.”

She blinked away warmth rising in her eyes. “And you deserve a good Thanksgiving.”

Neither of them knew it yet, but this night was about to lead to something far bigger than a shared meal.

When Jasmine finally stood to leave, Walter reached for her hand with surprising strength.

“Will you stay a little longer?” he whispered. “Just until I fall asleep?”

Jasmine hesitated—but not for long. “Of course.”