The Past Year

It had been a year since that fateful day when Robert Chase, a renowned surgeon at Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital, had come out as gay to his colleagues and friends. The memory of that day still lingered vividly in his mind. He recalled the nervous energy that had coursed through his veins as he stood before his peers, his heart racing with anticipation. Dr. Eric Foreman, Dr. Chris Taub, and Dr. Lawrence Wilson were among those who had been present, their reactions a mix of surprise, support, and curiosity. Wilson, in particular, had been a pillar of support, offering Chase a warm smile and an open ear. "We're still the same people we've always been," he had said, his voice filled with sincerity. "You're still Chase, and we're still friends." Chase had appreciated Wilson's words, but deep down, he had felt a pang of disappointment. He had harbored feelings for Wilson for a long time, and his confession had been a long-shot hope that their friendship might evolve into something more. As Chase looked back on the past year, he realized that not much had changed. He and Wilson remained close friends, often grabbing lunch or coffee together, discussing everything from medicine to their personal lives. However, Chase couldn't shake off the feeling that he was stuck in a state of limbo. His feelings for Wilson persisted, and he found himself constantly seeking ways to be near him, to touch him, to connect with him on a deeper level. The present day found Chase walking into the hospital's doctor's lounge, where Wilson was already seated, sipping a cup of coffee. "Hey, man," Wilson said, looking up from his phone. "What's up?" Chase took a seat next to him, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity. As they chatted about their day, Chase couldn't help but steal glances at Wilson, taking in the contours of his face, the sparkle in his eyes. Their conversation flowed easily, but Chase's mind wandered, recalling the past year and all the moments he had shared with Wilson. He remembered the way Wilson had made him feel seen and accepted, the way he had supported him through the ups and downs of his personal life. Chase's thoughts swirled with emotions, a mix of longing, frustration, and hope. As they parted ways, Wilson clapped Chase on the back, saying, "Take care, buddy. I'll catch you later." Chase watched him walk away, feeling a twinge of melancholy. He knew that Wilson still saw him as just a friend, and it hurt. Yet, he couldn't help but hold onto the hope that someday, Wilson might see him in a different light. The ache in his chest was a familiar sensation, one that Chase had grown accustomed to over the past year. He knew that he couldn't keep his feelings hidden forever, but for now, he was stuck in this state of unrequited love, unsure of how to express his emotions or if Wilson would ever feel the same way. As Chase walked out of the hospital, he couldn't shake off the feeling that he was stuck in a never-ending cycle, torn between his desire for Wilson and the fear of ruining their friendship. The past year had been a journey of self-discovery for Chase, but it had also been a year of waiting, waiting for Wilson to see him, to truly see him, and maybe, just maybe, feel something more.