"Fabian, what's going on with you?"

   He took a deep breath upon hearing Bernice's question. She was his closest friend in the laboratory clinic where they both work.

   "I heard that some patients complained about how grumpy you were," Bernice added. "You weren't like that before. You used to be extremely patient and kind."

   "I...I'm just having a hard time until now accepting that my uncle is gone," Fabian confided. "You know, he was the only true family I had. He looked after me when my parents separated and moved on with their lives."

   A sympathetic look is in Bernice's face. "I understand. Maybe you need a little break from work, like one to two weeks."

    She handed him a bar of Hershey's Cookies and Cream. "Life can be hard, but don't let that dim your beautiful soul."

   The words from Bernice tugged Fabian's heart. He was speechless for a moment, until he thanked her and left.

   "Hey, Big Brother!"

   Fabian was surprised to see a little boy approach him.

   "I just wanted to thank you for being nice to me last time we were here!" the boy said. "You told me to be strong so I could get well soon. I'm okay now. I don't have dengue anymore."

   Fabian remembers the boy, a former patient whose fright during a blood extraction had led to wailing. Only Fabian had managed to console him.

   He smiled, and instinctively gave the kid the chocolate bar from Bernice earlier. "Since you've been brave, here's your reward!"

   The boy's eyes widened. "Wow!"

   "Sorry if he's a bother." The kid's father came over. "But my child's insisting to see you, so we passed by here after our follow-up check-up."

   Fabian tapped the father's shoulder. "No worries. I'm happy to know your son's alright."

   The father and his kid bid goodbye to Fabian after a few more exchanges. He then proceeded to help an elderly lady to the x-ray room.

   "I was looking for you last month, but they said you were on leave due to your uncle's interment. My condolences," the old lady said in her hoarse voice.

   Fabian was about to answer but the woman continued, "I'm not used to going here and not seeing you. You always treat me with such care. You know, patients like me struggle with our health conditions, but with a staff like you here, it means so much."

   He recalled the accolades he received over the years for his exceptional customer service skills. For him, it's not just a job; it's the conviction that every patient is fighting battles with their health and lives, compelling him to show his genuine, kind self at all times.

   "By the way, here's a little token of appreciation for you." The lady gave him a pack of Hershey's Kisses. "I hope you won't change."

   "I won't, Ma'am." Fabian smiled. "As somebody special told me, hard times should never dim our souls."

-- end --