A quick hug in the hospital hallway between my father and me — meant as comfort — was misread by a coworker and spread as gossip. Suddenly, whispers questioned our behavior, straining the environment we once felt safe in.
HR meetings and family photos later cleared the confusion, turning suspicion into apologies. The experience taught me how fast assumptions can spiral and how important it is to approach others with understanding — even in high-stress places like hospitals.