A few thoughts, all my own opinion;
The chocolate; I’ve worked in similar places (both private and nhs), I’ve read from a previous poster and agree; chocolate is always around (somewhere) as a gift, shared between colleagues and left in staff rooms etc, and personally whether from a colleague, or patients family, this is such a thoughtful and lovely gesture.
HOWEVER,a colleague leaving on a shelf (somewhere) as indicated (and heard in evidence) is unusual in my experience experience unless there is something “a little more to it” (eg, a wee crush, not ready to discuss with others, nothing- but could be down the line sort of example; the kind of impression her colleague has- eg, flirting but not-commando/no underwear, there is possibly *something*).
People do not (colleagues specifically) usually leave treats in the workplace (whether chocolate or crisps or anything else) on a shelf tucked away unless there is some kind of inner relationship; eg, best friends, family/partners, someone they are interested in, crushing on or not even ready to discuss with other people etc.
Secondly, the car.
I have actually loaned my car to an in-law in the past. I knew they had a license, and the right insurance etc and I was quite close to them at the time. I have also gifted a mobile phone to a very close family friend (who is like a brother) whose ex actually questioned it stating that people do not just gift someone a phone!
In these examples- these are people I truly care for, they mean something to me (without any intention of a relationship whatsoever) and I think a lot of them.
I think back to how she reacted when she the doctors name this week. To me it doesn’t matter *how* they were linked-but I feel imo there is (as some of us have expressed) a connection between them.
At the time he may have been her only friend, or maybe she might have been very fond of him (like a brother, perhaps more or even not at all). But the only people I have ever loaned my car to are so minuscule of my inner, close or immediate circle (which I fully trusted) that I have thought a lot of and cared about them a great deal.
JMO