“Not yet. I’m the charge nurse for now, but I plan to finish and become a physician.” “You’ve got a good heart.
That’s what medicine needs. You’ll do fine.” “I should get back to work. I’ve got IVs to start…
Get some rest. Tomorrow I’ll help you move to the other building. It’s next door, so I’ll still see you.” “I appreciate that.
And don’t hold my attitude against me from the bus stop. I wasn’t trying to be mean. I’m just not used to kindness anymore.”
Elena smiled and left the room. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Mike, who had turned out to be far more decent than she’d first assumed. When her shift ended, she stopped by Peter’s room, but he was already asleep under the effect of his medication.
She decided to come back in the morning. At the start of her next shift, she was immediately swallowed by routine. Medications had to be passed out and IVs started.
In the first room was one of her favorite patients, cheerful Mrs. Victoria Hayes. In her younger years, she had worked in healthcare too, and over time she had become deeply interested in herbal medicine. She spent years helping people with serious illnesses manage symptoms with carefully prepared herbal blends.
She dried and mixed many of them herself and believed strongly in the healing power of nature. Elena got to work. “Elena,” the older woman said with a knowing smile, “that sparkle in your eye tells me somebody’s caught your attention.”
“You imagine too much,” Elena said. “I’m just in a good mood.” “Mm-hmm. You can’t fool a woman my age.
What’s his name?” “Mike.” “That’s a fine name,” Mrs. Hayes said, smiling.
Just then Elena’s coworker appeared in the doorway. “Elena, can you save me? That new transfer from ICU is giving me a hard time. He’s asking for you.”
“Of course he is,” Mrs. Hayes said dryly. “The difficult ones always end up with our Elena.”
“I’ll be right back.” Elena hurried into the hall and headed toward the medical wing. Peter Simmons was sitting upright in bed while the staff tried to reason with him.
A full debate was underway. “Sir, you’re on strict bed rest,” one nurse was saying. “Don’t tell me how to live,” Peter shot back.
“My legs work. I can walk to the bathroom. Put the bedpan away.” “Nadia, I’ve got this,” Elena said gently. Her coworker retreated with visible relief, and Elena sat down on the edge of the bed.
“So, how are you settling in? Any complaints?” “Peter’s already become a celebrity in here,” his roommate joked. “Everything’s fine, sweetheart.” Peter reached toward his bedside table and took out a heavy piece of jewelry.
It was an antique silver brooch set with amethysts, striking and elegant. He clicked it open.
Inside was a pair of delicate earrings. “Here.” “Oh no,” Elena said. “I can’t accept that.”
But Peter firmly placed it in her hand. “Take it. No arguing. It’s been in the family for generations. My wife loved it.
I was taking it to the cemetery, planning to bury it beside her. I don’t think I’ve got much time left. I’ll rest easier knowing it’s with someone decent.”
His voice shook, and his eyes filled. Elena was deeply moved. He squeezed her hand, and at that exact moment the door opened and Mike walked in.
He was carrying a large cardboard box. “Delivery for Peter Simmons,” he said. “A little surprise from me.
Thought you might want something to watch besides the ceiling.” “Now that’s what I’m talking about,” Peter’s roommate said. “Where do we set it up?” Mike asked.
“Let’s check with administration first,” Elena said. “We need approval for a TV.” “Elena,” Peter called after her, “could I ask one more favor?” “Of course.”
“I left some things at my apartment. If it’s not too much trouble, could you bring them?” He handed her a slip of paper and a set of keys. “Address is there. Just a few blocks away.”
“I can drive you,” Mike offered. “I’ve got a break in my schedule.” “You’ve already done more than enough.
How did you even know he wanted a TV?” Elena asked. “I stopped by earlier. He mentioned he missed the news.
So I took care of it. Go when you’re on break. I’ll pick you up.” “I can only leave at lunch. I can’t step away before then.”
“Noon?” “Noon.” “I’ll be outside.
You remember my car, right?”
