AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I hear her growl before she rasps, "Then maybe you should have answered earlier when I called."
I shake my head. "What do you want, mom?"
I can't deal with her today. I know what she wants; it's what she always wanted, and I've only ever given in once because she made a huge scene on campus last year, and since then, I dodged her.
"Is that the way to speak to your mother? If it weren't for you, my husband would never have left!"
I sigh again. It's the same dance and accusation whenever she tries to hurt me. I have no idea why Dad left, but I know I wasn't to blame, especially when she's a bitch.
"What do you want, mother?"
I've had enough of her games, and Mr. Samuels expects a game of gin.
"I'm short."
I chuckle, see. "Your always short, Mom. I'm not doing this again; you're not my problem. Call one of your many boyfriends."
I hang up the phone and put it on silent before heading back onto the ward, ready to see my favorite patient.
When I get into his room, I smile. He's already got the game set up. Mr. Samuels is an 86-year-old man with white hair, bright green eyes, and the sweetest smile. He lost his wife a few months ago to a heart attack and has struggled since. I've known him since last year when I started at The GeneralHospital when he started his treatments for his liver, and he's the sweetest man I've ever met.
I give his door a quick tap.
He looks up and smiles tiredly, his eyes lightening up. "Well, it's-it's about time you-you got here, sweetheart. I've got every-everything ready to-to kick your-your butt, then you'll-you'll finally let my son take you out-out-on-on a date."
I grin at him, shaking my head. He'll never give up on that notion, even though his son is in his 40s and I'm only 23. I notice him struggling with his breathing and go to take his observations.
I furrow my brows when I see his SATs are below 85%.
"How are you feeling, Mr. Samuels?"
He nods but doesn't speak, and I look at him and see he's starting to nod off; I smile sadly while continuing with my observations for the next 15 minutes. His SATs keep dropping. I page Doctor Thomas, then grab the oxygen mask and gently place it over his mouth and nose before turning the oxygen up by 75% to see if it makes a difference.
There's a knock on the door a few minutes later, and the doctor comes in with a furrowed brow and says, "You paged Mel."
I nod. "Mr. Samuels is short of breath; SATs continue to drop below 85%. I've placed him on 75% oxygen to see if it makes a difference, but it hasn't."
He nods, then comes over and starts his checks, humming along the way before he looks at me with a sad smile.
"He hasn't got long left; I'll go give his son a call. Put the oxygen up to 100%, and let's just help keep him comfortable." I give him a sad smile and turn to do as he asks as I struggle to breathe myself. He walks over and squeezes my shoulder as I wipe a tear away. "You're doing good, Mel."
I nod my head before he leaves. I sit with Mr. Samuels until I need to do my rounds again. This week, I'm on the Jay ward, which is mainly for the elderly, and I love this ward; the patients are amazing. Next week, I'll be in the ER, and the week after that, I'll be in the children's ward.
I love the rotation; it keeps me grounded in all areas.
Once my checks are done, and I've checked on Mr. Samuels again, who has now slipped into unconsciousness and is being accompanied by his son, Thatcher, I head to the dining hall to meet Meghan, feeling drained. I quickly get a chicken salad and a Diet Coke before finding Meghan at the back table and taking a seat.
I huffed a sigh.
"Bad morning?"
I shrug. "Mr. Samuels is no longer conscious."
I wipe away a tear, and she squeezes my hands.
"This is why I tell you not to get attached."
I chuckle a little before taking a bite of my salad. She did warn me; I'll give her that, but I like to think having a connection helps the patient, especially if they've been here awhile, which is unheard of unless you're an infant, but if your family has money, then the hospital will do anything.
