Page 7 - The Final Words
P. 7
rushed to the hospital with Denise by his side holding his cold hand the whole time.
The doctor said that Stephen had died of a massive heart attack. He was only thirty-one.
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Denise hustled down the hospital corridor to room 102.
“It’s about time you got here. My mother has been in agony.”
“I’m sorry Mrs. Conlon. It’s very busy and we’re short staffed. I make sure I tend to all
my patients. They are my number one priority.
Mrs. Conlon frowned and glanced away.
The patients were Denise’s top priority. She had always wanted to take care of people
and that’s what she had been doing for twenty-years.
She checked Mrs. Hanlon’s vitals. “Your vitals are good and blood pressure is normal. I’d
say you’re doing very well. Soon you’ll be in your own house.
“You’re such a nice nurse. I wish all the nurses were as kind and caring as you.” She
patted Denise’s hand.
“Thank you, Mrs. Hanlon. I’m sorry I didn’t come as soon as you rang. With the
Thanksgiving holiday we’re short staffed.”
“Why are you here darling. You should be at home with your family.”
“It’s just my son Stephen and me. He’s at a friend’s house celebrating Thanksgiving, and
they had a Thanksgiving meal here at the hospital.”
“I guess that’s nice.”
“Don’t you think if the hospital is short staffed you should get to your next patient,” said
Mrs. Conlon with a scowl.
“My shift is ending, and your mother is my last patient,” Denise answered. “If you need
anything, Lori will be the on-call nurse.”
“I thought you were short staffed. Shouldn’t you be staying,” said Mrs. Conlon.
“I’ve been here for twenty-four-hours. Nurse Lori’s shift will be beginning. That’s how it
works, so if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to head home to a warm bath.”
“Goodbye, Denise,” said Mrs. Hanlon.
