Page 13 - Unlikely Stories 5

Don Quejarse

you the antidote. Or blackmail you. Makes it easy to identify their
enemies, anyway. That’s why they separate us, stick us in these
prisons disguised as insane asylums. Well, I’m not done yet, you hear?
I know what’s on those charts you keep.”
Ignoring the diatribulation delivered an inch from his head on the
old man’s sour breath, Primo accomplished the transfer with minimal
fuss. He’d heard, seen and suffered worse abuse from senile patients
groping for an explanation of their condition. He, the efficient
caregiver, had to grin and bear it. The job requirements soon weeded
out those unable to maintain their composure, if not their
compassion.
“Well, Señor, then you must know it is time for your medication.”
Primo took a small paper packet from his jacket pocket, checked
the name, date and time written on it, and opened it. Then he filled a
plastic cup with water from the sink on the opposite wall and handed
it with the packet’s two yellow tablets to Don.
A pair of squinting eyes watched the orderly’s movements.
Here comes the test, thought Primo. With two jerky motions Don
tossed the pills in his mouth and gulped the water. Then he coughed
and waved the cup spasmodically.
“More water!” he choked. “They’re stuck in my throat!”
Primo obediently took the cup, turned and bent toward the faucet.
But as he did so he looked up at the mirror over the sink, just in time
to see Kaiser spit out the pills he had held in his cheek and hide them
under his leg.
“Here you are, Señor. I hope this helps you.”
Don sipped a bit of the water and hand back the cup. “Damned
horse pills. What are they for, anyway? Won’t do me any good.”
“I will ask the doctor to explain their purpose. Your next dose is in
fifteen minutes. I will give you a much larger glass of water with
them, and stay by your side in case you have trouble again.”
Don Quejarse scowled at the CNA, who returned a bland smile.
“Breakfast is in half an hour, Señor. Do you want me to take you
to the dining room?”
“What! Never! It is demeaning and demoralizing to be among all
that human wreckage. Not a decent soldier among them. The ones
that eat, drool. Those that talk, make no sense. I went once, thought

12