August 29, 2016

• Looking Resolved

  She lay in the bed and thought back over the last several weeks. It was difficult to recall the day and time that she first noticed the scaly skin. She had been quizzed over and over by different doctors and nurses on what she had eaten, where she had traveled, they even wanted to know what kind of shampoo and soap she used. They had asked several times about her job. She had nearly forgotten about work. She vaguely recalled something about the doctors interviewing Mr. Jacan. The idea of the doctors holding an inquisition where he was put on the spot gave her a little burst of satisfaction. As she savored the image of Mr. Jacan sweating, the nurse brought in her milk shake. It was vanilla. The last two had been vanilla as well. She was having difficulty hiding her disappointment. When the nurse asked what was wrong, she felt silly and childish to admit that she was tired of vanilla and had been hoping to have a different flavor. The woman nodded in understanding and explained that vanilla was the only flavor they had until Wednesday. Unable to suppress a deep sigh, Liz accepted the situation. She was used to making due with what was available instead of what she wanted.

  Liz gave the nurse a wry smile and started sucking on the straw. Within a few minutes the nurse returned. She slid an envelope of Hot Chocolate mix across the tray and put a finger to her lips. Liz got the distinct feeling that the two of them were breaking some rules. The mix was added to the shake and stirred in as best they could using the straw. The nurse scooped the empty packet into her pocket and waved good-bye. Sipping slowly Liz turned her thoughts to the tall doctor. He was kind and smart and had been the only person who treated her with respect when she looked like an alien life form. She was kicking herself for not finding out his name. The old Liz would have just mooned over him and meekly let go of the idea that he could be attracted to her. It would have been salt in an open would to make the first move and have him reject her. But now, it didn’t matter. He had seen her at her worst. She was bald. She daydreamed about what she would say and went over all the possible outcomes. In the end she realized that there was nothing to lose. The cowardly Liz had fallen away with the scabs. Brave Liz resolved that he next time he came to check on her, she was going to ask him his name and whether he would have dinner with her. She slurped the last bit of the shake from the glass. Looking up she realized that the tall doctor was standing at the end of the bed watching her.

  This is the next installment using the Laziest Summer Scavenger Hunt prompt #65 - salt. Being in a hospital is never any fun. Liz has lots of time to think. She'd turn on the TV but she has no interest in the soap operas or silly game shows. What she really wants is a book!

  • 6:16 am
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