perfidia

chapter 2

"I want a male doctor to treat me". These are the words I have heard countless times over the last two days. Luke Jenkins has been nothing short of a complete nightmare, not due to his injuries but due to his lack of common courtesy and manners. He has not looked at me in the eyes since the night he called me Cora, which I still am curious about, but I know better than to ask a recently injured solider about anything of his past, especially a mysterious woman's name.

After my bizarre experience with Luke two nights ago, I waited about 20 minutes till he fell asleep, and made sure the rest of the men were okay, then left the ward to sleep in an actual bed, rather than that metal chair. By the time I got back to my room it was around 4:00am, I had to be up for my next shift in 5 hours. Having this many hours of sleep is a blessing, usually I run on 1-2 hours if that. I fell asleep that night dreaming of my house in Falmouth, where I grew up. I dreamt of being a young girl again, and playing in the meadow. 

Fathers grounds are quite extensive, fitting a farm and a lake and many other things I utilised as a child. But may favourite part was the meadow. Standing tall in the middle of the ocean of green, blue and purple flowers, stood the willow tree. I would climb it everyday, or sometimes sit under it just for some peace. I often dream of the meadow, as that it reminds me of peace. No blood, injured soldiers, bomb sirens, or doctors shouting orders. Just peace.

The next morning due to my peaceful sleep and dream, I woke in a good mood (considering the circumstances). I quickly changed into my uniform, had some breakfast in the employees quarter and left for ward 4D. It was somewhat of a quiet day when I done my first lap of the injured men, making sure they took their medication and checking bandages and stitches etc. That pleasant day soon went out the window when I reached Mr Jenkins.

"Good Morning Mr. Jenkins... how are you feeling today?" I greet him with a smile, as I see him laying in his bed staring up at the ceiling, almost scowling at it.

He doesn't respond, so I go about my task of retrieving his pain relief medication from the front of my apron and placing it on his bedside table. I approach him more, and go to help him sit up but suddenly he snaps at me "do not touch me." in a low threatening scowl.

"I am very sorry Mr. Jenkins, in order for me to help you, I have to touch you... it will only take a few seconds I just need to lif-" I say as I begin to reach for his arm again, he pushes my arms away with as much strength as he can fathom. 

He looks up at me with a frown of annoyance and I huff. 

"Fine if you don't want me to treat you so be it..."

I move on to my next patient in the bed next to Lukes. He is new? He must have been brought in early this morning.

I quickly look at his file, at the end of his bed. His name is Frank Tate, he is 22 and he is also from New Haven Connecticut like Luke. He had a gunshot wound in his left side, and it caused a severe infection so needs a large dose of medication. 

"Hello Mr. Tate, I am Adelaide Bell.", he looks me up and down and nods.

He has to stay laying down, unless he is eating, due to his condition so I put the medication in his mouth and feed him his water threw a straw. 

"How are you feeling Mr. Tate"

He scoffs, "I dunno lady, got shot in the side by a couple of nazis and now I'm stuck in this hell hole, basically a cripple, how do you think I'm feelin' huh?"

I guess everyone wants to ruin my mood today. 

"I'm sorry if I upset you Mr. Tate, I just want to make sure you're as comfortable as possible, giving your circumstances. Anywhere you want me to help I am here to assist you". I say with as much compassion as I can fathom.