The Stockers (Completed)

12. 319-323

DAY 319, SUNDAY, AUGUST

S: So how are you liking it so far?

H: I'm not used to it, that's for sure. How long have we been walking already?

S: About fifteen minutes. There's benches everywhere. Do you want to sit for a bit?

H: No, no I'm fine. A little walking can't hurt me. How did you find this place anyway?

S: I come here like twice a month or so. It's the closest lake to us.

H: It's nice. You just walk around it and then you're done?

S: Yeah. Sometimes I do two laps.

H: Impressive. Do you mind if we do only one today?

S: That's fine. Maybe next time two?

H: Maybe, yeah. I'll think about it.

S: Sure. Did you start the job yet? With the old people?

H: I did.

S: And?

H: And...?

S: How was it? Tell me.

H: It was nice. The people are great and very welcoming.

S: So what did you do on your first day?

H: Together with a colleague I cleaned a... how do you call it...

S: Don't look at me. How would I know the terms?

H: Yeah, sorry... a ward? I guess you could call it that. Anyway, it's a closed off space with six bedrooms. The people there aren't allowed to leave without a caregiver.

S: Why not?

H: Those people have severe dementia. They might walk out the building and never return.

S: Hmm.

H: So I cleaned six rooms with her. Along the way she explained some stuff and told me which bottles were for what and such.

S: Well, that's nice. You're not thrown into the deep end with a 'good luck'.

H: I was really relieved I wasn't. Who knows, they could've had an attitude like 'cleaning isn't difficult, you'll figure it out'.

S: Is it very difficult?

H: Not at all. It just takes time. With practice I'll be able to become faster at it I'm sure.

S: Of course. But that's with everything in life, isn't it?

H: I suppose. How's the preparations for your second year going?

S: The closer it gets the more I dread it.

H: It's that bad, huh?

S: Yeah. But I feel like I can't drop out and start something else either.

H: Why not?

S: My parents wouldn't exactly be a fan.

H: So? My parents weren't a fan of me taking a gap year either but here I am.

S: You just did it?

H: Yeah. They can't force me to go to a university. And they know me relatively well; they know I'll go after a year. And I really do plan on going. Just as soon as I know what for.

S: That's kind of impressive.

H: You think?

S: Yes, I do.

H: Alright. Can we sit now? There's a bench there.

S: Of course. I have a surprise by the way.

H: A surprise?