After today, nothing would be the same! Everything will be different because I will be graduating to the next phase tonight. At first, I didn't know what that meant but I asked nurse Victoria and she told me. Because nurse Tori is nice and she knows everything. Nurse Tori told me that graduating meant that I was growing big and strong like I was supposed to do. She was proud of me for growing strong, proud, such a funny word, I laughed when she told it to me and smiled in return. Graduating also means that I get to spend the whole day with her before I have to go to the rainbow room. I don't get to stay with her often so I'm super extra happy about that part.
Nurse Tori said that she would come to the "family room" at 6 because the phase starts at 8. Right on time Nurse Tori comes in. Which also also means that I get to stay up past bedtime!
Hi nurse Tori! I made you a paper butterfly while I waited.
"Hi amor", she said smiling. "thank you, it's so beautiful. I'll keep this one near my heart today." When she said that she made a "whooshing" sound and flew the butterfly to sit in the left pocket of her lab coat. Nurse Tori was so silly sometimes and always makes me laugh.
Amá, you're so silly! Is that really what a butterfly sounds like?
She made a face that I learned meant that she's gonna be really dramatic. "Of course they do, they go "whoosh whoosh" everywhere they go.", nurse Tori told me as she picked me up in her arms and spun around the room.
I don't knooooww, I think you're being silly.
"Me!? silly!? I'm not silly, you're silly", she said as she reached to tickle me.
No! no tickles, I'm not silly!
" who's not silly? Hm? I'm not the one laughing and wiggling"
ok ok! I'm the silly one, not Amá! I always lose tickles fights. Nurse Tori says it's because I'm small. I think she's cheating because she's big.
"Alright fine", she sighed and sat down so we could catch our breaths on the fuzzy rug. " You're no fun amor. Playing dirty, you know I can never say no to you", she said teasingly and poked her tongue at me. I still don't understand why she does that but I do it back anyway because it makes her laugh.
"Ok so, is there anything that you want to do specifically, amor?", she asked me and tapped my nose.
Can you teach me how to make a new origami animal? I want to make one for the new baby.
"Consider it done. I'll teach you how to make a bunny, is there anything else?"
Oh! and can we have music time?! Can we sing the song you made for me?
Nurse Tori gave me a sad smile after I asked. I never know why. "It's complicated, I'll tell you when you're older", she said when I asked her before. " but no matter what, ill always want to sing it to you."
" Wonderful choices mi amor"
Thank you, Amá. How is the baby? Can I meet her soon?
"She's doing good! She passed her first phase with flying colors. Oh, and you should be able to meet her soon. Once you finish YOUR phase tonight I'll take you to see her in the morning.", nurse Tori said, while she showed me how to fold my paper.
I can't wait to meet her and tell the others about her! Big five was a little sad when I told him at first. But he felt better after I told him that we could still be twin roommates.
" You're such a good boy amor, that was very sweet of you. We wouldn't want our friends to feel left behind", she smiled at me and patted my head softly.
Oh! Look Amá I did it!
" You did! You're such a fast learner", she said and kissed my cheek.
Do you think she'll like it? I've never met a baby before so I'm not sure.
" I'm positive that the baby will love it. Although she might not understand what it is, because you know... she's a baby", nurse Tori laughed.
That makes sense. If I was still a baby I don't think I'd know what to do with a paper bunny either. I'll keep it safe for her until she gets bigger.
" Wonderful idea amor", she said before tapping my nose for the second time today. " Are you ready for music time? I can braid your hair while we do it?"
Yes, please. Can I have two braids today Amá?
" Of course amor. Do you want to stay on the floor or move to the table?"
Floor please, I want to sit on your lap today.
Smiling, nurse Tori patted her knees, " aw sweet boy, come here, I have hair stuff in my bag."
" Your hair has gotten so long, I'm jealous amor. Can I have some? ", she asked and pulled my hair up in two bunny ears.
I would give you some but the color won't match and you'll look silly.
" Mnn, I guess I would look silly. Guess you have to keep all your hair to yourself.", she said in her pretend sad voice.
Amá, may we sing now?
" Mn, are you going to sing with me today?"
No thank you, I'll just listen today.
" Ok, feel free to join in if you change your mind amor "
Thank you Amá.
Nurse Tori's singing is very nice. I always feel safe and happy when I listen to her.
" Alright I'm finished, see look", nurse Tori said as she handed me a small mirror.
Wow! I'm so pretty, thank you Amá!!
" You're welcome amor and yes you look beautiful!", she smiled and opened her arms for a hug.
Knock, knock, knock
" Excuse me, it's time.", nurse Spencer stated as he and nurse John walked into the family room. They stood by the door, I think it was to let me and nurse Tori say goodnight to each other. I won't be able to see her until the morning.
" Oh", nurse Tori sighed sadly, " I didn't even realize the time". She gave me another hug and kissed my head. "Good luck amor, I'll see you later"
Thank you nurse Tori, see you later. She's not allowed to come with me to the rainbow room today. So maybe that's why she looks so sad? I'm big now so she shouldn't worry. I'll make sure to tell her not to worry in the morning.
Good evening Dr. Marcelle
"Evening, 06-1031-06 ", the doctor said from his seat. " Go take a seat, you know what to do boy"
Yes sir. The doctor doesn't like to waste time and usually doesn't speak to me. So I'm happy that he indulged me with a nice greeting today. Nurse Spencer and nurse John helped me get buckled in. Today there are more straps than usual, maybe so I won't get hurt? ill have to ask Amá.
" Everything is all set up Doctor", nurse John said as he and nurse Spencer hooked me up to more machines. I've never seen these before, they look scary. But I'm a big boy so I won't be afraid. When I'm done I get to see 05-1101-06 and play with the baby, and nurse Tori will tell me that she's proud of me. When this is over I can play with the big kids. I can do this. Everything's gonna be ok.
Dr. Marcelle pushes a button.
I don't know what's happening, I was fine a while ago but now I'm hot. It hurts a lot. But that's ok I can handle it. I feel itchy...
Why do I feel itchy. " pop" It burns! "pop" I want out! I can't do it! My head hurts a lot. It's so loud...am I screaming...?
"CRASH!" "SLAM!"
It burns Dr. Marcelle... make it stop. Please make it stop! "CRASH!" Why aren't you helping me, uncle Marcey?!
"CRASH!"
I feel funny...
I Cant See...I-I ca-n't...
YOU ARE READING
Ambivalent
Short StoryPrompt: Start your story with a sentence that is genuinely happy and upbeat, with no double meanings. End it with the same sentence, but this time it's chilling, dark, horrifying, etc. or, some insight into our boy Wei's back story. Something scienc...
