Orphans

19

Some people are born with tornadoes in their lives, but constellations in their eyes. Other people are born with stars at their feet, but their souls are lost at sea. ~ Nikita Gill

Nadi had just finished seeing her last patient for the day. A very sick man who she had no idea how he had managed to live this long considering how much his health was depreciating. At most, he had a few weeks... That's a stretch even. This morning a young woman had just been admitted, a heart attack. It was too late, she was already gone.

She stood up and packed her things, leaving her office. As she came out, she was met with the smell of disinfectant, she passed by people in wheelchairs, pale faces, white lips, coughing. Passed by a ward with a toddler with feeding tubes and machines hooked to his tiny body. It was one of those days where she felt the heavy weight of working in a hospital environment. She felt drained and bland like the white walls inside this place.

She smiled at a colleague, waved bye at the matron. She got inside her car and let out a long breath. She smiled, thinking about Darina waiting at home for her. Maybe she had cooked her favorite even. Suddenly she felt much better.

How nice it would be if she could also find Anabela at home. And she could hold her, whisper softly into her ear. She shook her head at the thoughts. Lightly scolded herself for loving the woman's affection so much.

"Hey baby" she walks into the house.

"Hi Nadi," Darina smiles at her and walks to her. They hug and hold each other, smiling into each other's eyes. Darina pecks her lips softly and asks how her day was. "Long and draining..." Nadi sighs.

"Well I have just the thing to lift your spirit up..." D takes her head.

Nadi grins following her into the house, "What is it... Will you sit on my face?"

"What!! You are such a pervert!" They both giggle, walking into the kitchen.

"I actually made a strawberry cheesecake..."

Nadi squeals and claps her hands, filled with glee. Dreams truly do come true.

Eli's brows furrow as she reads the last line of the letter in the email. That's the joy and pain of her job, the constant travelling. She was required to be in Jamaica for the next coming two weeks.

Suddenly she imagined herself and Anabela at a late night beach party, tipsy on exotic cocktails and dancing. It would be amazing if she went with her. Plus Ana is closed at work. But then Darina is also done with school at the moment, so there is no reason to leave her behind. But then Nadi couldn't possibly stay behind by herself, and she can't come with because things are hectic at the hospital.

She sighs. She has to go by herself after all.

She follows her in. Watches her in the slightly baggy brown graphic tee and leggings she has on. She smiles seeing that she's wearing her (Elica's) slippers on her feet.

Ana sits on a couch that allows just one person to sit in, "One of these days, you are just going to find me not here, with how you just show up." She tells Elica.

"Then I will just wait for you till you come back." Eli challenges. Ana smiles shaking her head.

"How are you?"

"I'm fine, how are you?"

"I'm alright," Eli responds leaning back in her seat.

"You don't seem to be in a great mood." Eli continues.

"I suppose..." Ana responds quietly.

"Did something happen, do you need anything?"

"No I'm fine baby. I don't know. I'm just... It's nothing really. Sometimes it happens, don't you feel down for no reason sometimes... Just..." Ana shrugs.