over the centuries

2

"Cassie I have a few things I didn't get done on my shift" my coworker points to a stack of papers left on the desk by our main computer. "Just some new orders and X rays."

I nod my head in a silent confirmation that I was listening. Good the voice was going to leave me alone during the day time today as well. I used to exclusively work the night shift as the night time always scared me while sleeping but sense the voice appeared I began picking up day shifts not wanting to have a crazy conversation with myself during my work hours. I admit I'm a bit of a scary cat during the night, always feeling something was out to get me, so when the voices started I felt my fears confirmed. Most night now I anxiously cower near my husband before sleep takes me.

"Now let's go count the narcotics so I can get out of here." Connie prattle on.

"Ready to get home to jeff?" I asked genuinely curious. "Ow yes you know how he can be the big baby. He can't survive without me. I have to go home and cook him a meal before I can relax." She laughs a little at her own situation. "You got lucky with your husband being a chef I'll tell you. That lemon chicken you brought us last time was spectacular. Tell him thanks again."

I took the keys to the narcotic box and smiled at her gingerly. "If I tell him thanks one more time he'll think he has to cook you a feast to keep his biggest fans praise going lol. But seriously you should come over one night and we'll do just that."

"I'd love that" she replies simply in-between firing off narcotic numbers.

With my keys in hand I set off to begin my medication round, humming joyously to myself. Today would be a good day then. "Hello Tim, marcus." I call down those long yellow halls. They great back with a simple wave of the hand and a smile on there face. Ow yes a good day and one I will spend theorizing again on my down time.

I have a list of clues and theories for my mystery speaker. All of which seem silly and uninventful but I soldier on, determined to catch him and prove the paranormal as real, and myself not being crazy.

"Cassie we have a problem over here. Someone's complaining of pain." Rachel my cna calls out. "Coming" I reply pulling myself from my own thought as I lock my cart and begin my way to my patient. "I'm already ready to head home" I mutter to myself.

"Rachel do you ever have night terrors?" The day had slowed immensely and the two workers had taken there spots at the nurses station to begin their paper work for the day. "Not particularly" she replied bored and playing on her phone.

"I've been getting these waking dreams that have been freaking me out lately. I'm afraid my anxiety is going to go through the roof if they continue." I reply. My computer screen humming as I click away the hours charting.

"Have you tried anything for your anxiety? You know go to the doctor or just light up a good Ole joint. Cannabis helps me with my anxiety"

"Rachel! We are in the health care field!" I laugh aloud "you'll loose your job."

"Let them fire me ill get a new job in a second and then I wouldn't have to deal with our good old friend frank anymore." She smiles.

Frank is one of our biggest trouble patients. He has a habit of not only sneaking off into the female residents rooms but harassing the staff as well.

"Cannabis is a no but maybe your right maybe I should go see a doctor, but you know me I hate doctors."

'Doctors won't help you anyways' my male voice said into my mind.

My fingers fumble on the key board, dread and shock coursing through me momentarily. I gulp but continue my conversation.

"My dude, there's nothing wrong with seeing the doctor. Don't be a chicken lol. You don't get poked with a needle everytime you go."

I scowl but continue on with my work, ruffling through a few more order papers.

"Night terrors could be a sign of some repressed shit though Cass. You may need to work something out."

"Ow I'm working something out." I mutter back.