NERVES OF STEEL

CHAPTER 31- AN OLD SOLDIER

Three weeks passed and somewhere at a not so busy part of the city, the warm sunlight streamer through the large windows of the Silver Oaks Elderly Care Home, casting a beautiful glow over the cozy furniture. The air was filled with the sweet scent of freshly baked pastries wafting from the kitchen.

The elder ones as well as those retired and without a proper home, were more than welcome here. It was big happy

the elderly and retired was bursting with life and cheerfulness as it always does. A young woman had stepped in very early that morning looking to help with things around.

"Good morning, miss." The head administrator greeted. Known as Gladys, she was a woman in her early forties."
"Morning."
"So you said you wanted to work here?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Well, we already have enough workers and I'm not sure I can afford yet another."
"You don't have to pay me. I'm here to volunteer." Diane smiled.
"Oh, really? A fine young lady like you? Volunteering here?"
"Is....something wrong ma'am?"
Gladys smiled as she shook her head. "Not at all. It's just we don't get volunteers very much these days. Everyone is looking for a means of earning and honestly, I wouldn't blame them. So, if I may ask, why do you simply want to volunteer?"
"I wouldn't want to bore you honestly."
"No, please. I'd like to hear.
"I never got to see my father grow old and retire. So, I just thought I'd do something here. It doesn't really make sense in a way." Diane added, awkwardly.
"Not at all. I'm so sorry about your loss."
"It's fine."
"So what do you do for a living?"
"Well...." Diane hesitated, not wanting to let out the information that she was a Soldier. "....l work at a small corporative bookstore. I mostly do my work from home so I've got free time on my hands."
"That's good. Anyways, this a twenty-four seven operative ofcourse. Breakfast for them are at 7am. Then, we let them exercise from 9am to 11am. After that, lunch is served at 12 noon. Meals inbetween can be at 3pm but not always and finally dinner is served at 7pm. We also have the infirmary for the sick ones. I believe you've understood all I've said?"
"I do, ma'am. When do I start?"
"Immediately, if you wish."
"Thank you so much." Diane smiled, getting on her feet.
"No, thank you for volunteering. We need more people like you around. I didn't get your name."
"Diane." She simply said. No need to draw attention to her last name.
"Well, Diane. You can get to your work."
"Thank you."

Wearing a crisp white apron, with her brown hair tied back in a neat ponytail, Diane walked down the hallway, her bright smile and gentle demeanor immediately putting the residence of the Silver Oaks home at ease. She had been working there for two weeks now and everyone was already used to her.

As she entered the common room, the residents looked up from their morning activities. Some were playing cards, others reading or simply enjoying the view. Diane's eyes sparkled with delight as she greeted each person by name.

"Good morning, Mrs. Thompson! How's your day starting?" She asked, helping an elderly woman in her late sixties with her breakfast.
"It's also pleasant whenever you're around, sweetie." The woman smiled, cheerfully.
"And you, Mr Tevon?"
The old man bared her his not-so white teeth before nodding with a reply. "It's all good, my dear ."

On and on, she kept on serving as well as asking after them one after the other. The room was filled with comfortable armchairs and sofas, arranged in cozy conversation circles. Soft music played in the background and vibrant plants added a touch of color to the space.

She felt like she had made the right decision and a very good one at that by volunteering in this space. The happy energy radiated by everyone was so infectious that she couldn't help but always feel at home.

Diane moved from resident to resident, assisting with morning routines, serving food and liquids. When she was done, she sat with them as usual and the conversation started as always. From sharing delightful experiences to past lives in the World War II, she was always intrigued to listen. These people had lived a whole lifetime and she was always intrigued by their tales.

"And there I was....," an elder in his seventies began. "...., in the midst of all the chaos. The Arab army had already invaded our country and already infiltrated every corner. While the others decided to go into hiding, I on the other hand, refused to be involved in such cowardice."
"Ooohhh..." The others gasped at the bravery of his words. While Diane concealed a smile.
"So out I went, with that long thing strapped to my chest."
"You mean a rifle, Mr Igor?" Diane asked, chuckling.
"Oh yes...yes. Thank you, child. So there I was, facing the ruthless Arab soldier with beard as long as my dying memory can remember and just like that, I single handedly killed thousands of men and I......"
"Oh come on, Igor. You don't have to lie about about every damn thing!" Thompson cut in.
"And who the hell said I was lying. I used to be a Soldier in the good old days, goddamn it!"
"We all know, you ain't no fucking Soldier." Another man, Spender cut in.
"The hell I was!"
"Let's not fight, you guys." Diane cut in with a smile. She was aware of the Igor's health issues but his mates weren't.
"You heard the lady. Infact let's ask her what she thinks." Igor said, facing Diane.
"You shouldn't bother yourself with those old croons, darling. Come over here and join us." Called an elderly lady, knitting with a few other women.
"Who the hell you calling a croon?" Thompson shot back.
"Why, you sir."
"She's got quite a nasty mouth on her." Spencer said.
"It's okay, everyone." Diane stood to her feet and turned to Igor before joining the women.
"Let's not fight about flimsy issues and for the record, Igor. I believe you." She smiled.

"Did you lads hear that? The sweet little lady believes me! Take that sour faces...."