Back To Health

Lesson 5: Leave Your Opinions At the Doorstep

I go over to Michaels bed side and pull the covers up his body more. His head turned to the side, cheek to the pillow. A curl dropped down over his eye lid and I smile. I put it back behind his ear, his eyes racing back and forth, closed tight. I go and pick up a magazine from my nursing bag going to sit down. I sat for almost an  hour, skimming and flipping through pages. Michael stayed still when sleeping. Eerily still.

The room was silent minus the occasional infomercial that would come on the television. I look over to check on Michael, I look and see his lips moving in his sleep. His brow furrowing as his lips moved. He was asleep I knew he was, he had to be. "Is he talking?" I thought to myself confused. Michael twitched occasionally along with mutters I couldn't make out. I came over and sat on the bed softly. Michael lied with one hand on his abdomen and one to his side. I listened close to maybe hear what he was saying, all I could make out was, "....Tommy Matola....gotta l-leave."

I look at Michael confused and shrugged it off. Not knowing if his medication gave him strange dreams or not. Michael turns his head over and I see a bead of sweat travel down the side of his temple. I figured it could be hot flashes so I went to a nearby bathroom and dampened a cloth, putting it on his head to cool him. After that he seemed to rest a little better. Not moving or muttering as much. I sat for maybe another hour.

My shift ended at six o' clock when the personal physician arrived to watch him over night. Even though I bit my cheek to the thought of leaving him with Murray. I didn't like him nor did I trust him. All you heard were rumors around the nurses station at the clinic about this guy. None of them were cheerful. He's almost lost his medical license multiple times for neglect, even more for malpractice. How he was even considered to be hired was beyond me. All I knew was he had better stay out of my path.

Five o' clock rolled around I saw the sun start to dip over the ridge of the hills. In my daydreaming Michael raises up in bed and sets his cloth to the side. He holds his head and I come over, but give him space. "Lynn?" He asks and I nod

"Yes Michael.."

"I need an Excedrin.. My head is pounding.." He says and rubs his temples. I nod and go to his medicine cabinet finding the bottle. I fish out two and bring him a glass of water.

He pops them in his mouth and swallows hard. Never have I noticed but Michael had the slightest shadow of facial hair under his jaw. "Thank  you.." He says handing me back the glass.

"How did you rest?" I ask soft, if his head really hurt knowing not to speak loud.

He shakes his head, "Feel rested but hungover.."

I smile and sit on the beside.

"You probably slept too hard..you mumble a bit in your sleep.."

He looks up wide eyed, "Oh god..what did I say.." He covers his face leaning back.

"Nothing embarrassing..I only made out a short little phrase" I say chuckling

He looks at me curious, "Oh?"

"Um Tom Matola?" I say soft and looking at him.

"Heh... No wonder I didn't sleep well."

A knock comes at Michaels bed chamber door.

"Who is it?" Michael asks raising his voice.

"Murray sir." A hauntingly familiar voice said.

Michael motions for me to let him in and my lip quivers more with hate every step.