This Pressure Is Overwhelming

Chapter 14

Nora's POV:

A knock on the door brought me out of my literary world. Dan has been asleep for only thirty minutes since I got back with the pop tarts, but I've been very bored and very distracted with all the hussle and bussle of hospital life.

I put my book down on my lap and looked to the doorway to find the one and only, Isla Smith.

"Ms. Smith," I stood up. "Hi!"

She laughed at my response. "Please. It's Isla to you."

I nodded and sat back down when she pulled up her own.

"How's he been today?" She asked, taking her sons hand.

"Good, well as long as I've been here." I cleared my thoat. "Um, they said early this morning he was in pain so they put him on strong medication. It was kind of funny actually." I laughed. "He was pretty out of it and kept yelling for people to wake up so he could yell some more. He just fell back asleep about a half hour ago."

She gave a small smile, looking down and shaking her head. "He's never been good on medication."

I was intrigued, "Really?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I remember when he was...hmm, I think seventeen, he got his tonsils out and he wouldn't stop asking me for a cat, or to pet a cat, or really anything to do with cats. And he hates cats!"

We both cracked up laughing, we got interrupted though when Dan let out a groan. Both of us immediately went quiet, not wanting to wake him. After a few seconds we continued to talk.

"So remind me your name, Nancy, Natalie?"

"Nora." I provided.

"Nora. That's a lovely name, I've always loved that name."

I smiled. "Thank you." I think she may actually like me. Not that I've given her a reason not too, just yesterday she was a little cold towards me.

"So, what do you do for a living?" She asked.

"I'm actually an architect. Not one of those famous, millionaire ones, but I'm getting my name out."

She nodded. "I've always had deep respect for architects, hard field, but once you're in, you're in. And so beautiful too."

"It really is." I agreed. "I'm wanting to take a trip to Rome pretty soon, within the next couple years, it just fascinates me."

"Oh yes, Rome is beautiful! I try to go every couple years, mostly as a family trip, but it's been hard with Fran now married and my boy touring all the time." She gave Dan's hand a squeeze. "I sure do miss him."

I nodded understandably. That would be hard not being able to see your son often, only a few times a year, but then again, that's how often my parents see me.

"Mhhh..." A moan brought me out of my thoughts. "M-Mum....?"

"Hi sweety! How're you feeling?" She moved closer.

"...Tired...." He mumbled.

"You can go back to sleep if you want to, sweetheart." She raked her hand through his hair.

He gave a small smile with his eyes halfway closed. "'K-Kay..."

Just like that he was out like a light again.

Isla sighed, resting he back against the chair again and running her hand through her hair. I guess that nervous tick runs in the family.

"What do I do?" She asked, mostly to herself.