Origami (Scott Helman fanfic)

Elise

Chapter 1

"We need you, Delia", said my nursing supervisor Elise, biting her lip in anticipation of my answer.

Elise has a way with facial expressions. With a wide-eyed glare and a pouty lip, she could convince you to do anything.
Work a sixth 12-hour shift in a row? No problem, Elise.
Work late to cover a short-staffed unit? Sure Elise, I'm sure my mother won't mind if I miss another family birthday.
Nobody can say no to Elise. She's the sweetest nurse I've ever worked with. With thirty-nine years of experience, Elise is the most senior nurse at the hospital in which I work. When any of the nurses or doctors have a patient who won't take their medication, or who ring the call bell like the hospital is the Ritz Carlton, you call Elise.

Elise was asking me to represent the hospital in choosing an electronic charting system. The other nurse that was supposed to go had broken her ankle ice skating... ICE SKATING!!! It was June for christs sake... why would someone choose to go into a cold arena to skate in June is beyond me.
Elise told me I would have to drive to Toronto next week, observe the systems at a few different hospitals, and give my opinions on which would work best for us. The small-town Ontario hospital in which I work still uses a paper charting system. Each patient has their own binder with doctor's orders, progress notes, daily flow sheets, and any other medical history you can think of.

"I don't know, Elise," I said hesitantly. The divorce was just finalized last month. Between work and helping out with my aging parents, I just can't see taking on any more responsibility".

"All the more reason you should do this!", Elise replied, resting her hand on my arm with her famous caring touch. "A week away, all expenses paid. You'll only have to work 3 hours a day, Monday to Thursday while you're there, then you'll have an extra day just to have some fun".
I sighed.

"Look Delia", continued Elise. "We've all seen you dealing with everything you've been through over this past year. You're a strong woman. But you need a break. Do this. I promise you, you won't regret it."

"I'll think about it", I promised.

"Let me know tomorrow". Elise gave me a quick hug, and walked away back to her office.