Compilation

The end of the hallway

In order of appearance: Gina, Allison  

The scene starts in a children's hospital hallway, on the second floor. These two women are sitting next to each other. They met there and have been sharing a room for three weeks because their kids are in intensive care.  

G-Thank you for the coffee, I really needed it. 

A-You are welcome, is the least I can do. I am just happy I have someone to talk to. 

G-It happens the same to me, I don't know how I am keeping myself together.  

A- You are not- she laughed -but there is nothing we can do about it. 

G- that's true.  

A-This is so messed up. Why them I wonder?  

G-Exactly- Gina whispered  

A- I am tired. I am tired of watching Michael suffer like this. 

G- I know, it is so difficult. How long has it been? Three weeks? 

A- Yep. Three weeks in a comma and counting and everything because of that damn cracker.  

G- I prayed for him last night, I prayed for him and for Robert. 

A-Thank you, I appreciate that- Allison was saying as she softly smiled at Gina. 

G-But what is the story behind the cracker? 

A- That's a long one  

G- I believe we got some time. Don't you think? 

A-That's true- Allison brought her legs up, pushing them close to her chest as she started the story- I was working and I left Michael with the babysitter, everything was like any other day. Normal, you know. But then I got a call from the emergency room around 2 pm, they had him here and they were testing him. Everything happened because he was eating a cracker and had a cold.  

G- I still don't get it- Gina said interrupting Allison 

A- Hahaha, I didn't believe it either at that time- Allison hysterically laughed for three seconds- The thing is that he started to cough while eating that cracker and instead of going to his stomach it went to his lung. The babysitter practiced CPR. Thank god she knew, she literally saved his life, but he passed out.  

G-Now I get it, it is sad how in seconds everything can become a mess.  

A-Yep. So, that's what happened and he still has some residues of the cracker on his lung and hasn't wake up. 

G-YET 

A-Yes, YET. But uhmm... What about Robert? 

G- Ohhh, he... he always had this medical condition that makes him feel pain every time he walks and this time is being more severe than ever. But uhmm...can we do not talk about it? 

A-Sure. I am sorry. 

G-No, that's ok. I just don't want to talk about it right now. 

     They both looked up to the wall that was across them as if there were a window. They both stared at it for a couple of minutes leaving a really awkward silence in the place.  

Five minutes later: 

G- But... what has the doctor said about Michael? Is he any better?  

A-Mehhhh... No improvements they said a couple of hours ago, still with artificial oxygen. Other than that, he still the same.  

G- Are you staying tonight? 

A-Like always, you know that. What about you? 

G- I don't think so. I am tired and my body is feeling it- She lightly chuckled.  

A-I am going to miss you then. I had in mind hot chocolate for tonight.  

G-Maybe another time, don't you worry. - She padded Allison's back gently.  

A- You better-She smiled at her  

G- But don't take it for granted- She sadly smiled and looked to the floor.  

A-I forgot to ask you? How is Robert today? I saw the doctor talking to you when I brought the coffee.  

  Gina looked up and stared for a second into Allison's eye. The time seemed to stop. Gina took five deep breaths as Allison was waiting for what she had to say next. 

G- He...he...he passed away- Two tears went down her cheeks as she got up and started walking towards the end of the hallway.