It's surprising what human beings can accomplish when death is staring them right in the face. When things began plummeting, few knew how to react. Most were confused, seeking guidance from the very foundations and institutions that, once meant to h...
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The bowls of stew rattle as the cart moves down the brightly lit hallway. I hear my steps on the marble floor as well as muffled conversations, faint laughter, and quiet whimpering.
I definitely prefer these types of nights to the chaos of bringing in new arrivals. The high alert mode and screams of excruciating pain on those nights are enough to make me want to hand in my resignation. I just wish they would decorate these hallways and make them less haunting.
I reach the middle room and softly knock on the heavy door. I poke my head in to see Malia sat up on her bed, silently reading a book under her bed lamp. Her pregnant belly protrudes over the covers as two little figures are curled up at the foot of her bed, sound asleep. She notices the movement at the door and ushers me in quietly.
"I brought some homemade stew for you guys," I whisper, softly placing the bowls on the petite coffee table next to the couch.
I move to the bed and gently scoop the little bodies in my arms, making sure not to wake the sleeping giants. I lay them carefully on the large couch and cover them with a plush blanket. What little angels.
"How long have they been asleep? They should eat," I say in hushed tones.
"Let them sleep a little longer. They've had quite the day and it wore them out," Malia replies.
"How are you feeling?" I ask as I measure her vitals and examine her belly.
All the volunteers are taught some basic medical skills because of the shortage of doctors and nurses who are willing to work with rogues. Most are afraid of being caught and punished.
I am thankful that Declan is studying to be a doctor and try to absorb as much of the medical jargon in his textbooks as I can in my spare time. He's the best for always answering my questions too.
These past couple of years, The Bode has been lucky to keep the doors of its two clinics open. The intensive care unit faced a shortage in supplies and the general practice lacked properly trained staff.
Usually, no one stays more than a night or two because they might be discovered by their former pack. And, the facility definitely needs the empty beds. But, occasionally, we get cases like Malia and her family who we cannot turn out.
"Do you feel that kick?" Malia says as I move my hand to the spot she's pointing at on her belly. "I think she likes you."
"I don't think she likes the cold gel," I joke. "Okay, well everything looks good girl. Right on track," I say as I get up to pack away the medical supplies.
"Collin will be so happy when he meets her," she states with a sad smile. She lays her head back and closes her eyes while protectively covering her belly with her hands. I hesitate.
"Have you heard anything new?" I turn to look at her with what I hope is an encouraging expression.
"No, a lot of the same bullshit," she states, quickly covering the sides of her bump and mumbling 'sorry' to the baby in her belly. "But I know he will come." The hope in her words breaks my heart. But, I admire her never faltering strength.
