In the middle of the bustling hospital, Sarah shuffled along the hallway while stretching her arms above her head, trying to loosen the tension that had built up in her shoulders. "Ughh…"
"What a morning," Sarah muttered, rubbing her temples, trying to massage away the lingering headache. Despite the wave of exhaustion, a small smile tugged at her lips as she thought about all the patients she had helped. but the memory of a certain entitled idiot quickly soured her mood.
"Ugh, that damn annoying fat ass," Sarah groaned, recalling the sight of the woman. "Bitching and moaning about how her little brat wasn't getting enough attention. Like, honestly? We're running around like headless chickens here during this busy period, and she has the audacity to act like that."
"Such a crappy mother-son duo I've ever seen," She soon muttered, clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white. She had been a nurse for years and had seen her fair share of difficult patients, but that woman was on another level.
"It's like she thinks they are the only one who matters and the world truly revolves around them," Sarah grumbled, rolling her eyes and shaking her head. "Are they blind or something? Do they think we're just sitting around twiddling our thumbs?"
"Honestly, I wish I could just slap her right there and then," She then muttered as her mind flashed with a violent image of herself smacking the woman right across the face. Sarah paused on the spot and took a deep breath when she realised her mind was gradually heading into dangerous territory. "You can't do that, Sarah. "
"It's not worth all the trouble," Sarah muttered, deeply exhaling heavily. She tried to calm her racing heart and clear her mind. She knew getting angry wouldn't solve anything. "Besides, it's not like I can change her."
"Let's forget about it," Sarah muttered, a bitter smile playing on her lips as she shook her head, dismissing the thought before adjusting her cap, and pushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
A sigh escaped her lips as she continued her walk. After a while, Sarah noticed she was nearing the staff lounge. A wave of relief washed over her. A much-needed break was just around the corner. As she walked, she pondered her options.
"Should I get coffee or tea?" Sarah muttered as she was torn between the caffeine boost of coffee and the comforting warmth of tea. But then, a better idea popped into her head. "Nah, I need something more indulgent. I'll get a hot chocolate."
As her hand hovered over the doorknob and opened the door, a flicker of surprise crossed her face when she saw David, a fellow nurse, sitting at a table inside. His face was etched with a serious expression as he stared at his phone with a cup of something in his hand, steaming slightly.
"Hey, David," Sarah greeted, her voice a bit louder than usual, cutting through the quiet of the staff lounge. David looked up, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "Oh, hey Sarah."
"What's got you looking so serious?" She asked, walking over to the table where he was sitting while her eyes scanned his face. David shook his head, and with an awkward smile, he replied, "It's nothing. I'm just going through some stuff on my phone."
"How about you? Are you ok? You look a bit... tense." he asked, noticing the tension in her shoulders and the dullness in her eyes. Sarah nodded, a sigh escaping her lips. "Yeah, pretty much."
"I had to deal with that annoying woman again," Sarah then said, rolling her eyes. "She's driving me crazy."
"I know that feeling," David said, nodding sympathetically. "Some patients can really push your buttons."
"I just don't understand how people can be so self-absorbed," Sarah continued, venting her frustration. "It's like they think the world revolves around them."
"I know, it's tough," David said. "But try not to let it get to you. It's not worth it."
"I know, I know. I just need to let it go." Sarah said, running a hand through her hair before her gaze soon drifted towards the kitchen counter and asked, "Want a hot chocolate?"
"No, thanks," David replied, holding up the mug and sipping the hot drink. "This is already enough for me."
"Nah, I'll do it," Sarah replied, heading towards the counter. She grabbed a hot chocolate packet from the top drawer and a white mug from the cabinet. After putting the two aside, she filled the kettle with water and turned it on, watching as the water began to boil.
*Bluble* *Bluble* *Bluble*
Once the water was ready, she poured it into the mug after tearing open the packet and adding the powder. Stirring the mixture vigorously, she watched the chocolate dissolve and create a rich, frothy drink.
After picking up the mug, Sarah carefully took a sip of her hot chocolate, feeling the warmth spreading through her body. She closed her eyes, savouring the rich, creamy taste. A sigh of contentment escaped her lips and murmured, "Ah, much better."
"Do you mind if I sit there?" she asked, gesturing to the empty chair across from him after turning around and toward David, who continued staring at his phone, a frown creasing his brow. Hearing that question, David looked up from his phone and nodded. "Yeah, I don't mind."
Sarah then walked over to the chair opposite David and sat down. She placed her hot chocolate on the table and studied David's face. His expression was still serious, and a hint of sadness seemed to linger in his eyes.
"You okay, David?" Sarah asked, her voice soft. "You seem a bit down."
"Yeah, I'm fine," he replied, forcing a smile but his voice didn't quite match his words. "Just a bit stressed, that's all."
A brief silence fell between them. Sarah sipped her hot chocolate, studying David's face. Something about his demeanour seemed off, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
"Hey, about that kid, Edwin..." Sarah began, hesitating for a moment. "Is he really your nephew?"
"Yeah, he's my nephew," David confirmed, his voice a bit strained. "Why do you ask?"
"Well, I overheard some of the nurses and doctors talking about him after I got back from my short vacation," she then explained after hesitating for a moment, unsure how to phrase her next question. "They mentioned that you were his uncle."
"Yeah, it's a long story," he admitted, taking another sip of his drink after he nodded, his expression turned sombre. "I actually just found out about him recently."
"How did that happen?" Sarah asked, curious. "Did you know his parents?"
"It's a bit complicated," he said, sighing and running a hand through his hair. "I haven't been in touch with my family for almost 16 years. We had a big falling out, and I just kind of cut ties with everyone."
"Wow, that's rough," Sarah said sympathetically. "So, how did you find out about Edwin?"
"It was kind of a coincidence," David explained. "I was looking through some patient records, and I noticed a last name that sounded familiar. When I looked closer, I realized that the patient's mother was my little sister."
Sarah's eyes widened in surprise. "No way! That's crazy!"
"I know, right?" David said, shaking his head. "It was a shock. I never thought I'd see her name again."
"So, have you reached out to her yet?" Sarah asked and David shook his head, ab
"Not yet," David admitted. "I'm not sure what to say or how she'll react. It's been so long."
"Maybe you should give it a try," Sarah suggested. "You never know, she might be willing to reconnect."
"Yeah, maybe you're right," David said, thoughtfully. "But I don't know if now is the right time. Edwin's in the hospital, and things are pretty chaotic right now."
"Actually, I think now might be the perfect time," Sarah countered. "This situation could be a good way to start reconnecting. You could visit Edwin, talk to your sister, and see how things go from there."
David was silent for a moment, his brow furrowed. He seemed to be wrestling with his thoughts.
"I don't know, Sarah," he finally said, hesitating. "It's just...it's been so long."
"I understand," Sarah said gently. "But sometimes, you have to take the first step, even if it's scary. You never know what might happen."
"I'll think about it," David said, sighing with his shoulders slumping. "But I can't promise anything."
"Take your time," she said, nodding, understanding the weight of his decision."There's no rush."
David nodded, lost in thought. A brief silence fell between them. Then, his eyes widened, and he stood up abruptly, startling Sarah.
"What's wrong?" Sarah asked, her voice laced with concern.
"Edwin... he's awake!" David exclaimed, his voice filled with relief and excitement. "I have to go!"
"Oh, that's great news!" Sarah replied, her smile fading as she saw the urgency in David's eyes. "Good luck, David. I hope everything goes well."
"Thanks, Sarah," David said, his voice thick with emotion. "And... can you take my mug too?"
Sarah nodded, a bit surprised. "Sure, no problem."
David thanked her quickly and rushed out of the staff lounge, leaving Sarah with a wave of emotions. She was happy for David, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. There was a darkness in his eyes, a sadness that she couldn't quite understand.
"What am I even thinking?" She said, shaking her head, trying to clear her thoughts. "This is great news and I should pray for the better."
To Be Continued