‘There is one thing we need to discuss,’ another of the younger, more enthusiastic nurses chimed in. ‘What film are we going to watch for movie night tonight?’
‘Pretty Woman!’
‘Oh, give it a rest, Sharon, you know you’re the only one who wants to watch that godawful film. Plus, it’s not exactly pro-feminism, is it?’ Mr Peterson said.
‘Stop being such a grumpy old git. Instead of moaning about everyone else’s choices, why don’t you suggest something?’
‘Yeah, Mr P, why don’t you pick something tonight?’ Alfie piped up, sitting a little taller in bed.
‘Ach no, I can’t be doing with all that decision making. Is Ruby coming in tonight, Jackie?’
‘Yeah, Mum and Dad are bringing her in after school. She should be here soon.’ Jackie checked her watch anxiously.
‘Well then, the decision is made for us, isn’t it?’ Mr Peterson said, looking around at the other patients.
‘Finding Doryit is!’ The younger nurse laughed.
‘I am going to be able to recite that film word for word by the time I leave this place,’ the old man grumbled, making his way slowly back to his bed.
‘Oh, come off it. You know you love it, even if it’s just to see the look on Rubes’s face when you tell her we’re watching it,’ Alfie called out to him.
Jackie and Ruby’s story had been one of the most tragic Alfie had come across during his time in hospital. Despite her only being a visitor, everyone on Moira Gladstone seemed to go out of their way to make the hospital feel like home for Ruby. Even the nurses didn’t mind creating more work forthemselves if it meant making Ruby’s smile a little bigger. It took a certain kind of person to say no to a six-year-old girl whose dad had died from cancer a year ago and whose mum was currently in a rehabilitation unit, recovering from a stroke.
‘Hey, old man, while you’re up, do you fancy going for a stroll?’
‘Old man! The bloody cheek of it!’ Mr Peterson grumbled. ‘But fine, I could do with a muffin anyway, I’m starving.’
‘I’m not sure Agnes would agree with that. Aren’t you meant to be on a new health regime?’
Mr Peterson didn’t even bother to respond; the murderous glare was enough. Agnes was the love of his life, but apparently not even sixty-four years of marriage could keep the old man away from his cake.
‘Noted. No new health regime.’ Alfie chuckled to himself as he swapped his crutches for his prosthesis. He’d thought over time he’d get used to it, but even the sight of the plastic limb made him angry. It had hurt at first. So badly he’d cry out with every step. Hours and hours of ruthless physio had taught him well, but his walk was still marred by signs of discomfort. He was slow, uneven, and he’d often have to stop for breaks. His strength was up but by no means back to normal, plus his whole body had to constantly adjust and shift its weight to accommodate the new addition attached to him. He tried not to think about how he looked when he walked any more, instead choosing to focus on how lucky he was to have the privilege even to take a step.
As the two companions returned to the ward, steaming cups of sickly sweet hot chocolate and blueberry muffins in hand, they saw Sharon waiting for them at the entrance.
‘You won’tbelievewhat I’ve just heard!’ Her green eyeswere wide with excitement. The joy that gossip brought to this lady’s life was quite unbelievable.
Mr Peterson rolled his eyes. As much as he would try to deny it, Alfie knew he loved the snippets of information Sharon offered – he just didn’t like her to know that. ‘What is it this time?’
Sharon smirked. ‘It’s about that lady in bed thirteen. The mute one.’
‘She’s not mute, Sharon, she’s traumatized.’ Alfie sighed.
‘OK, well you know what I mean. I heard that every time she gets up out of her bed we all have to stay hidden away in ours with the curtains closed. Can you believe it? It’s like a mini lockdown!’
‘Where on earth did you hear that?’ Alfie loved Sharon but he had to admit he didn’t always trust her.
‘I overheard the nurses talking about it just now. So, not only is she refusing to speakbutshe’s point blank refusing to let anyone see her. They didn’t sound best pleased. I’m not surprised though – who does this woman think she is!’ Sharon suddenly gasped so loudly that Alfie nearly gave himself whiplash looking behind him. ‘Maybe she’sroyalty.’ Her eyes were now so wide they occupied half of her face.
‘Give over. What planet are you on?’ Mr Peterson looked genuinely hurt by her wild fantasy. ‘They wouldn’t send a member of the royal family to this place.’
‘You don’t know that for certain.’ Sharon folded her arms across her chest, clearly a little put out.
‘No, but I would bet the rest of my years left on this planet that she isn’t royalty.’ The old man turned to Alfie. ‘Find out what the hell is happening, will you? I can’t be dealing with all this fussing. Now come on, let’s get back inside. My drink’s getting cold.’
Alfie wasn’t filled with quite the same confidence, but he knew it couldn’t hurt to ask.
‘Fine, but I can’t promise you I’ll get anywhere. This patient might turn out to be the hospital’s best-kept secret.’
