The Magazine

After breakfast, the nurse was eager to collect the empty plates and leave the room. Observing her hurry to the door, I wondered if someone was chasing her. My every word caused her to jump on her knees and pale under her skin. Acute enough, I realized she was terrified of me. Soon then I realized she wasn't the only one.

An hour later, another uniformed nurse entered the door. She was polite as she greeted me good morning as she entered. She checked my vitals, then jotted the information to her note. As she did so, I noticed her fingers trembling. Not only that, she also appeared uncomfortable and pale.

"Are you alright?" Softly, I asked her. I said the words in the gentlest voice I could muster, but anyway, she jumped, startled at the sound of my voice.

"I-I'm fine, Mrs. Alexander." The nurse replied, unable to conceal the tremor in her voice.