Chapter 1: Patient Wait

It was an interesting summer. I spent most of my time doing community service at our local hospital. One day I came across a file while I was recording data and I would never forget about it. Within the thick files was the story of a forty something cancer patient. The women's cancer had metastasized and now was spreading throughout her entire body. She had 7 surgeries within the last 6 month. The hospital I was working at that summer had a policy that as long as someone was alive, they would do anything to help them. I came to work here because I thought even though I am just a teenager and I would not help much my effort put in there would always help and any help would be useful. The patients in the hospital have the right to choose what they want and they have the right to stay alive and be healthy. The first day of summer my best friend, Sam and I decided to go and do community service and we decided that the hospital would be a great place since both of our parents are doctors. We signed up for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 4hours a day. It has only been 2 days of summer and we already got our job. I woke up early on Monday and got ready. I met Sam at the bus station and we rode the bus to the hospital. It was a great day. When we got there the administrator told us to sign in and get ready for our first day training. We have to have at least 40 hours of training with a professional until with could go on our own. We are not allowed to talk about patient information to others and I never knew there were so many rules. I was to first clear the shelves in the gift store and put up new items for sale. That took me 2 hours to do and then I was to deliver gifts or flowers to patients.

"Melissa, would you please deliver these two gifts to room 431." The lady at the front desk requested. "Yes." I answered politely.

I walked quietly just like a cat and try not to disturbed the patient and that's when I notice the patient was my seventh grade teacher, Mrs. Golf. She was pale and had a lot more silver white hair, but she still looked energetic. I couldn't believe she was here.

"Mrs. Golf?" I asked quietly. "Yes? Oh my! Hello Melissa. How are you? Haven't seen you in a very long time. How is high school? Do you work here?" "Yes. I am doing community service here. Why are you here, Mrs. Golf? Are you okay?" "Oh just a little old heart problem. Not a really big deal." "I am suppose to deliver these to you." I handed her the two gifts I have been holding on to. Just when Mrs. Golf was about to open them, a young nurse came in "Wow, what a wonderful surprise that you are awake. I came in ten minutes ago and you were still sound asleep. It's time to take your medicine." "Mrs. Golf, I better go and let you get to rest." I said feeling bad because I disturbed her sleep. "Will you come again to visit me again?" "Of course. I work here every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Good bye." "Good bye dear."

I couldn't stop thinking about Mrs. Golf. On the bus home Sam said "Hello? Melissa? I have been talking to you all lunch but you either wouldn't answer me or just answer some really ridiculous answer. Are you okay?"
"I'm sorry Sam. It's just that.." Then I thought about the "rule"
"It's just what? What's going on?"
"Sam, I met someone who I really cared about and I am really worried about that person."
"Who?"
"We aren't allowed to share patient's information remember?"
Sam said nothing and I just went home. I couldn't sleep all night. What would happen to Mrs. Golf? I just can't imagine the worst. It's like a nightmare thinking about it. I remember how Mrs. Golf use to help me with my work whenever I had a question and she had a wonderful smile that I just can't forget. She was like a mother to me and now she is in the hospital. I wish I could help her feel better but I just can't. For two days I couldn't eat. I feel like something had split my mind apart. I missed the goal twice on Tuesday's soccer game. It's like something replaced my mind. I couldn't wait until I get back to the hospital tomorrow.

Author: Hi! This is my first story. Hope everyone liked it. Please Review.