The Long Wait

The long wait

“Dr. Parkeshi ER-3, D.r Parkeshi ER-3” Sherrie sat in the emergency room waiting area. The intercom’s monotonous reverberating with its seemingly endless announcements. The pungent smell of disinfectant permeated the room.’ How long can it take?’ she thought inwardly, ‘Surely someone will give me some information’.. . She stood and walked to the information desk.

“Excuse me, I was wondering…"

“Ma-am," the attendant interrupted her, “I’ve explained to you before; we will let you know something as soon as the doctor is finished, now please have a seat. I’ll let you know as soon as I can.”

“I’m sorry for bothering you, it’s just been so long, and this not knowing is killing me.”

“Miss Clausen, I assure you the Doctor is doing everything he can. These things just take time. From what I hear it, was a bad accident and he needed a lot of attention. Why don’t you go to the cafeteria and get something to drink, it might help relax you.”

“No, I can’t leave; what if the doctor comes out and I’m not hear?”

“I’ll come and find you, if he comes while you’re gone. You’re going to make yourself sick if you keep worrying like this. What will be, will be. Worrying won’t change that.”

“I know,” she tried to press a smile. “I know, I just can’t help it.”

“Try to put your mind on other things; Is there any other family members you can contact?”

“No, I’m all he has left.”

“Well, don’t worry, I’m sure everything will; be alright.”

Sherrie let a small smile appear and nodded her head. She turned and walked towards the cafeteria. Her mind still occupied by thoughts of worry and concern. What would happen if he didn’t make it? No! She shook her head. I can’t think about that. He will make it, he has too! Her stomach ached; she didn’t know if it was from worry or hunger. She continued on to the café and ordered a soda and a chicken-salad sandwich. She sat in a corner booth and nibbled at the food. It had been over six hours since the hospital called and asked her to come.

Her mind drifted back to where she was when the call came. The day had been normal up until then. She had just finished folding a load of laundry and started the dishwasher. when the hospital told her about the accident, everything seemed to come to a stop. How long had she begged him to get rid of that motorcycle. Now that was all irrelevant. All the things she had planed now had very little meaning to her, all she cared about was Ronnie and his well being.

Dawn was breaking as the early morning sun shone through the window. She sat at the table for what seemed like an eternity. Her drink was now a mixture of melted ice and cola, and the sandwich bread had turned stale. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a nurse approaching. She turned towards her and stood up.

“Ms. Clausen?”

“Yes,” she said timidly.

“I can take you up now.”

Sherrie followed the nurse upstairs to intensive care and the room where Ronnie lay. Still feeling groggy from being awake all night, She felt somewhat relieved to finally being able to see him after a long sleepless night of worry and concern. When she walked into the room, her heart felt like it stopped. He was hooked up to many monitors and his left leg and arm were elevated above the bed. His face was bruised, scratched, and a bandage surrounded the top oh his head.

Sherrie took a deep breath and tried to compose herself, she knew that if he saw on her face what she felt inside it might hurt his recovery.

She walked over to his bedside and took his hand. "Hey hun, how are you doing?"

Ronnie turned to look at her and smiled, "Much better now. It's good to see your face."

"I'v been so worried. They didn't tell me anything, and I've been waiting all night."

"Well, you're here now."

"And I'm staying!" Then she sat in the chair next to his bed, realizing the real waiting has only just begun. Now comes the long wait for Ronnie's recovery.

must65gt

Copyright :: All Rights Reserved
Registered :: Mon Apr 04 23:29:40 UTC 2011
Title :: Short Story
Category :: Literature
Fingerprint :: 1ca1730f95c0552f8fde9cf6606630bb04ce84f6ebadebcc9c65ae3de8730a94
MCN :: CKUPD-XCKHN-LYWS2