Read Turn Us Again for Free Online Page B

vanished.
    â€˜These people exhaust me,’ she thought.
    Once tea was finished, the nurses rose to begin the long day of duties. They were assigned various tasks in different areas of the hospital, in order to get as much experience as possible during training. Anne had moved into the men’s cancer ward a few weeks ago, and it seemed like paradise in comparison to the months she had spent in the women’s medical ward, where her duties consisted of gathering bedpans to test the urine for each patient. She already had the new routine down pat: first, hand out the breakfast trays, making jokes about the awfulness of the food. Some very sick patients had to be fed like babies, encouraged to open wide for one more bite as they wrung their hands petulantly, while others stealthily tried to secure a second tray, undaunted by daily failure.
    Next, set out bowls of water for those who could manage by themselves, and wash the ones who could not, maintaining a pleasant stream of conversation as she wiped the crease under their necks where sweat accumulated, lifted their arms to clean the armpits. She would hand them the soapy flannel so they could wash between their legs if they were able. If not, the lilt of her voice did not falter as she wiped away traces of urine and feces.
    Then, march down the ward with the mouth tray, gathering up false teeth for cleaning. At 9:00 a.m., medications and back rubs.
    Anne pushed her trolley down the long row of patients, dispensing pills. The incompetence that had dogged her dream was replaced by confident professionalism: she knew the medications for each patient by heart, and she had a kind word for everybody. The ill and infirm would sit up in their beds in anticipation of her arrival. She instinctively understood the type of interaction each patient wanted — cracking jokes with some and inquiring with great sympathy about the health of others.
    â€œAnd how was your night, Mr. Gander?”
    â€œAwful,” croaked the little old man, “I didn’t sleep a wink.”
    Anne took his hand and stroked it. “Did you have a pain?”
    â€œMy entire body was on fire.”
    â€œPoor Mr. Gander. As soon as I’ve finished with these pills, I’ll try and find time for a little chat.”
    â€œCome here and give us a kiss, sweetheart,” a voice bellowed from the next bed.
    â€œOnly if you eat a little more breakfast!” Anne smiled at the handsome, middle-aged man grinning at her. “You’ve not touched it!”
    â€œI don’t have enough time left to waste it doing things I don’t like. And I don’t like that foul mess.”
    Anne stood by the side of his bed. “I would give you steak if I could, but this foul mess is all there is. You have to eat to keep strong.”
    The man barked with laughter. “Strong? I’m dying. My strong days are over. I’m into enjoying life now.” He leaned forward, “I enjoy looking at your pretty face, Nurse Anne.”
    â€œIf only pretty faces could cure.”
    â€œThey help. You’re descended straight from the Vikings, with those slanting blue eyes…”
    â€œAll right, enough nonsense out of you. I have other people to tend to,” replied Anne.
    The patient leaned forward and grasped Anne’s hand. “How about I give you money for a nice bottle of whisky? That’ll make me very strong.”
    Anne laughed, placing his hand on the bedspread and patting it, “I might get fired for doing something like that.”
    â€œAnd I’m going to die tomorrow. Come on, sweetie. Even convicted criminals are granted dying wishes.” And the hand clutched hers again, concealing a five-pound note.
    Anne stopped at every bed to dispense smiles, winks and jokes along with the pills. Her heart was filled with love and compassion for these bed-ridden human beings.
    The surgeons that came sweeping into the ward with their gaggle of students at 11