I really enjoyed volunteering at Stonybrook Hospital. It was one of the easiest "jobs" of my life. I delivered balloons and mail, I brought patients glasses of water, and I'd escort them to the X-ray room. It was extremely simple.
The only obstacle I had was overcoming boredom. There just wasn't a lot to do. When I tried to talk to the patients I was told to "mind my business" and "let them rest."
Obviously, the vast majority of the patients were elderly. It was a new experience for me, and I felt like I was contributing some goodness to the world.
I had a designated section to tend to. I knew all of them well because most of the elderly would end up staying at the hospital for a few nights. I loved trying to bring some happiness to Margaret, Edith, Wilbur, and Clarence. ( Are those names stereotypical enough for you?)
You can imagine my curiosity when I was told to check on Zack in 115. Zack, I thought, is a younger person's name. I hurried in to see who the newbie was.
He was in a deep sleep. No one else was around. I closed the door behind me. For the first time, I couldn't hear all of the hospital's noises and racket. I approached him and took a good look at his face. He looked healthy to me.
He must've been twenty-five and I could tell from his arms that he was in shape. His hair was a little wavy and longer than most men keep it. He had a nice peaches and cream complexion. His hair was a dark blonde shade. Based on his hair and skin color, I knew he must've had blue eyes. He had a strong jawline and thinner lips. He looked so peaceful lying there.
I was really taken aback. From that moment on, I believed in love at first sight. I touched his hand softly and raised it to my face. I brushed it against my cheek and closed my eyes, pretending that he was awake and touching me by choice. Then I pressed my lips against his fingertips and flattened his hand out, letting it slide down my neck.
Wait, wait, what am I doing, I thought. This man must be sick or something and I'm using him for my own satisfaction. I walked back towards the door, trying to forget about Zack.
I turned back to take one last glance at the handsome young man. He was like a work of art. At that instant, his eyes opened and he said, "Could I maybe get a glass of water?"
Oh Praise God, the man speaks! I tried to smile or do something that made me look cute and said, "Oh, oh sure, Zack." I headed out the door and tried to get the job done as quickly as possible. After all, I didn't want another volunteer to come in and steal him from me.
I came back with his water and tried to walk slowly for effect. I handed it to him gracefully, bending over and looking deep into his eyes. Looking back, he must've thought I was psycho. I mean, he was probably aching for the second he could go home, and here some crazy volunteer was giving him a passionate stare.
Once he took the glass, I felt let down. There was nothing left for me to do. It was time for me to leave. I looked around the room and saw a little tray of food on his bedside table. I pretended to accidentally knock it over. "Whoops," I said, "I better take care of this mess."
Granted, I couldn't really do anything while I cleaned it up, but I could try to come up with another scheme. I knew I'd have to bring him some more food. Anything to stay with him.
When the day was over, I crossed my fingers, hoping he would be there the next day.
The next morning I tried to fix my hair and make-up. I had to wear a uniform, but I figured some control top pantyhose and a wonderbra wouldn't hurt.
I walked in to his room before stopping anywhere else. This time he was awake. "Good morning, Zack, how are you feeling today?" I pulled his curtains open to give him some sunlight.
"Alright, thanks."
"So what are you in here for?"
"I hurt my back rock-climbing. The doctors really aren't telling me a whole lot."