The Rehab Center at the hospital was connected to the Assisted Living Facility. They shared the same kitchens and community rooms.
I was miserable, forty-two years old, my leg broken in four places, pins and screws everywhere.
Since I lived alone, they recommended two weeks in the rehab facility. I had my meals, and therapy three times a day, but that was it, I couldn't sit up in a wheelchair yet, and even in bed. I could only bend upward so much.
The nurses were nice, but busy. Most patients were far worse off than me. During visitors' hours, friends would stop by, but that was mostly 7 to 9 at night. The rest of the time, an occasional volunteer would stop by with magazines and such.
The third day, my door opened but I couldn't see from my back. "Hello?" the soft voice questioned.
"I'm awake," I called, happy to hear a voice.
She approached, smoothly, like she was gliding. "Hello, Mr. Brown?" she asked. She had a gentle smile, bright teeth (too bright to be her own), red hair teased high in the seventies fashion. Green eyes, made even bigger by her thick glasses. A lime green pants-suit also from the seventies completed the package. And, oh, by the way, she had to be seventy, herself.
"No, sorry, he got sent home, the other day."
"Oh?" She squinted at her paper. "These people, by the time they assign us to someone, they're gone already! Boy, that makes me mad!"
She was mad, and I had to smile. Her anger would never amount to confrontation, she was too much of a lady! But, it seemed the best she could do.
"Yeah, well, I'm sure they'll assign you to somebody."
"Yes, I suppose." She was about to leave and stopped. "I swiped a deck of cards from the Rec Room for Mr. Brown, would you like them?"
"Thanks, but on my back, it's hard to play."
"Well, I'm so sorry to bother you."
"No bother, it breaks the monotony." I heard her shuffle off, then shuffle back. "Excuse me?"
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry, but my name is Rose Taylor. I live and volunteer here, or at least try to."
"Hi, Rose."
She smiled. "The thing is, if I go back there, it could be days before I get another assignment. And I was thinking... if I could read for you? A book, or newspaper? I mean... I don't want to bother you, but..."
I was going crazy lying here staring at the ceiling. Rose seemed well-intentioned, and even though we had nothing in common, I liked her. "Okay."
"Really?" She was so excited. She pulled up a chair, took out today's paper. She's read an article, then we'd discuss it. Lunch came, and the nurses brought a lunch for her, since she was in the living facility anyway, and they knew her.
She left for dinner, knowing visiting hours were coming. She gave me a warm smile and pat on my hand as she left. "Tomorrow again?"
"I have therapy at 7AM, any time after that is fine."
"Okay, Honey, you have a good night."
At 8AM, she was back. They had cranked me up some more, almost sitting. She seemed surprised. "Oh, I guess you can read for yourself now."
"But who would I discuss the articles with?"
she smiled broadly. She wore an identical pant-suit, this one in bright red. I thought, this woman was a real babe back in the day, I bet.
At dinner time, she said, "I guess you must be getting tired of me."
"Why would you say that, Rose?"
"Well, I know you're just being nice to me. I mean, I'm old enough to be your mother. I must be boring the heck out of you."