Room 203

Marisa Tuminello

In this busy building, the linoneum floor is quite reflective tonight. I pace through the crowded
hallways, disregarding the looks i get from patients, doctors, nurses, and everyone inbetween.
I've managed to reach the elevator as my foot taps in an anxious matter. The doors slide open,
and I launch myself inside. I need to get there. I'm unsure why my thoughts are racing and why I
believe I must get to her room now, feeling as if a ticking time bomb is in the area, or
incapsulated inside myself. I need to get there. I need to.

After what had seemed like an eternity and a half, the doors unfasten to reveal a dimly lit setting,
including the scent of chemicals and dust. I take a step out, a wave of sudden serenity hitting me.
My walking has returned to a stroll. Smooth, steady breaths clear my head. I regather my
thoughts and glance near the end of the hall. Room 203. That's it, if my judgement hasn't been
clouded. I peer into the room, my hand gently hovering above the corner of the door.It takes me
a minute to utter a word, staring at the figure encapsulated in a fleece-textured blanket.

"Missus Williams?" I speak in a hush. No response or dialogue is returned. "... Missus Williams?
Are you awake?" I take a step, inching closer and closer to her bedside. Gently placing my hand
on her shoulder, she pinches upward, rearing her head to glance over. Her shiny and glistening
eyes speak for themselves, yet I would never have expected to hear what came next.

She stares me dead and the eye, and softly states, "My love, is this really you?"

Taken aback, I lift my hand off of her shoulder. "My love, I've waited so long for you..." She
extends her reach to place her hand in mine. "Please, sweetheart, please tell me; How's Radar
doing up there? Did he ever make it..? Oh! And are there those cards you were oh so passionate
about..?" As she goes on, I slowly begin to settle down and allow her to speak. Maybe, this is
comforting to her. She hasn't regonized a thing within the past six months.

She tiredly goes on, speaking of cheerful people, pets and memories that seem to originate from
a better, older time; almost as if she was speaking in black and white.
Finally, she rests her head back down, her hand still gripping tightly onto mine.
"My love, will the light flash before my eyes...? Oh, what does it matter. I'll see you soon..."
Her hand limbly rests in mine, and her heart monitor that I've barely remembered was even
beating comes to a halt. The color leaves her skin, slowly but surely, yet has passed away with a
smirk on her face.

The moment is quickly shattered with yelling echoing throughout the hallways, inching closer
and closer to this weighted room. I let go of her, placing her hand gently on the fleece-textured
blanket. As I stand up and step away to leave, I glance over at her one more time. I stand there
for a moment, taking in the scene.

Once I regain my senses, I quickly move my way out of her room, as those above me rush past
me to do all they can. I know she's gone, but I'll allow them to try.
All I'm thinking now is,
I hope she's reunited with him now. I can only hope.