Hospital

The last few years of my life has been the toughest. I've been trying so hard to make a life by engaging in various part-time jobs. When this pandemic broke out, things stooped lower and life took an unpleasant turn. All I ever wanted, was to publish my book and go on a long, adventurous vacation to somewhere far away. But just to dream a vacation felt like a mirage in a desert. Nobody wanted to publish the book of a plebeian script writer and illustrator who hasn't done any big projects. Everyone wants experienced professionals, but nobody's willing to provide the experience. "Careeristic hypocrites!" I would mutter after failing each interview. "Wow! you write great puns." my friends would compliment when I post some rambles online, but when all your friends who graduated with you, and after you are at better places, all those compliments sound empty. Just like the wallet in my pocket. What could be worse than staying away from home, family and friends and living in a dungeon without most of the necessities? I wondered. I didn't have to wait too long to find out.

"You have been tested covid positive." The nurse said. I came to hospital to get treated for extreme cough, splitting headache and mild fever. But life had other plans for me. " We have to perform some more tests and you'll receive the full report in a few days." She said and conducted a few scans and other tests. Right when I thought life couldn't get any worse, the report came. The doctor's voice was steady and clear as if he'd sentenced the deaths of many before. The doctor said, "Things doesn't look good for you. Your case is a little complicated, your report says you have a chronic....." He went on. My mind drifted away back to my home, where my mum would be thinking of me thinking about the cats in our home more than herself.

It was the rap on the door that brought me back to reality. "You have almost 24 hours to live. I would recommend you to take admission at our hospital now and It would be great if your parent or guardian could accompany you here." The doctor concluded. After an hour of talking to mom (more like listening to her cries and sobs) I was finally admitted at the same hospital. I was given an injection and some tablets. As I took out my notepad and started writing the story, a nurse promptly brought my lunch and forced me to eat, though I was in no mood. She was a patient woman, the drooping name badge and messy hair told me she wasn't a perfectionist, Her handwriting was cute though. She asked me what I was writing and I told her about my book and how I probably wouldn't be publishing it. "I love reading books! would you let me take a look at yours?" She asked. "It's not complete, I would let you once you complete." I said, "But wait, I don't know if I would ever complete it. Here you go, please take a look!" I added as I gave her the manuscript.

About 12 hours more left for me in this world! That's when I understood that once you know you are going to die, the remaining time is nothing but pure hell. The cough got worse and the fever was high too. After what seemed like eternity she returned with a bright smile. "Wow! that was amazing!" she complimented and then we exchanged a few pointers and started talking about our lives. Without knowing we fell in love with each other. She was willing to help me publish it and I was more determined to finish it. So I refused to take any medication and with mighty effort kept writing till the birds outside the window left to their nests somewhere for the night and the hospital was deserted except for the occasional nurses on rounds. I kept writing and the clock kept ticking. With my only motivation as her, I kept writing till early morning when finally my sickness got the better of me. I started coughing out loud and felt nauseating. I pressed the emergency button and few nurses rushed to my aid. The last thing I remember was her face. I was being pulled on a stretcher, as I held my notebook tightly to my chest. I was losing my consciousness. Someone tried to grab the note from me and I resisted with all the strength left in my almost dead body. And finally after seeing her face, I gave up. That was the last thing I saw, tears rolling down her cheeks and without knowing pain, I closed my eyes, muttered "good night! " and finally felt like I was on the adventurous trip I've always want to go on.

“To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.”