– ‘Good night Gunilla, see you tomorrow’ said the young nurse as she started walking towards the exit of the ward at the same time as she was trying to hide a yawn. Her face was almost gray in the dim light, her eyes like dark caves due to tiredness.
– ‘ Good night, see you tomorrow’ replied the woman behind the counter while she stretched in her chair.
– ‘Are you sure you are ok on your own now? I can stay a few more hours if you want me to’ replied the young nurse, standing by the gray swinging door while she rubbed her eyes.
– ‘I’m okay, go home now! It’s not your fault that Sarah called in sick, plus it’s not exactly likely that the patients here will wake up’ replied the woman behind the counter with a laugh and lifted a cup to her lips to drink.
– ‘No, you’re right, but then you never know. Anyway, see you tomorrow so. Call me however if you change your mind!’ said the young nurse and went out through the swinging doors.
– ‘Absolutely, good night! ‘ the woman replied, while leaning back in her chair behind the counter and picking up a newspaper.
This was his fifth night in the hospital and by now he knew what would happen. Slowly but surely, her head would fall forward and the snoring would start. Always the same thing; even when they were 2, it was nearly as if their sleep patterns were synchronized. He reminded himself to never be admitted to this hospital.
Five minutes later, the snoring began and he could finally come out of hiding from the broom closet. Slowly, with careful steps, he passed the counter and continued down towards her room. The hallway was dimly lit with a white fluorescent lamp that created a sterile, cold light; the type of light that only can be found in hospitals.
Room 102, there she was. He stopped in the doorway and looked at her. The full moon shone from the window and lit up her as well as the bed she was laying on. The bruises, visible in the dark, probably weaker than they once were. This time, however, the bruises would not be the only visible marks after he was done …