October 22, 2020
Kathy-Ann Valme
Creative Writing
Topic: Amidst the Chaos- Family Matters
Someone yelled down the hallway, “Call a Rapid response to the Central Station.” I ran to grab
the telephone and quickly pressed the emergency bell. With panting breath, and facial mask to
shield my face, I hurriedly gave the operator the location and extension while frantically
knocking on the door to the doctor’s lounge to alert them simultaneously. Then I scuffled down
the hallway to retrieve an Echo Cardiogram Machine and rushed it to the room. Footstep could
be heard like galloping horses, as the medical team sprinted like Olympians to the location;
rapidly gearing up on the mission to save lives, becomes their tunnel vision. Again, someone
shouted, “Please call a code.” I rushed to comply. Everyone worked tirelessly to revive him.
Earlier that day, Mr. Hill, a frequent flyer, with cardiac conditions and other underlining
illness, paced the hallways. Uncertainty loomed over him as he awaited news from the social
worker of his fate. She knew him. He had a split personality – either he was incessantly
annoying or sweet and charming.
He was undomiciled. Frequently hungry and evenly territorial. Whenever he clamored
for attention, he would throw temper tantrums until he got his way or somewhat of a
compromise. He was the master of temperaments and would adjust according to his situation at
hand. He was a master manipulator; who mastery of the craft allowed him to weave his way into
your heart like a spider weaves its web.
No one visited him, yet occasionally a lady, with a deep husky voice, who claimed to be
his sister would call, inquiring about his condition. She would speak to him at length and then
disappear, just like a bad habit until a few days had passed.
He was included as part of the extended work family, which meant everyone did their
part to assist him beyond the scope of care. Amidst the chaos, family matters and love takes
precedence.
