A nurse was helping Daphne with her lunch when Zoey came in the room. The nurse looked up.
“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know…” Zoey said apologizing.
“No, it’s okay” the nurse said. “Maybe, if you want, you can take over”
“Yeah, sure” Zoey said and she walked to the bed. The nurse got up and offered Zoey his chair.
“Enjoy your meal, Daphne” the nurse said. “When you need something, just push the button. I’m staying close”
He walked to the door and left.
Zoey sat down on the chair and looked at Daphne’s plate. “Oooh, chicken, yummy”
Daphne shrugged. “You can have it. I’m not hungry”
“Come on, cheer up” Zoey said. “Look outside, the sun is shining”
Daphne shot her an angry glance. “Yeah, great, the sun is shining and I’m tied onto a hospital bed. How awesome is that?”
Zoey looked down. “You know it’s for your own good” she said sad and uneasy. “Daphne, we really need to talk”
“I didn’t cut myself, Zoey” Daphne snapped hostile.
“You need help, Daphne” Zoey said.
“I didn’t cut myself” Daphne repeated.
“I’m going to call the clinic to reserve a room for you” Zoey continued.
“I didn’t cut myself. I’m not going there. You can’t put me in a room and even if you did I’ll get out again” Daphne rattled, staring at the ceiling.
“God damn it, D! “ Zoey cursed and jumped out the chair. “I can’t take care of you! I have a daughter to take care of and my husband is this close to claim a divorce. I have a life too, you know. Stop being so fucking selfish!”
She threw the plate on the floor and rushed outside.
Daphne looked hungry and sad at the chicken on the floor.