The elderly patient in Ward 7C was extremely popular.
She was always very polite. Whenever she needed to press the bell for attention, she would apologise for the inconvenience the moment they appeared. Everything they did for her was greeted with a sincere thank you. She was so nice that out at the nurse’s station they would fight over who would go to her.
When the small group of doctors came making their rounds she apologised for there not being enough chairs. Each time she was asked a question, she would answer very politely, followed by a thank you. When the wooden paddle was placed on her tongue, or when her pulse was checked, or when they shined a light in her eyes, she would apologise if she saw the slightest hint of dissatisfaction on any of their faces. She apologised for being unable to offer them tea or coffee.
When they had finished she made a point of thanking them all once more when she said goodbye. As they left she called out that they should feel free to visit again anytime they wanted to.
Whereas the nurses loved the old dear and accepted her for what she was, the doctors held suspicions that she was taking the mickey…