There could be little doubt that his present situation was responsible for his musings.
She would be coming back soon. He had been laying there for days, coming to terms with what the future had in store for him. The bed was comfortable and the staff were very nice. He had nothing to complain about. He was in the best possible place. During his first visit to the hospital several months ago he had been given a conclusive diagnosis. This had given him some comfort at the time. It was good to know what he was dealing with. This time though, he knew that his condition would only worsen. Naturally, his age would be against him. He was resigned to the fact that his time was running out. On the subject of time, he checked his phone. The nurse would be coming back soon.
She had been going on and off shifts since he arrived. He liked her. He didn’t know her, how could he? What he could see was that she was always content with her work. Always bright, without putting on any artificial happiness. He wondered about her, what would her future hold? She’d be no more than in her mid-twenties. She could be married; she had no ring. Maybe nurses have to take them off while on duty; he didn’t know. She may even have children; no way of telling. Did she grow up here in this town? What are her hobbies, her passions? How much of these things will dictate the sort of life she’ll lead. Where will her next job take her? What opportunities are in the offing as her life rolls on? How will…
His reverie was shattered by the clatter of the trolley coming in. With a brief smile and an announcement about his vital readings being taken, she began to attend to him. He was sure she was coming to the end of her shift. What would her immediate future bring? Home to a husband and children; a meeting with friends in a local pub, a pop concert with her boyfriend, a movie with friends, a visit to her parents or a quiet night in? All possible futures looming, with prospects and possibilities far more varied than his own.
When she was done, she hung the clipboard back on the end of his bed. She smiled again and gave him a little wave as she left, saying she’d see him tomorrow.
Ah! He thought, tomorrow…