The nurse walks through the quiet hospital. It is 2 a.m. Most patients are asleep.
In room 12, an old man is awake. He is not in pain. He is lonely.
The nurse is kind. She sits beside him for a moment. She is patient and listens.
He tells her about his wife and the garden they made. She is considerate and asks questions.
When he finishes, he says, "Thank you for listening." His eyes are full of gratitude.
The nurse stands up. There are other rooms, other patients. But for a few minutes, room 12 was not alone.
A thought to keep
Sometimes the best medicine is company.