 |
| Ocean floor |
Emma had retreated to the basement of her mind as years passed and words came less and less.
A gentile in a kind Mormon rest home, Emma heard the
nurses as they changed shifts and discussed patients, as if they were inanimate
objects. “Her extremities are more spastic” and “Exhibits increasing
imbecility daily” were the diagnoses and observations expressed.
Rage and anger filled Emma’s mind, but words could not
break the barrier the stroke had given her.
A new orderly, Kevin was hired for the night shift and was
assigned to Emma’s care. His kindness
was a gift. Kevin spoke to her with gentleness, a relief after her silence had muted her voice.
One late, late night night, Kevin softly entered Emma’s
room and awoke her. “Emma, you know you
have fulfilled your life’s
purpose. Now,” he covered her mouth and
nostrils with his big hands. “Let’s go swimming in a cool ocean. Take a
deep breath, and dive to the bottom.”
Emma’s mind grew darker and darker as she reached the
ocean’s floor. “How lovely!” were her last
thoughts.
These italicized and underlined words are provided by Delores from Under the Porch Light. Each Wednesday, Delores provides six daunting words for any who wishes to participate in this writing challenge. Please visit her site by clicking on the shivering cardinals in the sidebar; you will find other writers who have taken different slants on these words!
Mercy killing?
ReplyDeleteIn recent years, an incident occurred just like this in a local nursing home. They caught the man, and are not sure how many patients he had killed.
DeleteOooh....creepy Kevin. Great story Susan.
ReplyDeleteYou provided us all with some strange words this week, and from them this story came. Glad you liked the story.
DeleteI know of an incident like this.
ReplyDeleteOver the years, "angels of death" have emerged.
DeleteMight be better off with Nurse Ratchet
ReplyDeleteYes, kinda. She was a different type of nurse altogether,.
DeleteThis is incredible. And the image goes incredibly well with it.
ReplyDeleteWe too have had incidents like this, and our Kevins have insisted that our Emmas felt just like this.
PS: A damning indictment of our 'caring' where death can be seen as a relief. This is such a powerful piece Susan. It is haunting me. Thank you.
DeleteThank you, Sue. It haunted me as I wrote it. Normally I put a humorous slat toward the end, but there were none in my mind. Just this.
DeleteSusan! The words and the visual really are haunting. I hate to think that such moments come to pass for anyone. I'm sure though that they do.
ReplyDeleteWe have had at least 2 in our area. How many are not discovered?
DeleteYikes. We have to look out for the kind ones? Although, they're not really all that kind. The kindness is a mask.
ReplyDeleteIt takes a truly devoted person to go into the care of the helpless.
DeleteThe Angel of Death is named Kevin?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads-up. I shall beware all Kevins from now on.
I know several Kevins and they are not evil. Evil angels of death have many names.
Delete