It was my third night in the hospital. I had arrived on Wednesday for some basic tests but during one of these I had some form of reaction. The doctors decided to hold me over until they determined the cause. So, there I was on a Friday night wishing I could be at home. Funny, if I was at home, I thought, I wouldn't be doing anything anyway, so I settled in and directed my attention to the television.
I flipped through the channels but could find nothing of interest. I stopped at one of the sports channels figuring at least I'd be able to keep up with what college teams were playing on Saturday. I guess that's when I drifted off. I couldn't have been asleep long; maybe a couple of hours, when I heard the door ease open. I glanced at the time on the television. It was after 11pm. "Okay," I thought to myself, probably the night nurse coming in to check on me at the beginning of her shift. I could see the white dress as she stood at the door apparently reading my chart.
Though her back was toward me, I knew right away I hadn't seen this nurse. She had golden blonde hair pulled tightly up on the crown of her head. As my gaze shifted lower I could see her long slender neck. hidden slightly by strands of her silky hair that had fallen out of place from the rest. Her shoulders weren't exceedingly wide but seemed slightly disproportionate to her slender waist. Her hips completed what appeared to be a perfect hourglass figure. Continuing my visual investigation, I noticed how long and slender her legs appeared. I could see their smoothness even through the white stockings that covered them. There was no doubt; I'd never seen this nurse before.
As quickly as I had assessed her, she slipped out the door again. I wondered who she was and found myself longing to see her face. She had made an impression on me with her presence alone. I began imagining her face, trying to finish the unknown details. Again, I settled back against the pillow and began to feel the pull of sleep. I turned the overhead light off leaving just the lamp and television to light the room. I was thinking how nice it was to have a private room and turned my head toward the large window on the far wall. I closed my eyes.
I thought it only seconds later, when I heard the squeak of the door again. Looking at the dark window I could see the reflection of the room. I recognized the shape of the visitor as the same nurse who had just checked my chart. It peaked my interest and I turned my head toward the door. She spoke.
"Oh, you're awake. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you. I just wanted to see if you needed anything."
Her voice was angelic and soft. It fit the amazingly beautiful face it came from. Her eyes were deep blue pools, like artesian wells and her skin had the smooth texture of cream. Her lips were thin but formed a near perfect pout. She was radiant.
"Oh no," I said. "I've just been lying here thinking." I tried to ease her worry about waking me. "As a matter of fact, I am getting a little thirsty and my carafe has no ice in it." I reached over to get the pitcher and met her hand as she reached for it as well. It seemed the moment lasted for minutes. Her skin was as soft as velvet.
She lifted the carafe and said, "give me just a minute, I'll take care of this immediately," and disappeared out the door. Her perfume lingered in the room. I couldn't place the aroma but it was sweet. "Jasmine," I thought to myself. Yes, she had the presence of a wonderful flower and I reveled in the memory of the moment.
Her return was prompt. She placed the carafe on the nightstand, then poured a cup of water. "Here," she said, handing me the cup. I smiled and took the cup, drinking the contents empty. "Gee, you really were thirsty weren't you?" she asked. I nodded and placed the cup on the nightstand. She refilled the cup but I waved my hand to signal her I was fine. She smiled and did something I wasn't expecting.