Astridelle

(2) As Death Comes

➴ This story is a work of fiction. Any names of characters, places and events mention are clearly coincidence and fictional. ➴

♕

As the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, I stirred from my slumber, gradually awakening to the promise of a new day. Stretching languidly beneath the covers, I allowed myself a moment of quiet reflection before reluctantly rising from bed.

With a yawn, I shuffled into the kitchen to brew a pot of coffee, the rich aroma wafting through the air and invigorating my senses. Savoring the first sip, I felt a surge of energy course through me, banishing the remnants of sleep from my weary mind.

As I moved through my morning routine, the familiar rituals of showering, dressing, and preparing breakfast grounded me in the present moment. The rhythmic routine provided a comforting sense of structure amidst the chaos of the outside world, helping to center my thoughts and focus my intentions for the day ahead.

With each passing moment, the events of the previous evening began to recede into the background, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Today was a new day, brimming with possibilities and opportunities for growth and connection.

As I gathered my belongings and made my way out the door, a sense of anticipation filled me, eager to face whatever challenges lay ahead. With a final glance back at the warmth and comfort of my home, I set off towards the hospital, ready to embark on another day of caring for those in need.

Arriving at the hospital, the morning air crackling with anticipation, I made my way through the bustling corridors towards the ward where Mr. Ruel was admitted. As I approached his room, my heart swelled with a mixture of apprehension and determination, eager to resume my duties and provide him with the care he deserved.

However, as I stepped into the room, I was met with a scene of chaos and confusion. Mr. Ruel's family members crowded around his bed, their faces contorted with anger and accusation. Before I could even utter a word, I felt a stinging sensation across my cheek as a hand connected with my face, the force of the blow sending shockwaves reverberating through my body.

Dazed and disoriented, I staggered back, my mind reeling as accusations were hurled in my direction. "You've endangered our son's life!" one of Mr. Ruel's family members shouted, their words laced with venom and accusation.

Confusion clouded my thoughts as I struggled to make sense of the situation. What had I done wrong? How had I failed in my duty to care for Mr. Ruel? Before I could gather my bearings, Mr. Ruel's mother stepped forward, her eyes blazing with fury as she pointed an accusatory finger in my direction.

"It was you! You're the one responsible for this!" she spat, her voice trembling with rage. "We found a huge amount of digoxin in his IV fluids last night, and it was Nurse Emma who discovered it and reported it to the head nurse. She said you were the one who administered the medication incorrectly since you are the last nurse on duty to take care of Mr. Ruel!"

My heart sank like a stone as the weight of her words settled upon me like a crushing burden. Nurse Emma's betrayal, coupled with the accusations now being leveled against me, left me reeling with disbelief and despair. How could this have happened? How could I have been so blind to the danger lurking within the walls of the hospital?