8 the hospital (1/2)

The screeching of slipping feet against the linoleum struck him out of a peaceful slumber.He tossed over and put his hands over his ears to block out the sound.But alas, it was futile. He sat up as he saw his maid vacuuming the floor outside.She looked started and immediately stopped.

In the mirror opposite, Henry could see his disheveled hair was sticking up in odd places and his bloodshot eyes made him faintly look like a character from a teen vampire chick flick.

”Sir, I apologize for disturbing.I thought you had already--”

Henry stopped her in his tracks as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and stretched with a magnificent yawn, ”Eh, it's nine.I probably should already be at the hospital as visiting hours start at ten.You woke me up at the right time, Manu.”

His silk pajamas chafed against the warm cocoon his comforter had created as he got out.He closed his door and waited for the cleaning to continue before he began to get ready for the day.

=//=

He'd picked a snug beige sweater and simple jeans to wear today.In one of his hands was a bouquet of yellow tulips that the lady at the gift shop had reassured him was appropriate to give an older man.She had tried to explain the significance of flower colors before he had quickly paid and exit the shop.

He got into the elevator and closed his eyes as a nurse entered behind him.

”Who are you here for?”

”I'm looking for the ICU.”

”That's the third floor”The nurse hit the button for him before pressing one above his.She surveyed the level change as they were in the tight space.

”A handsome man like you is probably here to visit a beautiful young lady now are you with those beautiful tulips.”

Henry sheepishly looked at the bouquet in his hands.”I asked that they wouldn't look so feminine.”