Her Full-Time Apricity

Chapter 26: Dead and Deader

Chapter 26: Dead and Deader

As soon as Estelle accidentally ended our call, I already left Zach’s room.

No words.

No goodbyes.

I can’t stand being inside for another moment.

Hindi ko na kayang magpigil pa ng luha habang nakikinig sa mga palahaw ni Tita Liza para sa tuluyan na niyang pumanaw na nag-iisang anak.

Walking through the hallway only pained me even more.

Rinig na rinig pa rin hanggang sa dulo ng pasilyo yung pag-hagulgol ni Mrs. Magtalas. Pa’no na lang kaya si Estelle? I know she’s supposedly meeting everyone at a club at Green Hills as they’ll be celebrating Sean Jexter’s birthday.

Sana naman matulungan nila si EJ...

Mariin ko namang nakagat ang loob ng labi ko.

Upon reaching and waiting in front of the elevator, I couldn’t help but to frantically blink my eyes as I subtly shake my hands off.

Fuck I am terribly trembling.

I can’t afford to be in this state right now.

Ilang minuto na lang ay duty ko na ulit.

Pero parang hindi ko kayang maging isang Nurse Vanessa ngayon...I feel like crying for the departure of a young kid who calls me Ate Vanessa at this huge-mentally draining place.

Seeing my reflection at the elevator’s door made me clear my already-hurting throat.

Zach’s no longer with us.

But I can still do my job and save the lives that I can.

I wonder—

—would it cost me my license if I finally grieve for someone’s death?

“Nurse Ponzi, pwede ka ba mamaya? Makikipag-palit sana ako ng shift, may emergency lang sa bahay.” My eyes darted at Nurse Gian and Nurse Ponzi as I left our last patient’s room that had surgery. “Hala sorry, may bibisitahin kasi ako mamaya eh...” Nurse Ponzi said.

Hearing their conversation made me approach them two.

Sabay silang napalingon sa’kin at tinanguan ko lamang sila.

Looking at Nurse Gian, I ended up blinking as he shockingly looks at me.

“What?” I asked him.

Bigla namang napa-iling sa sarili niya si Nurse Gian, pansin ko rin ang pag-ngisi ni Nurse Ponzi.

Not my business, not interested to ask furthermore.

But I’m not naive.

“You need someone to fill up your shift?” I continued as I tightened my hold to my clipboard. Please say yes. Nurse Gian cleared his throat for a moment after throwing Ponzi a glance who then gave him a nod. Seriously what’s wrong with them...

“Ah oo eh...pwede ka ba?”

I immediately nodded at him.

“What’s your sched?” Nalilito at nagulat man sa bilis ng pag-sagot ko ay sumagot na rin lamang agad siya. “9:00am to 5:00pm lang, Nurse Vanessa.” He said.

“Okay.” I said in response.

Aalis na sana ako pero muli akong bumalik upang harapin si Nurse Gian.

“By the way, no need to take up my night shift. I’ll cover it too.” I said, at nang makita ang ekspresyon sa mukha nila Nurse Gian at Nurse Ponzi, knowing they’ll disprove what I just said, I already turned my back at them.