Like a child who wants a candy
It’s very early when she wakes up in Gwendolyn’s room. The first thing she feels after the rays of sun blinding her eyes, is a terrible neck pain for the bad position she fell asleep and of course, the fact she slept on a chair hasn’t helped much either.
She looks at the blonde laying in the bed and her appearance is a mix of angelical and pained. She’s intubated and Mildred feels a bit anxious for knowing if it weren’t for those machines, maybe the worst could happen. Sitting up, she straightens her posture and tries to relax her muscles a little. Exhaling deeply, she approaches Gwen’s bed to check if everything is okay. Holding her hand, she feels the warmth of her body and the nurse just wants to keep the feeling in her heart forever.
Mildred – I was so scared. – She looks at the woman in front of her, unaware of her presence and reflects if it’s a good idea to open up herself right now. Well, she’s sleeping, so what harm can it do? Feeling more braver, she proceeds. – I hadn’t felt afraid for a long time, you know. But seeing you there, losing your senses, your blood running away with your life… - She needs to stop herself for a moment to clean her tears. – I really care for you, Gwendolyn.
Admitting that to herself, saying it loud and clear carries an unexpected weight. It relieves her heart in a strange way as ripping a bandage. It’s been a long time since she has been this honest, this sincere with her emotions. But at least this, this simple phrase, is completely true. Honestly, it’s the truest thing in her. Suddenly her hand is squeezed. Her heart races being behold by a pair of ocean eyes.
Gwendolyn – Hi. – Her voice is raspy but still possesses the same sweet tone she usually has.
Her eyes are really tired and Mildred can tell she’s fighting to keep herself awake. Smiling softly, she squeezes her hand back.
Mildred – Hi there. How are you feeling?
Gwen is smiling at her and Mildred asks herself how on earth she crossed paths with such a pure soul. She has been through so much heartache and has been damaged in maybe irreparable ways. How can someone like her take care of Gwendolyn? How can she surpass all the difficulties and prejudice inside her?
Gwendolyn – Are you alright?
Mildred wants to laugh, because Gwen almost died yesterday and still the first thing she asks is if she is okay. The priority to the woman is knowing how she feels, even after all she put her through. A stubborn tear escapes from the nurse’s eyes.
Mildred – Yes. I’m just relieved.
Gwen frowns her brows.
Gwen – Relieved?
Mildred – That you are here…alive.
Gwendolyn smiles openly and again Mildred feels her heart invaded with all of her light. They’re still holding hands and Mildred tries to remember when was the last time she felt this kind of connection with someone. Never. Not even with Edmund, who clearly doesn’t love her as much as she loves him. Or loved? She doesn’t know, it’s all so confusing in her heart now. Looking inside the blonde’s eyes makes her feel at ease, though. She smiles back at the woman in front of her and for some time they’re just like that in silence, diving into each other’s gaze. That, as little as it is, it’s enough. It’s enough to enlighten Mildred’s thoughts. It’s enough for her to know that she will never let anybody hurt Gwendolyn ever again. Even if they don’t work things out, she will protect her. That’s what she most good at: protecting the others. Because she knows how it feels to be defenseless, without anyone by your side. And she won’t let that happen to Gwen. Not under her watch.
Mildred – Well, I need to call the doctor to check on you.
But just when she’s about to stand up, Gwen reaches for her hand and looks at her like a child who wants a candy. Mildred’s heart, indifferent to any gesture or look for so long, melts. The feeling is slow and it limbers up her interior. It’s a new sensation.
Gwendolyn – Stay. – Pouting a little, she proceeds. – Please.
The nurse tries to put a disapproving face on, but as a smile starts to appear in her face, she knows it’s a lost battle.
Mildred – You know, I should really call the doctor. What if anything happens?
Content with her small victory, the Governor’s assessor holds her hand again and smirks.
Gwendolyn – Nothing will happen. And besides, if that occurs, I have the best nurse of this hospital in my room. Could I ask for more?