She paused at the approach to Cabin 1-8, one foot resting on the first step. Her days were always rough but today had been more difficult than usual. She lost one of her patients today; of course as a nurse it had happened to her before but it’s something she never got used to.
She took a deep breath and walked up the remaining steps to the front door. She could hear the radio playing “Apple Blossom Time” by the Andrews Sisters. She smiled at the thought of dancing in the living room in his warm embrace.
Before her hand could turn the knob, the door opened. He smiled and drew her into his arms, kissing her deeply. They both knew at some point the doctors would realize he had regained his memory and vision; he would be able to return home but for now they would take whatever comfort they could find in each other’s arms.
He locked the door and they ran upstairs to his bedroom – unhappy thoughts of their own spouses rapidly fading from their minds. All that mattered to them was today and these stolen moments together. Tomorrow would come soon enough.
NAR © 2023
192 words
The Elephant's Trunk 