Prologue
“Breaking news, we interrupt your program to report a devastating scene has been discovered on the junction of 23rd and Maple in Westbrook. Witnesses report gunshots were heard from different locations of the streets, with eight causalities we are still not sure how or who may have caused this destruction. We do have one of our reporters, Kristen on the scene now, Hello Kristen any updates on your side”
“Thank you Kevin, I have spoken to the sergeant who has disclosed that this may be gang related. All eight of the dead victims were part of the well known gang, The Vipers. That is the fifth gun down of this gang, they believe there is a pattern to these crimes. I’ve been told this has been happening for the past two years now around this time, they are unsure as to why but all they know is someone is targeting these gang members. I will report if I have anymore details, back to you Kevin.”
Lowering the volume on the television until it was just noise in the background, the older nurse continued on with her normal rounds of patients. Going through the motions of checking IV bags, emptying out catheters, and updating charts.
Mama G, the affectionate named given to her over the years as an RN, was on her last round before heading over to visit her favorite girl.
Stowing her stethoscope into her pocket, she made her way to the elevator heading to the ICU. Giving a few smiles and waves after getting off, she makes a quick left and enters the silent room.
The slight rise and fall of her chest, the way her hair was neatly haloing her head, and the way her hands were positioned you could have mistaken her for sleeping beauty herself.
Shuffling over to check to see if the doctors had made any notes on her chart, doing a quick glance to see if her IV was full and her catheter emptied. After seeing no update or any changes in her chart, Mama G quietly took a seat close to the sleeping girl.
Grabbing her hand, she quietly told the girl about her day. Giving her every detail, from the moment she woke up for her shift until she came by to visit. She felt if she spoke to the sleeping girl, she wouldn't feel as alone.
Two years since she's been admitted and not one visitor. Only having her ID, a crumpled up receipt from a burger place downtown; there was no way of getting in contact with next of kin, looking high and low through missing's person reports and the yellow pages. She was an enigma.
"There was a news report today, about gang members being killed a few towns away. Apparently its the fifth time that this has happened, a tragedy really. Death is death, no one should feel like they can take what isn't but what do I know, I'm biased as you can tell by my job"
"I had some cookies that Missy brought in for Joe's birthday, also that little boy in room 83 that I was telling you about is going to have surgery next Tuesday. Yeah, Doctor Bishop is taking that poor boys tonsils out."
She continued to ramble until visiting hours soon came to an end, gathering herself up she gave the sleeping girl a quick kiss on the forehead and headed towards the door.
She didn't know if speaking to the girl did her any good or if it was more for her benefit but she kept talking to her, and for the next three years Mama G would visit the sleeping beauty as she healed in her coma.
Before reaching the door she paused, instantly remembering why she had came earlier than the previous times. Turning around she quietly told the girl.
"Happy Birthday, Sweetheart"
