Inside, the lobby smelled like coffee and floor cleaner. A television above the vending machines was playing the morning news with the sound turned low. A man in a gray uniform was mopping the floor near the gift shop. The gift shop wasn’t open yet. Through the glass, I could see rows of teddy bears and balloons that said “GET WELL SOON.”
Grandma didn’t stop at the front desk. She didn’t ask for directions. She didn’t look at any of the signs.
She just walked.
Straight across the lobby. Past the elevators. Down a short hallway. Through a set of double doors with a sign over them that said FAMILY WAITING AREA.
She seemed to know exactly where she was going. Like she’d walked that hallway a thousand times.
The family waiting room was nicer than the main lobby. Soft blue chairs. A little coffee station with real mugs instead of paper cups. A rack of magazines. A big window along the back wall that looked out on a little courtyard with a stone bench and a bare cherry tree, its branches shiny with rain.
Grandma walked over and sat down in a chair right by that window. She set her handbag on the floor and put the yellow envelope on her lap again.
I sat down next to her.
“Grandma, who are we here to see?”
“In a minute, Daniel.”
There were only a few other people in the room. A middle-aged couple holding hands, both looking like they hadn’t slept. A young woman on her phone, whispering. Nobody paid any attention to us.
About five minutes later, a receptionist came over.
She was maybe thirty. Neat dark hair pulled back in a ponytail. Navy blue scrubs. A badge on a lanyard that said “KAYLA — PATIENT SERVICES.” She was holding a tablet.
“Good morning,” she said. “Can I help you?”
Grandma smiled up at her.
“I’m waiting to see someone.”
“Of course. And what’s your name?”
“Evelyn Walker.”
Kayla tapped on her tablet. She frowned a little. She tapped again. Then she checked it again, scrolling slowly with one finger.
“And who are you here to visit, Mrs. Walker?”
Grandma hesitated. Just for a second.
“I believe she’s in Room 214.”
Kayla tapped some more. Her frown got deeper.
“I’m sorry, ma’am,” she said. “You’re not listed as an authorized visitor for that patient.”
“I understand,” Grandma said.
“The family has requested restricted visitation. Only people on the approved list.”
“I understand.”
“And I’m afraid this waiting room is for family members only.” Kayla said it politely, but firmly. “Immediate family of current patients.”
Grandma nodded.
“That’s all right.”
Kayla pointed back toward the double doors. Toward the main lobby.
“You’re welcome to wait in the public seating area over by the elevators.”
I looked out through the doors. The public seating area was a row of hard orange plastic chairs bolted together. Every one of them was full. A young father was sitting at the end, holding a sleeping toddler against his chest. A woman was knitting. Two elderly men were standing beside the coffee machine because there was nowhere left to sit.
Grandma glanced toward them.
Then she looked back up at Kayla.
“Could I stay here just until the rain slows down?” she asked softly. “My knees aren’t what they used to be. I won’t bother anybody.”
Kayla shook her head.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. Rules are rules.”
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.