A Nurse's Loss

      "The end," Nurse Archy said. He closed the book and asked. "Did you like the story, princess?" Eight-year-old Manni nodded her head. The child looked like she was lost in thought. Her eyes were twinkling. And for a moment, Archy forgot everything. He forgot that they were in a hospital, that this child was very sick, that he was just a nurse who didn't have the power to heal her. "Why were the prince and princess so happy in the end?" Manni asked. "Because they were in love and together." "Will I have a happily ever after ending too?" Archy gazed at the child's eyes. They were burning with curiosity. He didn't have the strength to invent a lie for her or to shatter her dreams with the truth. He got up, kissed her on the hospital bed and whispered good night.

      He gently closed the door and found himself face to face with Manni's parents. They both looked tired. Archy wanted to comfort them with words he didn't have. The three of them stood there in silence. All of them sharing a love for the young girl inside the room. Finally, Manni's dad spoke up saying, "Manni speaks very fondly of you. She says you're a wonderful nurse." "She's one of my best patients. I have no trouble with her." Archy replied. "Are you going to be here tomorrow? I know she would like you to be there. It would lessen her fear." Tomorrow the doctors would examine Manni to find out if she's in need of a heart operation. "No. I'm sorry. It's not my shift." "Oh, I see. We'll just tell Manni that." "Please do that for me." Then, Archy bid them goodbye.

      Archy went home with a heavy heart. Even as he prepared himself for bed, he couldn't stop thinking about what Manni's parents told him. Manni needed him. And so, this was his last thought before drifting of to sleep.

      He woke the next day. He went down to eat. But he just sat there, motionless. He waited and waited until he couldn't bear it anymore. He went upstairs, quickly changed his clothes and went to the hospital.

      Archy met the chief nurse, Carol. She asked him, "What are you doing here? It's not your duty." "I know, but I want to be here for Manni. She needs me." Archy replied. Her eyes told him that she understands his sentiments. She squeezed his arm and let him pass. He ran towards Manni's room. Just as he was closing the door behind him, he heard the doctor say, "I'm sorry. Her heart is very weak. She needs a transplant." Manni's mother started to sob. Her husband took her in his arms and embraced her. Archy felt his body has gone cold. He saw Manni lying on her bed, eyes closed. He quietly approached her. She opened her eyes, looked at him and smiled. "I'm sorry I'm late, princess." "It's okay. It wasn't as scary as I thought." Archy gathered her in his arms and hugged her tightly. He fought back the tears. He must not show his fear for the life of this girl. He needed to be strong for Manni.

      Later, he found out that the family would be leaving for America a week from today. The parents decided to have the transplant there. After that, Archy devoted his time to Manni. He attended to her needs. He made her laugh and told her stories. He realized that only Manni's smile could lighten his burden.

      The day of Manni's departure finally came. Archy didn't come to the hospital. He didn't have the courage to say goodbye. He prayed all day. He prayed that Manni will come back, strong and happy.

      Weeks passed. There was no news from them. Until one day, a letter arrived for Archy. It was from Manni's parents. With trembling fingers, he opened the letter. All he remembered reading were the words, "She didn't make it." He felt as if he couldn't breathe. He reached for the envelope and found another paper. It was note written by Manni two days before her operation. It said:

      Nurse Archy,

      I was a little disappointed that you didn't say goodbye. But I understand that you also have other patients. I hope you shower them with the same love, care and attention you have showered me with. You know, this is a strange, sad place. I want to go back. I want to thank you personally. But , Mommy said that I need to stay here for a while so I could live there happily ever after. I'll be seeing you soon!

                                                            Your princess,
                                                            Manni

      It was the sweetest thing. Archy reached his limits. He did the only thing he could do. He broke down and cried.

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