Flowers on Wednesday

Nurse Angela stood at the desk it was Wednesday afternoon and that meant Phoebe’s sister would be visiting, she had come every Wednesday and Saturday for the past 6 months. Phoebe’s other friends even her parents didn’t come as often anymore. On Wednesdays though she bought flowers and Angela had the vase ready and waiting for her.

Right on time Paige arrived, it could be quite startling the first time you saw her if you didn’t know that she and Phoebe were identical. Paige called out greetings to nurses and doctors even other patients who were awake. Before reaching the nurse’s station.

“How is she today?” Paige asked Angela.

“She’s not in pain but she isn’t in a good mood, I’m sorry to say.”

Paige looked forlorn. “Oh dear, maybe I can cheer her up. I bought cookies for you and the rest of the team. I couldn’t sleep last night so I baked.”

“That’s kind of you dear, I’ll put them in the staff room. Do you know if your parents are planning to visit soon?”

A shadow passed over Paige’s face. “Um they had to go to Japan for a business trip. Is it very urgent?”

“No dear, Doctor Matthews just wants to discuss moving Phoebe to a long-term care facility.”

Paige’s whole demeanour changed, she seemingly shut down. “I’ll go in and see her now. Do you have a vase please?” She said coolly. Angela handed it to her shocked by the change. “Thank you.”

Paige turned and went into Phoebe’s room.

“You’ve heard then?” Phoebe rasped.

Paige nodded her head, she put the flowers down on the cabinet. She then went to the sink and filled the vase with water. Having done this, she turned back to the flowers, then paused. She turned to the bed and sat on it carefully. She reached out and took Phoebe’s hand and squeezed it.

“I don’t know why you bother, you know I can’t feel it.”

“Sorry, it’s just habit.” Paige murmured.

“Have you seen Oliver?”

“Yes, he came to the flat to see how you were doing.”

Phoebe raised one eyebrow. “Surely he’s not forgotten I’m here.”

Paige closed her eyes and gathered herself together. “No, but I think he finds it hard to see you like this.”

“Oh yes, much better to go to the flat and see the sister who didn’t break.” Tears started to roll down Phoebe face, but her voice was full of bitterness.

Paige was crying too. She grabbed a tissue and dabbed her sisters face gently. “Shall I plait your hair for you?”

Phoebe barely nodded her agreement. Gently Paige moved Phoebe’s bed into a sitting position then she separated her hair into two bunches one either side of her head. She pulled the brush through her hair carefully determined not to cause any tugging. Once the hair was brushed, she French plaited it, starting up near the crown of the head but being careful not to pull it to tight, she didn’t want Phoebe getting a headache or being uncomfortable in any way. When this was done, she went to tend the flowers a bunch of marigolds to cheer up the room and according to the secret language of flowers they promoted positive energy and emotions. Once they were arranged, she placed the vase in Phoebe’s eyeline.

“Day of the dead flowers?”

“Marigolds, for positivity.” Paige replied.

“But also, grief and death.”

Paige bit her lip. “I thought they looked cheerful and you know everything has many meanings.”

“Paige, I don’t want to move to some vegetable hospital.” She paused watching her sister’s reaction, her back was to her but they had always been able to read each other. “It’s time.”

“No. It can’t be.” Paige said shaking her head.

“Come on, everyone but you have forgotten about me already.”

“No, they haven’t.” Paige denied fiercely.

“They have, I’m an inconvenient reminder, of people’s mistakes.” Phoebe declared softly.

“So’s my face.”

“Please Paige, you promised.”

“But how am I supposed to.” She trailed off.

“Just like we discussed.”

“No, how am I supposed to go on without you.” Paige was really crying now.

“Whether I’m in here or not. I won’t be with you anymore.” Phoebe swallowed painfully. “Paige, I hurt. Please.”

Paige grabbed her bag and pulled out a little black case, in it were vials and needles. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

Paige pulled out a vial and filled the needle up, her hands trembling slightly. She repeated this filling up two needles to the maximum amount. Taking several deep breaths, she pulled the covers back revealing Phoebe’s abdomen. She injected her quickly and replaced the covers, she then tidied up the empty vials and needles putting them back in the case. Which went back in her bag. Then she got on the bed and held her sister, stroking her hair and telling her how she loved her. Telling stories of things, they got up to as children, occasionally Phoebe would murmur something but eventually she slipped into sleep. Paige couldn’t let go, she held her sister until she fell asleep, curled up to her, tears in her lashes.

After 2 hours with no sign of Paige leaving Phoebe’s room, Nurse Angela went to check on them. She found the pair asleep together she woke Paige gently before going to check Phoebe, there was no rousing Phoebe she checked her pulse and then alerted the doctor. Paige sat beside Phoebe’s bed silently crying, the DNR was clear, so they could do nothing for her. They allowed Paige to stay by her side until Phoebe slipped away. They bought her drinks and offered her food which she declined. Angela’s heart broke for the young girl, she asked if there was anyone they could call but Paige was determined she would take care of everything herself. When she finally left the hospital, Angela watched her leave. She couldn’t understand the parents not being there for their daughters. She went back to Phoebe’s room and saw the marigolds on the cabinet, as she approached them, she saw water dripping off the flowers like they were weeping for the 2 lost sisters.