A knock sounded at the door. Like a starved woodpecker. Like a hestitant Jehovah’s Witness.
I limped to the door. Peeked through the spy hole. I saw two women. Like Jehovah’s Witnesses. But they weren’t carrying satchels. Or, huge purses.
I opened the door. Two brunettes. One about five two. The other five six. One medium. The other smaller. The medium one spoke, “Hi. My name is Nancy. This is my boss Fay. We’re here from Alberta Health. We’re following up on your hospital visit. Can we come in?”
I thought for a second. I could use the company. I had gone from a very busy hospital unit, with frequent visitors, to my empty apartment. I said, “sure”.
I stepped back from the door. Into my tiny galley kitchen.
“The living room is to your left. Please have a seat on the sofa.”
I closed the apartment door. I limped into the living room. I pulled a wooden, folding chair out from its place, tucked under the matching, wooden table. I unfolded the chair. Put it down on the rug. Across from the two women on the sofa.
The one called Nancy said, “The Social Worker from Unit 59 contacted us. Florence said you might like some assistance.”
“What kind of assistance?” I said.
“Help with getting to appointments like your doctor. To the bank. Things like that.” Nancy said.
“Oh. Thanks. Is this going to cost anything? Cause I don’t have a lot of money.”
“No. It’s a free service for patients who need it.”
“Let’s make our first appointment. We’ll go for coffee and you can get out of the apartment. And, you can get to know me better. And, ask any questions you may have at the time.”
“Okay.”
“Are you available at nine thirty, October twenty eighth?”
“I’m available pretty much any time.”
“So, yes. It’s a date.” I wrote the appointment on a wall calendar.
“Do you have any other questions?” Nancy asked.
“Nope.”
“Okay. I will see you on the twenty eighth.”
Nancy and Fay got up from the sofa. Walked to the apartment door.
I followed them to the door. Let them out.
Nancy turned and said, “See you on the twenty eighth.”
“Sure. See you then.” I said.
But I was to hear from Nancy long before the twenty eighth.
