Time's up

I am leaning over a patient listening to their chest when I become aware of a presence. I straighten up. Sister Nene is standing behind me. She is looking even more serious than normal.

“Doctor. I saw the rota for the high care doctor for next month today.”

“Mmm?” I reply in as casual manner as possible.

“And I looked up, and I looked down but I did not see you name.”

“No.”

“And then I looked at the other wards and I did not see your name anywhere.”

“No.” I look at my feet guiltily.

“Where are you going?”

I cannot look her in the eye. “I am leaving Sister Nene.”

She says nothing but shakes her head sorrowfully. I feel like I have disappointed some aunt. A severe aunt of whom I live in fear but nurture a secret craving for her approval. She studies me silently.

“I was allowed out of my job in the UK for 1 year but I must return.”

She says nothing.

“I might come back one day.”

Sister Perumal joins her. “Ahh – they all say that. Don’t they Sister Nene?”

Sister Nene nods.

“But they don’t come back, do they Sister?” Sister Perumal continues.

Sister Nene shakes her head and looks severe.

I slink out of the ward.