Walking inside, Rachel saw three children sleeping in the living room. Emily’s younger siblings, sound asleep on a thin mattress. Come on, you can sleep in my room, Emily said, gesturing for Rachel to follow.
Rachel sighed in relief and nodded. Once inside Emily’s small room, they placed Rachel’s belongings in a corner. A single electric fan provided the only breeze.
Have you eaten? Emily asked. Yes, I ate at the hospital, Rachel replied. Are you sure? I think we’ve got some bread in the kitchen, Emily insisted.
No, I’m fine. Really, I’m still full, Rachel said, shaking her head. Emily nodded, then sat on her bed, urging Rachel to sit down.
Okay, then you should get some sleep. I know you’re tired, Emily said softly. At that point, Rachel couldn’t hold back anymore.
All her emotions poured out. Her struggles as a breadwinner, her fear of having nowhere to stay, her loneliness in New York City. She pressed her hands to her face, trying to stifle her sobs.
Emily, I’m so tired, it feels like problems just keep piling up, Rachel whispered through tears. Emily stayed quiet and let Rachel release the weight in her heart. I know it’s hard, but you’re not alone, Rachel.
I’m here and so is my family. We won’t abandon you, Emily murmured comfortingly. In that moment, Rachel found a small sense of peace.
In the midst of all her hardships, having a loyal friend was a precious gift. From that night on, she temporarily stayed with Emily’s family. Though Rachel missed having her own place, the warmth and care Emily’s family showed made the transition easier.
There was no trouble at all, as Emily’s family already knew Rachel well. Emily’s dad, Mr. Larry, always greeted her with a smile, and often asked if she’d eaten. Emily’s mom, Mrs. Linda, despite being busy with a little convenience store, always made sure Rachel had breakfast.
Even Emily’s three younger siblings were fond of Rachel, especially the youngest, Benny, who often showed off his cute antics to her. Rachel and Emily had only been friends for two years, but Rachel felt like they’d known each other forever. They first met when they were both new nurses, assigned to the same ward.
Rachel still recalled how overwhelmed she’d been on her first day, barely knowing what to do in the flurry of tasks. Emily had noticed and immediately offered help. Emily’s cheerful personality made Rachel feel at ease right away.
Over the following days, they began sharing breaks, going out to buy cheap meals during their shift, and commuting home together whenever their schedules aligned. Aside from the grueling workload, Rachel also dealt with difficult co-workers, some even harder to handle than patients, like Tiffany. Tiffany was another nurse, but she was arrogant and liked to flaunt power because her aunt happened to be the head nurse of their department.
Because of that, Tiffany acted as if she had a special status in the hospital, a status she used to make others, especially Rachel, feel inferior. One night, as soon as Rachel entered the nurses’ station, Tiffany greeted her with a sneer, like she’d been waiting for her arrival. Oh, you’re finally here.
I thought you quit or something, given that you haven’t paid your rent in months. Don’t be shocked, I know about it. This hospital is a hotbed for gossip.
Poor you, Rachel, Tiffany said mockingly. Rachel paused from picking up the logbook, aware that other nurses were watching but unwilling to intervene. She tightened her grip on her pen and pretended not to hear Tiffany’s remark.
Tiffany, could you hand me the chart for the patient in room 208, she asked calmly. Wow, you’re giving me orders. Maybe you’ve forgotten we’re not on the same level, Tiffany snapped.
Fine, I’ll get it myself, Rachel said, deciding not to argue. She was used to Tiffany’s behavior by now. Tiffany’s animosity toward Rachel had started when a male nurse pursued Rachel.
Rachel had no idea Tiffany liked him, and since Rachel wasn’t interested in a relationship, she’d turned him down. Even though nothing had ever transpired between them, Tiffany remained bitter about it. Rachel then devoted herself to her rounds, checking in on patients.
She was used to exhaustion and lack of sleep. While noting a patient’s vital signs, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she saw Emily.
Rach, is it true Tiffany gave you an attitude again? Emily asked quietly, sounding concerned. Yes, but it’s nothing new, Rachel replied, not bothering to elaborate. She’s so unpleasant.
Obviously she’s bitter because Patrick showed an interest in you and not her, Emily said, rolling her eyes. Rachel was about to respond when a sharp voice interrupted them. What are you two whispering about, Emily? You calling me bitter? Tiffany’s voice rang out.
Rachel and Emily turned to see her standing behind them. Arms crossed, eyebrow arched, waiting for an explanation. Emily smirked instead of shrinking back.
Oh, Tiffany, I’m sorry, we didn’t notice you. Maybe you want to run to your aunt and tell on us? Emily teased, eyes gleaming. Rachel saw Tiffany’s eyes narrow with rage.
Don’t think I can’t have you both fired, Tiffany spat. As long as we’re doing our jobs right, we’re safe, Tiffany, Rachel said quietly. Tiffany visibly trembled with anger, but they didn’t give her the chance to retaliate.
They walked away, leaving her seething. The next morning, Rachel and Emily had just clocked out from their night shift and were alone in the locker room. Rachel was preparing to head home, the soft whir of the fan’s the only sound.