Oh, sorry if we woke you up, Rachel said. They’re just talking about how much friendlier you are now. Well of course, how could I not be happy when I have Rachel here, treating me like family, Mr. Hamilton said with a grin.
See, even Mr. Hamilton thinks you’re amazing, Emily teased. Rachel smiled and turned to Mr. Hamilton. You know what? It’s not just me who changed you.
You changed me too. I’ll treasure your advice my whole life, Mr. Hamilton. Thank you, Rachel said.
Overcome with emotion, she couldn’t hold back her tears. She truly felt an unbreakable bond between them, more than just nurse and patient, something akin to real family. One midday, Rachel and Emily were in the cafeteria, happily chatting about their jobs and all the funny moments they’d had in the hospital.
You know, Rachel, if I weren’t a nurse, I might have become an actress. There’s so much drama in this hospital, it’s like a soap opera, Emily joked, biting into her sandwich. It’s true, Rachel said, laughing, but even with all the drama, I still find it rewarding to be a nurse.
As they spoke, Tiffany suddenly appeared, wearing a mocking grin. She took a seat across from Rachel and stared her down, making Rachel feel a little uneasy. You look really happy these days, Rachel.
Tell me, how did you manage to charm Mr. Hamilton so quickly? Tiffany asked. Tiffany, if you’re here to stir trouble, you should probably leave. Don’t ruin the good mood, Emily warned her, but Tiffany only smirked, eyes taunting.
Relax, I’m just asking how Rachel managed to accomplish that so fast, Tiffany said. What exactly do you mean? Rachel asked. Don’t play innocent, you know what I’m suggesting, Tiffany retorted.
Tiffany, if you have something to say, say it plainly, Rachel replied, refusing to let Tiffany intimidate her. I was just thinking maybe you did something special to get Mr. Hamilton to soften up so fast, Tiffany said, with a suggestive edge. It felt like the air in the cafeteria went cold.
Rachel stood abruptly, but before she could respond, Emily exploded in anger first. You are disgusting, Tiffany. Your name is Tiffany, but you act more like the devil himself.
You dare imply Rachel slept her way to Mr. Hamilton’s good side? Emily shouted. Tiffany just gave a sly laugh. All I’m saying is it’s weird.
One day the old man is as mean as can be, and the next, he’s so obedient to Rachel, it’s suspicious. Rachel struggled not to be consumed by rage at Tiffany’s accusation. She took a slow breath, meeting Tiffany’s gaze with her own steely stare.
I don’t need to justify myself to you, Tiffany. All I know is that I’ve been doing my job properly, and I don’t need any dirty tricks to earn a patient’s trust. You were assigned to Mr. Hamilton before, but not once did you bother to understand what he truly needed, Rachel said firmly.
Whatever, Tiffany muttered before turning and walking away. Rachel took several gulps of water to calm herself. She never expected Tiffany to stoop that low.
She knew Tiffany disliked her, but to spread vicious rumors was beyond belief. Oh, Rachel, don’t let her get to you. She’ll never be happy for your success, Emily reminded her.
You’re right, Emily. I won’t stoop to her level. The people who really matter know the truth, Rachel replied, taking a deep breath as she settled back into her seat.
No way would she let Tiffany’s words destroy her day. She had more important things to focus on than her co-worker’s malice. Early the next morning, Rachel headed into Mr. Hamilton’s room, tray of medications in hand.
The old man was already awake, sitting up and gazing out the window as though lost in thought. Good morning, Mr. Hamilton, she greeted cheerfully, placing the tray on the small bedside table. He glanced her way and gave a slight smile.
Oh, you’re here, Rachel, he said. Rachel carefully handed him his morning pills, which he swallowed without hesitation. Then he leaned back in bed.
Rachel, could you get my wallet from the drawer? Mr. Hamilton asked, pointing to the small nightstand. She did so without question, opening the drawer to find a black leather wallet. She handed it to him, and he opened it, eyes fixed on something inside.
A moment later, he carefully removed an old photograph. This, this is my daughter who passed away, Mr. Hamilton murmured, showing the picture to Rachel. She saw a little girl with a round face and big eyes.
Though the photo was faded, the girl’s happiness was evident. Your daughter was beautiful, Mr. Hamilton, Rachel said softly, full of sincerity. He sighed.
I regret never getting enough time with her, he said. Pain filled his voice. Rachel couldn’t imagine what it was like to lose a child.
I hope that when I finally go, I’ll see her again in heaven, Mr. Hamilton added, his voice shaking with sadness. Rachel immediately shook her head and took his hand firmly. Mr. Hamilton, you’ve still got time.
Please don’t lose hope. Sometimes miracles happen even when we think something is impossible. God can still work wonders, she said, hoping to lift his spirits.
He fell silent for a moment, then smiled a bit sadly. Thank you, Rachel, but I accept that my time is near. I’m old and tired, and I’m not scared to die anymore.
Still, there’s one last favor I’d like to ask of you before I go. Please don’t talk like that, sir, Rachel pleaded. He looked at her gently.
I won’t fool myself, Rachel, I can feel it. Any day now I might go. So I hope you can grant me one last request, he said.
She paused, seeing how serious he was. She decided to ask him what he meant. What is it, sir? She said, voice trembling slightly.
For one day, will you pretend to be my daughter? I just want to experience what it’s like to be a father again before I go. And if I could have a daughter, I’d choose you, Mr. Hamilton said, tears welling in his eyes. Rachel’s eyes widened in shock, momentarily unable to speak.
I’ll pay you a large amount, Rachel. I know you need money for your family, and for yourself, he added. She shook her head immediately.
No, Mr. Hamilton, there’s no need for payment. A daughter’s love isn’t bought. Even if we’re not related, there doesn’t have to be a price on my calling you dad if that makes you happy, Rachel answered.
Mr. Hamilton stared at her, speechless. Slowly, his expression shifted from sorrow to deep gratitude. His hands trembled as he put his daughter’s photo back in his wallet and wiped away the tears streaming down his face.
Even though he said nothing, Rachel felt his overwhelming thankfulness. The next day, Rachel visited the office of one of the hospital’s senior doctors, Dr. Roberts, a kindly older physician who held a high position. She told him Mr. Hamilton wanted to be discharged just for a day, his final wish before passing away.
Doc, just one day. I want to take Mr. Hamilton out so he can go somewhere meaningful. I promise we’ll be back before nightfall, Rachel pleaded.
Rachel, you know we don’t normally allow patients in his condition to go out, especially someone as frail as Mr. Hamilton. It could be dangerous if he gets overtired, Dr. Roberts replied. Rachel understood that but she also knew Mr. Hamilton’s wish was more important now.
Doc, we’ll have a driver with us and I’ll personally make sure he won’t overexert himself. Please, just for one day, she insisted. Dr. Roberts studied her in silence, then sighed.
If it were any other nurse asking, I might say no. But alright, I’ll allow it. Rachel’s face lit up.
She thanked Dr. Roberts profusely before leaving his office. When Rachel told Mr. Hamilton that he’d been cleared to leave the hospital for a day, he was ecstatic. He dressed in comfortable clothes and outside the hospital waited one of his SUVs.