She heard the baby crying. Her eyes fluttered open while her mind fought its way out of the darkness. A slash of light from the hallway intruded on her senses. The baby's crib was just down that hall. It wasn't far. I need to get out of bed, she thought. The crying persisted and was louder now. He's hungry; I need to go nurse him.
Slowly she swung her legs over the side of the brown metal bed. Drenched in sweat, she willed her lethargic body to stand. She was so tired. The cries became louder. On wobbly legs, she managed to make her way to the partially opened door. With quivering arms, she pushed the door open and blinked as the bright hall light assaulted her eyes. She dragged one foot after the other toward the closed door immediately past the portal she had exited.
"I'm coming," she whispered. Her sweet child was hungry, but he knew she would feed him. She increased her momentum and opened the door to the baby's room. "I'm coming, don't cry. I'll feed you." "Get out of here. I'm not your baby." The old lady in the hospital bed pressed the button for the nurse. "What can I do for you?"
"She's here again."
The nurse replied, "I'll be right there."
The nurse reached the room in record time. "I'll take her back to her room. I'm sorry she disturbed you again, Mrs. Jenkins."
"Come on, sweetie. Let's get you back in bed."
"I need to find my baby, he's crying."
"You'll feel better when you get back in bed, and I'll give you your medication."
"But my baby needs me."
"Don't you remember? Your baby is dead."