The Man in the Next Bed

story by JOHN PALEN

The man in the next bed answers softly. He knows his date of birth, what hospital he is in and why. I hear pneumonia, I hear shakes. The clock says it’s 2 a.m.

The man in the next bed says goodnight to his son, who is going home and will be back in the morning.

Chirp.

I come from the bathroom at 4 a.m. He stands stock still at the foot of his bed. “I've had some diarrhea,” he says, “I'm sorry.” I say I'm sorry. The smell fills the room.

A nurse helps him to the bathroom, helps him take a shower. An aide mops the floor.

She gestures at the floor, says she’s sorry. I say I'm sorry, I was in his way.

Every 12 seconds my IV chirps. Three more drops.

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