Doris Flanders was seated at the front desk. She was one of the facility's administrators. The fact that she was here and manning the main desk likely meant that either a resident had recently passed on and she was awaiting the arrival of a new client or that one of the current residents was close to passing on and she was there to see everything was handled properly when nature took its course.
"Hello Doris," Julie said as she neared the desk.
"Ms. Murphy. It's a pleasure to see you," the woman said, rising up from behind the desk. She wore the same plaid skirt as the caregivers, but her blouse was a deep red.
Julie winced. Even after all this time she couldn't get used to hearing the fake last name. She thought the entire use of fake names was unnecessary and, frankly, quite foolish. However, she nonetheless followed Cameron's rules and the identification in her purse would back that up.
"Julie, please."
"Of course, Julie. Forgive me."
She smiled at the woman. She knew that Doris was aware that she preferred to be addressed by her first name, but the woman would never dream of doing so without first being given permission each visit. It simply would not be proper.
"A little quiet." Julie was certain that Doris understood her unspoken question, but she was also aware that there was no way that she would answer it honestly. Doris Flanders was no gossip, especially when it came to the health of her clients.
"Yes. It seems that many of our residents are off to a slow start this morning. Allow me to check with Sarah and inquire on Mr. Kimball. You are a bit early." This time it was Doris who was questioning.
Julie nodded. "Yes. I managed to free up some extra time. I hope that won't be an inconvenience."
"Not at all," Doris said quickly. Whether it actually was or wasn't, Doris nor any of the staff would ever say so. For what was charged for each resident, very little would ever be classified as an inconvenience. She picked up her phone and tapped in a series of numbers and then replaced the phone in the cradle. A moment later the phone rang.
"Sarah, Ms. Murphy is here to see Mr. Kimball." Doris listened, her smile never wavering. "Very good," she said as she again returned the phone to its appropriate place.
"She says they will be down in just a few minutes, if that is acceptable."
Julie knew Doris was asking if she wanted to go up to Jason's room. They never would forbid such a thing, but she knew it made the rest of the staff uncomfortable. Patient confidentiality was huge in a place like this. She was already making them uncomfortable with her early visit. This was not a place that encouraged the 'pop-in' visit.
"That would be lovely," Julie said. "I'll get out of your hair and just wait by the entrance."
Doris gave her a soft laugh and waved a finger at her as if dismissing the thought that Julie's arrival was anything other then an unexpected joy. She moved off toward the front before Doris could voice those very sentiments.
A few minutes later she heard the soft ding of the lift that was situated just beyond Doris' desk and around the corner came Sarah Mathews, Jason's caregiver. She was tall and thin, with her brown hair pulled back in a tight bun. The word spinster always sprang to mind, though Julie hated that it did. The woman was only a few years older than her and from the interaction they had had over the years she knew Sarah was a sweet and caring woman. She was pushing him in a wheelchair. Julie moved quickly toward them, her eyes flickering from Jason to the wheelchair and then to Sarah.
Sarah answered her with a sad smile.
"Worse?" Julie asked.
"You know how it is. Some days are better than others. He's been very stiff. I didn't want to tax him this morning. I had intended to take him for a little walk," she said patting the collapsable walker attached to the back of the wheelchair. "See if we couldn't work out some of that stiffness. I think part of it may be the weather lately."
Julie nodded. She knelt down in front of the wheelchair and looked at the man before her. As happened every time, she fought not to cry. He was so different then he'd once been and guilt ate at her. His grey eyes turned to look vacantly at her. She waited, hoping. He blinked a few times as he focused on her face. Her patience was rewarded. The corners of his eyes crinkled and a slip of a smile appeared on his lips. She reached out and stroked his cheek. He covered her hand with his.
"Hello Jason. It's Julie."
She was again rewarded with a subtle nod and this time she couldn't hold it in check and a tear rolled down from her right eye. She moved her hand up higher and ran her fingers through his grey streaked brown hair.
"Almost time for a haircut, eh?"
Again, another gentle nod.