The Wish Prayer by Gord Stefaniuk
Two sets of footsteps echoed in the long empty corridor. Aidan’s small hand fit comfortably in her dad’s, bolstering her courage. She knew the way. She remembered walking it many times before. The causeway ended with a familiar automatic door that rattled open as they approached. As they entered, Aiden looked around. Two steps in, she paused. Expecting the unmistakable smell of stale antiseptic to assault her, she inhaled. She was relieved. Instead, the air was nondescript. The hospital atrium lay before her, a vast open area three stories tall, topped with a glass ceiling. Memories flooded back at her…assaulting her. Memories of her mother—memories of loss.
“Are you okay?” her dad asked.
She nodded, holding back any tears. “I’m okay,” she swallowed, entering the hospital. She shuffled closely alongside her dad. She wanted so much to be brave—for him. Gently gripping his hand, she looked up and smiled. She would be brave for them both. But how? Looking ahead they navigated into the lobby.
As the rest of the lobby came into view, they slowed to look at an immense artificial Christmas tree. No garland, no lights—red and gold balls hung from too few branches. It looked sparse, industrial, unfinished. Looking down from the second-floor balcony, Aiden saw a young boy. As their eyes met, he smiled and nodded. She nodded back, confused. He was dressed in brown pants, a white shirt, red bow tie and matching red suspenders—he seemed out of time and place. She was about to point him out to her dad. She looked back, ready to say something, but he wasn’t there. Aidan half shook her head and continued to the information desk. She looked back to the balcony one last time, and ran into her dad, He was waiting behind a man and woman, carrying a large bouquet of flowers with a single “Get Well” balloon dancing on a string.
The woman behind the counter announced, “Unit 34, room 6, Take the elevator to the third floor and follow the signs.” The couple started towards the elevators and Aidan and her dad stepped up into the void.
“We’re here to see Connie Wright,” her dad queried the plump woman with over-sized glasses sitting behind the counter.
The woman entered the name into her computer and waited for it to respond. “Unit 23, room 14, second floor. Use the elevator and follow the sign to the desk.”
“Thank you,” responded her dad, “Have a nice day.”
Aiden followed her dad towards the bank of three elevators, joining the couple with the flowers and balloon. The scent of the blossoms, sweet and soothing, gave her hope. She looked back to the lobby, saying good bye to the glass and too-bare tree.
“Aiden,” her dad called, gently touching her shoulder to signal the elevator was there. They slid in beside the couple inside. Aiden turned to face the door and glanced up. The balloon bounced once outside the elevator door then reluctantly was dragged inside.
“Floor?” the man asked pressing three, as the door closed.
“Two please,” answered her dad prompting the man to add floor two.
She felt the floor shudder as they started ascending. She looked up to see the balloon settle flat against the ceiling. There was no music playing—only silence. She felt a small jolt that signaled their arrival and the door slowly opened. She followed her dad out and found herself in a landing that branched to the left, right and straight ahead. She looked for the sign that said Unit 23. She found a sign that said Woman’s Health with an arrow pointing left. Under that was a sign for surgery pointing straight ahead.
“That way”, said her dad pointing to the right. Above a pair of doors in yellow letters it read, Units 23-24. She rushed to the right of the doorway spying a large round green button that said “OPEN”. As she pushed it, the door on the right scissored in-wards, the one on the left, out-wards.
Taking his hand they entered, passing a couple of empty gurneys stored along the wall. Further down was the nursing station. “Connie Wright,” her dad told the young lady frowning at her computer behind the desk. Aiden half hid behind him.
The lady entered the name into her computer then spoke. “Looks like she is about to move rooms, let me check with the charge nurse.” She popped up and left the station heading down the hall.
Aiden looked at her dad who shrugged with a half smile. Looking around, she discovered a bulletin board across from the desk. There was information pinned on various care groups. Next to the weekly cafeteria specials, there was a notice advertising a daily Kids Christmas crafts time.
Her father noticed her looking at the poster as the woman returned. “Connie is to be moved to her new ward. The doctor would like to talk to you after he’s finished,” she said.
“Aiden, why don’t you go, the crafts might be fun. Why don’t I take you down there? Then I’ll talk to the doctor.” He fought to maintain his composure and sighed deeply.
Aiden noticed his discomfort. She would try to be strong for him.
“How about I take her,” the lady offered. “I’m due for my break and I’m going right by the activity room. The doctor is finishing up with Mrs. Wright and will be with you shortly.”
“Pumpkin?” queried her dad.
“I’ll be alright,” Aiden answered in her best brave voice. She followed the lady out of the ward. As the door opened, she looked back to her dad. She thought she saw a tear in his eye.