Saving a Life
Her arthritis shot lightning bolts of pain up her back, along her arm, and into the joints of her withered hand. But she was glad to be out of the house, serving her community, and doing a good deed. The Blood Bank made it clear that Volunteers were one of their greatest assets, after the collected blood. Today, Eugeena Wellesley would put her idle time to good use and help save a life.
"Your name," she said and placed her pen to the blank form on the table.
"Williams. Gregory." He nodded and smiled at the old woman. How was she even able to see the questions on that survey? She had to be about eighty-five if not ninety.
"Now Mr. Williams," she paused to maintain her composure and to recall each step of the script. It was essential to abide by the Blood Bank survey protocol with all Donors. "I am going to ask you a series of questions. Oh my." Another pause for breath. "What does this mean?"
Gregory leaned in close to her left ear and in a flat tone said, "Several things have changed for me since I last gave blood."
She looked up, and into his eyes. Her mouth opened as if to ask what things might have changed. But that would break the script.
"You might as well just mark every one of those 'Yes' and we can move on," he sat back with a closed smile.
Her mouth drooped a bit wider. "Are you sure?"
Her eyes slid right toward the line of waiting Donors, then slid far left to the Supervisor on duty. They rolled back along their wide arc with slow precision and locked with Mr. Gregory Williams's eyes.
He brightened with joy, slapped his knee, and roared with laughter. "I am just teasing you! Oh, oh my you should have seen your face!" He scooted to the edge of his chair, leaned forward, and gave her a warm hug.
THE END