THIRSTY

Im dying for a drink of water.....if only i could reach that glass. Oh please someone anyone just give me a drink of water. They will be here soon...coming to check on me or whatever they call it. "You ok Ms Jackson"....they dont even give me time to answer...."Good Good now well see you fit for the night so you get a goods night rest". But all i want is a drink of water.

I see them passing by they smile i try to get their attention but i cant....the doctors said ive had a stroke. Ive been lying here for 2 days, dont get me wrong they are nice enough but they cant see me. Ive lost my voice you see and i cant move my arms...i try but they are so heavy. They shout at me i want to tell them im not deaf. But i cant.

Oh no i think im wet. They wont be happy. they left me the call button or buzzer as they call it but i cant use it.

Is this what your life has come to Ruby i think. If only they saw me. Id of knocked spots off them all in my day. I had every man in town wanting to court me. But i never did get as far as the immortal words "I do". Oh yes plenty of offers. But the man who stole my heart never asked me and i swore id never marry. My own stupid fault. Id probably have children coming to visit...theyd give me a drink of water.

My hair it feels dirty it used to be so shiny and glossy it feels drab and dull and its stuck to my head. I want a drink of water tho.

My turn next surely they will see me next. Ooh they are here.

"HELLO MISS JACKSON...YOU OK LOVE". i cant bloody answer. I try to say NO but my mouth dribbles they dont notice.

"Shes wet...well have to change her". the little irish one says to her colleague.

"YOUR WET MS JACKSON" Dont bloody shout i want to scream. Yes i know im wet but i want a drink of water and i want my hair washed and i want you to see me. They roll me from side to side. I feel a cold spray..no warning...on my most intimate areas. Gosh this is so degrading. All the time they chat amongst themselves...apparently the irish one has a hot date tonight. I bet she gets to have a drink..and she will wash her hair. Shes meeting some doctor...James...ooh my goodness thats far too much detail im not deaf.

Phew they have have finished now. They are going....oh no still no water. I feel my desperation turning to anger and the tears well up in my eyes. I cant control them they fall down my face. Then from nowhere a tissue wipes my face. I look up to see who my saviour is. I dont know him he seems kind, another patient perhaps. Then as if he reads my mind..he gives me a drink of water. I suck greedily through the straw. More more i think and then he pours me another. I drink that too. He smiles and wipes my face once more and my chin.

"There there he says....i too know what its like to be thirsty"