Chapter 5 Sweet, Old Soul

After Aunt Feliza introduced Cherish to all the staff of Himawari Nursing Home at their morning meeting, Cherish is walking behind her Aunt to meet her very first patient. Cherish is feeling a bit nervous, but she's excited at the same time.

"Are you nervous?" her Aunt asked.

"Just a little bit, but I'm looking forward to meet my patients." answered Cherish.

"I understand. But don't worry, you'll get used to everything sooner or later." her Aunt reassures her.

They reached a certain room, and they saw an old woman who was sitting on her bed while looking outside the window.

"She's Grandma Bien, and she has a dementia. She's been in the Nursing Home for more than three years. She's quiet most of the time, but she gets emotional when she remembers her grandson." Aunt Feliza explains the patient's condition.

Both of them all went towards the old woman and greeted her.

"Good morning, Grandma Bien. I would like you to meet Cherish, and she's going to take good care of you starting today." Aunt Feliza started introducing Cherish.

"I'm glad to meet you, Grandma Bien. My name is Cherish, and I will be your friend and companion starting from today." Cherish smilingly pronounced.

Much to their surprise, the old woman suddenly lets out a big smile towards Cherish.

"You are very beautiful, dear. I think my grandson will like you." Grandma Bien suddenly spoke.

Cherish can see the surprised look on her Aunt Feliza's face.

"Grandma, you can still remember your grandson?"

"And why would I forget my beloved grandson? He is my one and only grandson, and I absolutely adore and love him. He is currently 8 years old, and he's a very smart boy." Grandma Bien continued talking.

Cherish then saw the disappointed look on Aunt Feliza's face after they heard the old woman.

"All she can remember is the 8-year old Hiro, and not the adult one. She is confused about the past and the present time..." she sadly stated.

"Now I'm really curious on who is her grandson. Doesn't he visit Grandma Bien often?" Cherish curiously inquired.

"Let me tell you this... Don't get involved with our patient and their family. You will only get hurt in the end." Aunt Feliza gave her an advice, with a serious look on her face.

Cherish wanted to say something more, bit she wasn't able to do so when Grandma Bien suddenly held her hand.

"Can you read me a book, my dear?" the old woman gently asks her.

"Alright, Grandma...What do you want me to read?" Cherish asked softly.

Grandma Bien pointed her finger to the cabinet next to her bed. Cherish was amazed to see Grandma Bien's collection of classic English books.

"Wow, you have lots of books, Grandma. Can I pick from any of them?" Cherish smilingly asks her.

Grandma Bien nodded in response. Cherish quickly picked one book, and she started reading aloud.

The old man started listening to her, while wearing a smile on her face...

===========================

Cherish's shift is finally over. She is now at the locker room, while putting her things inside her bag to get ready to go home.

She can still clearly remember her first encounter with Grandma Bien. She was already reading page 30, until she noticed that the old woman was already fast asleep.

It has been a productive day for her, eventhough it's only her first day at the Nursing Home. She can say that Grandma Bien made a big impression on her. She's looking forward on interacting and taking care of her everyday...

She's still thinking of Grandma Bien's grandson. He's wondering where could he be right now, and why he's not regularly visiting his grandmother, especially that she is suffering from dementia.

After a few moments, Cherish is now making her way out.

"Are you going home, Cherish?"

Cherish was surprised when she heard a woman's voice behind her.

"Yes, but how did you know my name?" she curiously asks the woman.

"Nurse Chief Feliza has been talking so much about you. By the way, I'm Liberty, and welcome aboard Himawari Nursing Home!" Liberty happily welcomed her.

Cherish was touched because she can really feel the warm welcome from Liberty.

"Thank you so much, Liberty. I really appreciate your warm welcome." she sincerely thanks her.

"If you're struggling with something, or if you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out to me." Liberty stated.

"I will. By the way, are you on a nightshift?" Cherish suddenly asked.

"Yes. I prefer doing night shifts because I'm not really a morning person." relayed Liberty.

"I see. I hope this is not too much, but I'm going to ask you a favor." Cherish spoke again, as one idea came into her mind.

"Okay, sure. What is it?" inquired Liberty.

"Well, can you look for Grandma Bien for me? I was the one assigned to take care of her, and I just want to make sure that she's in a good condition during the nightshift." Cherish enunciated.

"Ah, yes... Grandma Bien. She's actually a sweet old soul, but because of dementia, she's really having a hard time." said Liberty.

"You're definitely right. She's such a sweetheart, and it breaks my heart to see her suffering from dementia. I met her for the first time today and she's really amazing." Cherish nodded in agreement.

"You don't have to worry, Cherish. I will give you an update about Grandma Bien during my nightshift. Here's my smartphone, and put your number there." Liberty suggested as she gives her mobile phone towards Cherish.

Cherish readily puts her mobile phone number. Afterwards, she gives the phone back to Liberty.

"There. You can just send me a message and I will save your number." she instructed her new friend.

" Awesome. Alright then, I won't delay you any further. Please be safe on your way home and I'll see you next morning. And if you're up to it, we can grab a morning coffee before you start your morning shift." Liberty chirped in return.