"I missed you, sugarplum," Mary says with a smile as I enter her room. She's hooked up to several monitors and an IV today, and though she is smiling she seems to be more tired than usual.
    "It's good to see you again. I heard you had time with your family," I said quietly, returning her smile.
    "I did, I did," she patted the space next to her on the bed, her eyes lighting up. "My daughter was home for a few days, and my grandson had some friends over. It was a very pleasant time. Latoya said I'd worried you with my absense. I'm sorry to have frightened you, my dear boy."
    I shook my head, patting her hand. "It's fine, Mary. I'm glad you were able to leave the premises and visit them."
    She rested her head on my shoulder and gave a contented sigh. Over the past few months Mary seems to have gone from seeing me as one of her caretakers to taking me in as an unofficial grandson. It's heartening. Moments like these were what I'd been missing since my family turned their back on me. It's been a long time since I had such a familial bond with someone older than me, and even though she isn't my family, just a resident at my workplace, it gives me a welcomed feeling of warmth and a sense home.
    "Why don't you tell me about it?"
    "Dear boy, you are too kind, offering to listen to an old lady," she giggled, her head still pressed against my shoulder. "I'll have to take you up on that offer. You brought this upon yourself, you remember that!"
    I couldn't stop the large grin from forming. Laughing, I replied, "only for you, Mary, only for you."
    She talked about going out for lunch with her daughter, about playing with twin boys with bright red hair and devilish personalities, and about her grandson and one of his best friends. She smiled continuously, prattling on about the puppet show the young boys put on for her and the amazing food her grandson had made.
    "Oh!" She pulled away from me and reached to her side table, pulling a box out from the drawer. "Here, Demian, try one."
    She handed me a crispy, golden-brown chocolate chip cookie. Taking a bite, I felt my shoulders relax. Sweets are absolutely the best for relieving tension, no matter what doctors say.
    "This is very good," I say before taking another bite.
    She nods at me, smiling proudly. "My dear grandson made them special for me yesterday. They're best fresh, but-" she paused, giggling, "-as he pointed out, it's not like there's an oven in my room."
    "You really love your family," I state, feeling a pang of envy in my heart.
    Mary nods, looking towards the ceiling. "I've truly been blessed. The lord gave me a wonderful family. A husband who loved me until the day he died. My daughter who would do anything for her mama, and a grandson who loves his Nanna enough to move to the city, change schools, and finds time to bake me cookies. I truly am blessed."
    "Did I hear you say cookies?"
    Mary and I look up to find Mrs. Hebrum standing in the doorway.
    "Come in, come in, Penelope! My grandson baked them fresh yesterday."
    "He's such a sweet young man," Mrs. Hebrum stated, taking a cookie and settling down in the recliner.
    Mary nodded, "he's always been such a kind boy. Always there for his Nanna." She looked up at me, her eyes slightly hazy with tears. "And now I have you with me here, my precious Demian."
    I feel a lump form in my throat and I nod, looking away to regain my composure. Every time I start to get used to our dynamic, she says something unexpected and moving. I hope with all my heart that she gets better.  
    "You're such a softie," Mrs. Hebrum teased, and Mary stated her agreement.
    "Oh, that reminds me! Penelope, my grandson met up with that handsome young man again. From what I get, he's as sweet as these cookies," she giggled.
    "He should bring him here. We need more sweet men around here, to make up for Mr. Andrews and his vile messes," Mrs. Hebrum joked back, smiling, before getting serious again. "So, he made another friend, has he?"
    Mary shook her head. "He says the other boy isn't keen on friendships. You know what I think."
    Mrs. Hebrum nodded. I just sat there, uncertain if I should even be taking part of this conversation.
    "I think your intuition serves you well," Mrs Hebrum states before looking over at me. "Demian, would you grab us some milk and tea to go along with these cookies? My throat's starting to go dry."
    I'm thankful for the excuse to leave the room and let them have their discussion. After dropping off their requested drinks I make my rounds and meet up with Latoya to help with showing a new hire the ropes. By the time my shift is over, I'm exhausted. I forgot what it's like to train someone new. I haven't been shadowed in almost a year, and this girl clearly has never done a job like this before. I shower as quickly as I can before finally passing out on my bed for the night.