Stranger

The word hospital comes from the Latin word hospes meaning guest or stranger. Patient comes from pator, another Latin word meaning suffer. It makes sense that by placing the two words together the result describes a place where strangers that are suffering go for care. Logically, it was precisely where Remi belonged. He had been in town for less than an hour, so he qualified as a stranger, and he was suffering. It was a pain that started in the depths of his soul and radiated through every cell of his body. Maybe, possibly, hopefully, he could find relief in this place of healing.

The unpleasant scents of cleaning solutions co-mingling with body odors and alcohol wipes assailed his sinuses as soon as he walked into the lobby. Every chair, gurney, and bench were occupied by someone bemoaning an ailment or two. This is not what Remi was hoping to find. Unfortunately, it was his only option. He walked to the reception desk where he was handed multiple forms and a tag with a number printed on it. The frazzled looking receptionist pointed to the opposite wall and told him to listen for his number. No other conversation was offered.

Remmie placed the papers against the wall and attempted to fill in the blanks. The only question he was able to answer was his name. Address, occupation, and insurance provider were all left blank because he had no information to fill them with. For the next hour he stood against the wall listening for his number to be called. While he waited, the pain continued to fester. Remi scanned the lobby in search of a place to sit and more importantly a sympathetic face. He found neither one.

The large analog clock mounted high over the receptionist’s desk struck midnight. No one’s number had been called since Remi had arrived, so he walked to reception to check on his status. A different woman now occupied the desk and asked to see his paperwork. She scanned the mostly blank forms, shook her head, and told him that unless he completed the forms he would not be seen. Anger flashed through him with the speed of a lightning bolt and controlling it became almost impossible. Before unleashing his dark side on everyone in the hospital, he silently turned and walked outside.

The full moon cast a muted light across the driveway that led to the emergency entrance. Remi stood in the shadows watching as two medics unloaded their injured passenger from a parked ambulance. The girl on the gurney looked to be no older than twelve. She had tubes poking out of both arms and various machines attached to her torso which were steadily beeping out her vital signs to the attendants. Judging by the somber expressions on the medics’ faces, her prognosis was dire. The ER doctor joined the attendants, gave the girl a quick exam and stated that the best they could do for her was to keep her comfortable until the inevitable happened.

Once again Remi's anger flared to the boiling point. She was the definition of the word patient, a stranger who is suffering and in need of care. As much as his own condition needed attention, the inner anguish for this unfortunate child was stronger. He kept his distance as the staff wheeled her into an unoccupied room, re-attached her monitors and left. It was decision time.

Although Remi lacked the ability to cure himself, he could cure the girl. Unfortunately, his cure came with side effects that needed to be considered. Vampire blood contains unique properties that cause the body to regenerate from its injuries. Unlike what is shown in the movies or described in books, there is no neck biting involved. Several drops of his blood placed on her lips is all that is needed. The side effects last for eternity. She will continue to mature until her twenty-first birthday then aging will abruptly stop. People will shun her as they notice her lack of aging and she will be forced to continually move from place to place. The worst effect will be the constant hunger for blood. It is controllable, but never goes away.

The sound of voices is getting closer. A decision must be made now. Keep her in this life or let the afterlife have her. What would you do?