As we age, life may take us in mysterious directions, which may be difficult to understand.

 

Drifting into the unknown can be a frightening experience. Looking back, what happened may not be what it seemed . . .

 

 

The Other Night

 

“What are you thinking?” Andrea whispered.

“Nothing much,” Melissa replied.

“It’s got to be something. You seem deep in thought.”

“I’m not ready to share it. I’m not sure you’d understand.”

“Oh, come on, we’ve been friends for years. You can tell me anything.”

“Anything?”

“Yes, anything.”

“Well, brace yourself. This will make your head spin.”

“All right, I’m ready.”

“I had a dream the other night. At least I thought it was a dream.”

“You don’t know?”

Melissa paused. “No, I don’t.”

“How can that be?”

“I got ready for bed—put on those pretty red pajamas you gave me as a gift last year for my birthday. When my head hit the pillow, I was gone.”

“Gone—asleep you mean?” Andrea asked.

“No, gone, “Melissa responded, with emphasis.

“That doesn’t make sense,” Andrea said, now more than a bit confused.

 

Melissa sat staring off into space.

Andrea looked at her and muttered, “Didn’t you hear me?”

“Hear you? What did you say?” Melissa asked.

“Why are you looking at me like that? You’re scaring me,” Andrea moaned. 

“I’m gone,” Melissa murmured.

“I don’t know what you’re doing Melissa, but this isn’t funny.”

“I don’t care. I’m not here.”

“God, you can be cruel sometimes, Melissa.”

“Who are you?”

“This has got to stop,” Andrea shrieked.

 

“Hello, Silly. Where have you been?” Melissa queried.

“Melissa, I’m not laughing and this isn’t silly. So stop doing this,” Andrea shouted.

“Well, Silly, I’ve missed you.”

“Cut this out or I’m leaving, Melissa.”

“You were on a trip. Where did you go?”

“I didn’t go anywhere, but I will be going if you don’t stop this farcical behavior.”

“That sounds great!”

“You want me to leave, Melissa?” Andrea asked, befuddled at what was occurring.

“When did you get back, Silly?" she asked.

Andrea shouted, “I didn’t get back. I never left. If your crazy behavior doesn’t stop, I’m out of here. Do you hear me?”

“The ‘other night.’ How nice.”

“Not ‘the other night.’ I’m out of here tonight,” Andrea yelled.

“You have to leave so soon, Silly? I’ve enjoyed seeing you,” Melissa chanted.

“I wish I could say the same,” Andrea said, angrily, as she left the room in the memory care unit of the Driftwood Pines Assisted Living Community.

 

She walked toward the door at the end of the hallway and reached for the knob. She turned it, but the door remained closed. Frustrated, she pulled it toward her, stamped her feet up and down, and screamed, “Sh . . . !”

 

Brian, the Nursing Care Assistant, put his hand on her shoulder. “Come with me Andrea. I’ll take you back to your room.” After making her comfortable, he left, mumbling, “Same thing happened ‘the other night.’ Might need to lock her door from the inside.” As the door closed behind him, the posted name plate read, “Room 103: Andrea Silly.”

 

 

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