TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "DANCE"

Welcome! This week our word prompt is "dance", a little challenging for my story, but I managed to use it. We have another episode of "Unforgettable" this week. Scroll down to return to Tuesday Tales and the other excellent stories. Thanks for coming. 

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“Thanks for coming. This way. We’ll get you outfitted and put you to work.”
   Cary followed along. He remembered snatches of the conversation he overheard. Words like “twelve-hour shifts” and, “wash your hands after every encounter, every touch of anything” and “the mask will prevent you from touching your face.”

 Doctor Snider gave him over to Nurse Carol Crawley.

“What are you treating on this floor?” Cary slipped the scrubs shirt over his head. Carol stared blankly.

“Covid-19. The entire hospital. Nothing but Covid-19.”

Cary’s eyes grew wide. “Good God! There are that many?”

“Don’t you watch the news? Thousands more. In every hospital in the city.”

Cary’s heartbeat spiked. Sweat broke out on his forehead. He put on his scrubs hat and looked for a tissue.

“Here you go,” Carol said, pointing to a box on a stand. “Yeah. The numbers make us all sweat.”

“And you stay well?”

“Didn’t Dr. Snider give you the drill?”

“Wash your hands and don’t touch your face?”

“Yeah. That’s it. Do that, dump your clothes in the wash the second you get home, take a hot shower and you should be okay.”

Cary was assigned to shadow Dr. Snider.

“Just for today. Tomorrow you’ll be ready to be on your own.”

“You sure?”

“You have to be. We’re too shorthanded.”

Dr. Snider returned. “We’re short on ventilators, so we only put the most dire cases on. As soon as you think someone’s recovered enough to breathe on his own, take him off. There will probably be five more people waiting for it.”

Sweat soaked Cary's shirt. “How is it possible to treat everyone?”

“I have no fucking clue. But we’re doing it.” Dr. Snider picked up the chart of the next patient. Next stop, the break room. 

“Bring juice and a snack. You’ll need it to make it to dinner.” Alan grabbed two bottles of apple juice and handed one to Cary.

“Thanks.”

“You need to keep your strength up. Where you from?”

“Pine Grove.” Cary uncapped the beverage.

“Pine Grove? That sounds like someplace out of a soap opera or something.” Alan laughed.

“Yeah. Small town.”

“So you don’t get anything like this there do you?”

“Nothing even remotely close. No. Nothing.”

“Hell, we don’t get anything like this here in New York, either. It’s all new. We’re doing the dance as best we can. The supply shortage is killing us.”

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TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "SQUARE"

Welcome! This week the word prompt is "square." My excerpt is a bit short. I do want to caution that this happens during our pandemic. So if that's too much, I understand. The title of the story is "Unforgettable." Scroll down to return to the fabulous Tuesday Tales stories.

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“I’ve gotta go.” He checked his watch. “I’m supposed to meet Dr. Alan Snider in half an hour.”

“Okay. Go make the world safe.” She rose.

Cary grabbed the bread, kissing his aunt on the cheek and headed for the door. “Thanks, Aunt Sue.”

She pressed a ring sporting two keys into his hand. “Here you go. So you don’t have to ring.”

“Thanks.”

 When he hit the street, he turned right, heading for the subway. His heart pounded. He’d never been in war triage or an epidemic, let alone a pandemic. How was the disease being transmitted? Could he remain safe while treating patients? What kind of equipment did the hospital have? Cary had no idea what to expect. At least he wasn’t in the high-risk group for death. Still, so many questions and very few answers.

 His thoughts turned to Aunt Sue. What the hell was she thinking, being so reckless? What would he do if she got sick? He couldn’t stay home and take care of her. He stepped up to the window to buy a metrocard and ask directions. He shoved a twenty under the bars.

“What train do I take to Empire Hospital. It’s on Hamilton Square.”

“You a doctor? Nurse?”

“Doctor.”

“Oh, okay. From out of town?”

“Yes. Pine Grove, New York.”

“Oh, all right. No charge.” The woman slid a metrocard across to him.

“Thanks.” He smiled.

“No. Thank you, Doc.” She grinned back.

* * * *

At the hospital

Waiting for the elevator, he looked around. All the healthcare workers wore serious masks. He pushed the button for the third floor.

“Can you please page Dr. Snider for me?”

“Sure. And you are?”

“Dr. Cary Metcalf. Here to help.”

“Great. Just a minute.”

Cary wandered around. There were beds in the hallway. Patients wearing masks in the waiting room. Nurses wearing scrubs walked by quickly. Doctors talked to other doctors as they proceeded down the hall. Conversation tossed back and forth between the men and women created a low-level buzz. The air weighed heavy with worry and sickness. 

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Tuesday Tales - Picture Prompt - UNFORGETTABLE

Howdy! Welcome. This week we have a picture prompt. And we can only post 300 words. We have another episode of my pandemic story called, "Unforgettable." Scroll down to return to Tuesday Tales. 

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After he crossed the George Washington Bridge, he eased down Broadway. Few cars. No taxis. An eerie feeling surrounded him. He had no idea what to expect, and Dr. Cary Metcalf did not like surprises.

He couldn’t believe his luck –a parking space right in front of Aunt Sue’s brownstone. There was no elevator so he trudged up the stairs. His aunt threw open the door and spread out her arms.

“So glad you’re here, Cary. Are you hungry?”

Standing in Sue’s doorway, he glanced at the door opposite, now open halfway. An attractive woman with auburn hair smiled. “Welcome. Glad you’re here. Sue refuses to stay home. I hope you can convince her of the danger of going out.”

“I’ll do my best. Dr. Cary Metcalf.” He extended his hand

“Sarah Linden. Sorry. I don’t shake hands anymore. The virus. You get it.”

“Oh, of course, of course. Sorry.”

“I’ve gotta run. Class.”

“Class?”

“I’m a teacher. Back to my computer.”

Cary went inside. The apartment was as neat and tidy as ever. Something smelled wonderful.

“Homemade pea soup with hot dogs. Your favorite?”

“Sure is. Haven’t had that in years.”

“Sit down. Sit down. Tell me all about your life in Pine Grove.” Sue ladled soup into a bowl and set it in front of Cary. The smell tantalized his taste buds.  

“I hear you’re not obeying the governor’s rule of staying home,” he said, between spoonfuls.

“I need exercise. Gotta get to the grocery store. Meet a friend.”

“You’ve got to stay inside.”

“Hmpf.”

“Aunt Sue, if you get sick, you could die.”

“I’ve made it to seventy-five already. I’m goin’ strong.”

Cary shook his head.

“People your age are dying.”

“Okay, okay. You didn’t come here to ride herd on me, did you?” She frowned.

That's it. More next week. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you're well and staying safe. 

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TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT - PINK

Welcome! This week we're writing to the word prompt "pink." I'm interrupting "The Chase" to start a new story. 
Note: if reading about the pandemic is upsetting, do not continue reading this stoy. 
A story of sacrifice, fear, heroism, loss and, ultimately, love. Yes it takes place during the coronavirus pandemic we're living in now. I hope it won't upset anyone to read this. The story came to me and was so compelling, I had to write it. It's aptly named, "Unforgettable." 

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Dr. Cary Metcalf slammed into his house and took the stairs to the bedroom two at a time. He yanked a suitcase from the closet and emptied his top two drawers into it. Throwing the closet door open, he grabbed a handful of jeans and shirts. A hasty folding, then in they went. One more item – his dopp kit from the bathroom. He added that to the mishmash, and, with maximum effort, closed it.

“Good luck, son. Stay healthy.” His father's eyes wetted, his cheeks pinked. 

“Thanks for taking over, Dad. I'll be fine.” He hugged him.  

He locked his front door, dumped the case in the trunk and got in his car. He set his GPS for an address on West 78^th Street in Manhattan, turned the ignition and sped out of his driveway.

His mind took over. Who was he? Simply a country doctor. He treated all sorts of complaints and diseases, but he’d never been part of a rescue team for a pandemic before. At thirty-five years old, he had experience, a wealth of knowledge, and a calm demeanor. But could he stand up to the stress of treating hundreds of patients day-after-day and face death tolls beyond his imagination?

Traffic was light so he pushed the speed limit until he was doing eighty. Sitting back, searching for a comfort zone, he talked to himself.

“You’ll do whatever you have to. Hell, you’ve done ER before. Piece of cake, right?” But his words brought little comfort. He searched his brain for any experience that could come close to the horrific situation in New York City and couldn’t come up with one.

His phone rang. Feeling reckless, he answered.

“Cary?”

“Oh, hi, Aunt Sue.”

“Where are you? When do you plan to arrive?”

“I’m in my car now. ETA according to the GPS is about an hour and a half.”

“Oh, good. I’ve made soup.”

“Great.”

“It’s a wonderful thing you’re doing.”

“Everyone has to do whatever they can, right?”

“Of course. See you soon.”

She clicked off. With no time to arrange for a hotel room and no idea how long he’d be needed,  he’d contacted his widowed aunt. She’s offered the spare room in her apartment and he’d jumped at it.  

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TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "BUM"

How do you like our new logo? Welcome to Tuesday Tales. This week is another episode of "The Chase." Scroll down to return to Tuesday Tales. Thank you for stopping by. 

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Rennie raised the collar of her coat against the winterish wind. Tim offered his arm and she took it. They slipped and slid their way to the subway.

“The ‘C’ train.” He led her to the turnstile.

The station didn’t feel much warmer than the street.

“It’s freezing.” Rennie stomped her feet to keep her circulation going.

Tim checked the digital sign. “Train’ll be here in two minutes.”

“Longest two minutes of my life.”

The car was warmer. They easily found seats.

“Everyone’s off celebrating.” She moaned.

“I promise you one helluva celebration when we find her.”

“Really? Like what?”

“We’ll figure it out then.”

The train pulled into the 42^nd Street station. They climbed the stairs into the freezing cold. The wind whipped down the avenue, forcing Rennie to tighten her scarf. Tim took her hand. Side-by-side they negotiated their way down the icy, slushy sidewalk until they reached their destination.

When Tim held the huge door open, Rennie’s heartbeat quickened. She gripped his arm.

“Do you think she’s here?”

He checked his watch. “Should be. Unless she got through her appointment in fifteen minutes. It’s nine forty-five.”

He hurried to the front desk.

“Magic Modeling?” Rennie asked the doorman.

“Tenth floor.”

They took the first elevator and rode up in silence. Tim took her hand.  When the door opened, they glanced up and down the hall.

“This way,” Rennie tugged on his sleeve and turned right. They stopped in front of a door with “Magic Modeling Agency” painted in big black letters on it. It was locked. Tim pushed the buzzer. When they heard a click, he pushed the door open.

A man sat behind a small receptionist desk. Rennie could hardly breathe.

“Gwen Morgan?”

“Huh?”

Tim frowned. “Gwen Morgan. She had an appointment here at nine thirty. Is she here?”

“Keep your pants on, buddy. You got a bum steer. Her appointment was for nine. She only stayed five minutes to collect her stuff.”

“What stuff?” Rennie cast hopeful eyes at him.

“Her head shots and resumes and shit.”

“Oh. Okay.” Rennie nodded.

“Do you know where she went?”

“Me? How the hell would I know? You have business here? If not, run along. Or I’ll call the cops.”

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TUESDAY TALES - PICTURE PROMPT

Welcome! This week we have a picture prompt. We're only allowed 300 words. I have another episode of "The Chase" this week. Scroll down to return to Tuesday Tales. Thanks for stopping by. 

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In the morning, Rennie woke up with Tim’s arms around her. His rhythmic breathing brought his chest in contact with her back. She closed her eyes and pretended they were lovers.

An hour later, Tim rolled away from her and woke up. He disappeared into the bathroom, giving her time to wake up and throw on clothes. When he came out, he gazed at the floor.

“Sorry about that.”

“About what?”

“Uh, getting too close.”

“No problem. Hungry?”

He nodded. Rennie pulled out eggs and made breakfast. Tim spoke.

“There’s a piece of paper here with an appointment on it.”

“Really?” Rennie raised her eyebrows as she handed him a fork.

“Yep.”

“What kind of appointment?”

“Maybe a modeling agency? Can you look it up?” Tim buttered two pieces of toast and placed one on her plate.

Rennie put down her fork and turned on the laptop. “What’s the address?”

“344 West 38^th Street.”

“Yep. There it is. Way down on the list, but still there. Magic Modeling Agency.”

“Finish up. Let’s go.”

“What time is her appointment?”

“Nine thirty.” Tim checked his watch. “Right about now.”

Rennie wolfed down the rest of her food. Tim looked out the window. “Snow stopped, but the street is a mess.”

“Do you think the subway is running?” Rennie dumped the dishes in the sink.

“I hope so. It’s a long walk from here.”

“Too long. Taxi?”

“I don’t think we can find one.”

“Uber?”

“Subway. Let’s go.”

Rennie put her palm on the window. “It’s cold out.” She opened her closet and rummaged in a box in there. Turning, she tossed a scarf to Tim. “Wear this.”

“Thanks.” He held the door. “Got the letter?”

She smiled and patted her pocket. “Right here.” They hit the snowy streets of Manhattan. 

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TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT - DIRT

Welcome! This week the word prompt is "dirt". We have another episode of "The Chast." Scroll down to return to Tuesday Tales. Thanks for stopping by. 

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When Rennie and Tim finished the first pizza, she wiped her hands, then picked up the address book. She wiped dust and dirt from the cover with a tissue. She opened it. The book was organized alphabetically. She flipped to the tab marked “A”.

Tim refilled their wine glasses while Rennie flipped through the small book.

“There are a lot of names and addresses in here.”

“Maybe we won’t have to contact everyone.”

She raised her eyebrows. “An optimist?”

He shrugged. “Maybe. Let’s start in the morning.? Wanna watch a movie.”

“Sure.”

Tim flipped through channels until he came to “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

“I love this movie! Let’s watch it.” Rennie smiled.

“Okay.” He opened the second pizza and doled out two pieces.

Rennie chowed down, easing a bit closer to Tim. He slipped his arm around her.

When the movie was over, Rennie opened the sofabed. Tim turned out the lights.

“Come, look.” He motioned. She joined him.

Fat snowflakes fell slowly, swaying back and forth in front of her window.

“It’s kinda pretty.” She smiled.

“Tomorrow, we’ll hit the ground running.”

“We have time to find Gwen.”

“Maybe, but if we don’t get started, it'll be too late.” Tim stepped back and closed the curtain.

“To bed.”

“Yep. I’ll sleep on the floor. Do you have an extra blanket?”

“Ridiculous. We can share the bed. It’s a queen. Just stay on your side and I’ll stay on mine.”

She saw a flush steal up his neck.

“It’s just that I don’t know you and I don’t want to presume…”

“Then stay on your side. Come on. I’m tired.” She tugged on his sleeve.

They stripped down to underwear and scooted under the covers quickly.

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” She yawned.

“Glad I met you,” he said. 

“Me, too.”

Silence blanketed the room. Then a soft snore made her giggle. What would happen tomorrow? A shiver of anticipation shot through her.

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