them because they had a purpose. They worked. If you were a dog, you were herding sheep or something. Any cat that wasn’t doing some serious mouse hunting around the farm wasn’t going to be there for long. They had to earn their keep.”
“So you think that’s Oscar’s job,” I said, “to take care of people?”
Mary shrugged. “Why not? Maybe he’s just more highly evolved than the other cats. Maybe it’s his way of paying the rent.” She checked her watch and smiled at me. “We’re all just guests here, you know.”
At that, the door to the unit opened and a parade of evening staff shuffled through.
Mary got up from her chair. “I’ve got to get the troops together so we can run our list. Are you sticking around?”
I shrugged.
“Please do. There’s one more patient I’d like you to see before you go. Our sign-out should just take a minute.”
A few moments later Mary was standing with her back to the door, addressing the afternoon charge nurse and four aides about the day’s events. This was her daily change-of-shift meeting, when she would advise the incoming staff on what to look out for and which residents might need special attention. I took my place by one of the aides and tried to be unobtrusive as I listened in on the conversation.
“Over on the west side,” Mary said, “there are a few things going on. In 312, Mrs. Carey seems to be—”
As Mary continued with her report, I began to daydream. Farther down the hall a handful of residents sat watching TV. This time of day it was probably one of the soap operas they seemed to enjoy. All that drama and nothing ever seemed to change. Behind them, I noticed the silhouette of a cat perched on the windowsill staring intently at the world outside. It appeared that Oscar was off the clock and had found a favorable place to while away the day. It seemed like there would be no deaths on the third floor today.
Mary’s voice brought me out of my reverie.
“Dr. Dosa, you might want to hear about Mr. Grant. He’s the resident I want you to see.”
I turned my attention back to the group and Mary continued her report. “Mr. Grant has a pressure sore developing again. We’re changing the dressings twice a day and it looks fairly clean. Just make sure that we turn him often. He’s completely bedbound now so we really need to be careful that the ulcer doesn’t get worse.”
To me she added, “I need to change the dressing before I leave. Why don’t you take a look with me in case there is something else you’d like us to do?”
I nodded as Mary wrapped things up. “Finally, there’s Ruth Rubenstein. She’s really rebounded over the last few weeks. She’s walking again and her weight is back up. As you know, her confusion is finally gone and physical therapy has been working with her. By the way, Frank just got here and he’s requested some privacy. Please keep her roommate in the dining area, out of respect. I think today is their anniversary or something and he wants to be alone with her.”
When Mary mentioned the request for privacy, a few of the aides exchanged knowing looks. Requests for privacy between patients and spouses are not uncommon; still, sometimes the people who work here can act like schoolkids. Mary cast a cold eye on the smirkers and order was restored.
As the group broke up I followed Mary back to her office. “Now, why is the idea of the Rubensteins wanting privacy so funny to them?” she asked. “They’re a married couple. Just because she lives here doesn’t mean that they don’t have needs.”
Mary raised her head. “You know, one of the other male residents has been spending a lot of time in the room with Ruth lately. The thing is, she doesn’t seem to mind his attention.”
“Frank won’t be happy,” I said in a hushed voice.
“I suppose we’ll have to tell him eventually.”
“Please make sure I’m on vacation when you do,” I said. I’m not sure I was joking.
Mary shrugged. “I’ve got to get out of here, so let’s take a look at that pressure ulcer.”
We left her office and headed down the hall toward Mr. Grant’s room. Suddenly there was a scream and Ruth Rubenstein charged out of her room. The look on her face was one of pure terror and she ran past us without stopping.
A moment later Frank followed