Page 8 (1/2)

1

Addison Winston

Harlem, New York 2017

“I just don’t understand why you have to work there, Addison You graduated at the top of your class in nursing school You could have gone to work for any of the hospital’s here in the city Why you chose…”

I roll o on and on about how she doesn’t want ent care clinic here in Harlem I know she means well, but she doesn’t understand what it’s like for some of the people in this part of the city My parents coo without the basics, like food and water, or being cared for by an honest doctor that can get them the medication they so desperately need and normally wouldn’t be able to afford My mother hoped that once I had finished one to work somewhere safer I told her over and over that wasn’t what I wanted, but she blissfully ignored me and hoped for the best

You see, when I was a little girl growing up on the Upper East Side, I was very fortunate to have what I did, and I knew this froe I didn’t understand why so many people had to suffer on the streets while I lived a life of luxury As I got older, I began to understand the cruelties of the world, andto school to be a nurse was challenging but getting to help patients and take care of them hasmy part to help

“Moo”

“Alright, dear Your father and I love you very much, I hope you know that”

“I do mom, and I love you both too”

“We just worry about you A young single woe of The last thing ant is to see you get hurt”

“I know, and I’ careful I took those self-defense classes you insisted on, and I carryto my car I’ll see you on Sunday for dinner, okay?”

“Okay, dear”

I hang up the phone and slide it into the front pocket of o back inside when I see two ht and walking the other slumped over in my direction The nurse in me comes out in full force, and I jump into action

“What’s his name?”