P.S. Hildy’s Interlocking Relations

CHAPTER 2: HILDY’S INTERLOCKING RELATIONS

“Why am I so bad at conversing,” whined a student about Flo’s age, whose eyebrows furrowed while trying to fix the way she tries to take a client’s health history. In a few days, it would be the most frustrating time of the year- Valentine’s. Not really due to its platitudinous, lovey dovey nature, but more so the amount of return demonstrations to be done on that very day. She couldn't care less about not having a partner, yet she’d care more about not failing her assessments. Failure could equate to a broken heart- maybe, literally.

“Well, maybe try to consistently talk to people around you. Try to engage yourself in the convo. We’re nurses, interactions are definitely inevitable,” commented Flo, who’s still holding her copy of their chosen sample of a filled health history form. “Hildy, it’s about to be 5 and we still haven’t gotten to the symptoms yet.”

Hildy sighed and signalled to Flo that she had given up. Unfortunately, she always found solace in silence. For 19 years of her life, she was definitely a natural introvert, and ironically different from her relatives- who’d been bubblier than at least half percent of her energy when she’s at her block. As compared to Flo, she prefers reading alone and isolating herself at a table away from the stressful noise of the Martin de Porres hallways during breaks. Although entering Nursing school was her dream, the reality of soon-to-be constant patient and team interactions felt overwhelming on her end. Lately, with the amount of skills to demonstrate or perform, she consistently questioned whether she belongs in this program. Oh, the foreseen horrors of feeling like an impostor. 

Flo stared at her friend in disbelief, her friend whose palms covered her face in frustration. She clearly knew that Hildy is currently contemplating and becoming pessimistic about her situation this coming Friday. Instead of commenting more or insisting to continue their practice, she consoled her in shared solace. 

“I’m just wondering, though aside from acads, have you considered writing a letter to-” Flo started. “Erm, he-who-must-not-be-named?” Hildegard quickly got up and glared. “At this time, Flo? My love life is not of your concern at this very hectic moment, girl,” she bellowed and Flo laughed. 

“Valentine’s day is coming, so I was wondering if you would try to approach him at the very least to maybe practice your communication skills,” Flo teased. Hildy’s face turned beet red from that commentary. Aside from being awfully quiet, she does admire someone from afar- amidst the stress of balancing academic work as well. It’s been months since she developed infatuation for him. True, nonetheless, that she still needs to work on her communication skills. 

Hildegard got up upon realizing that it’s about to be late and the guard at the lobby could be wondering why she’s taking too long at Flo’s room. “Sorry Flo, I think I have to go. It’s also getting late,” she said. “Aw, maybe you’re just annoyed that I reminded you of him,” Flo’s words slipped out of her tongue, causing Hildy to whine further while fixing her bag. 

Hildy grinned upon remembering. 

“Remember, eye contact with the patient and have a smooth ride with the interrogation. Less intimidation, and make sure to follow the provided checklist,” Florence reminded her before leaving.  Hildy nodded before Flo completely closed the door. By the time she entered the elevator, she felt that her bag had gotten heavier. Weirdly so, she knew she hadn't packed a book at all. She set herself a mental note to return this to Flo- or wherever this heavy book came from.

~ o ~

It’s time for Lunch