I was mopping in the East hallway, when I heard ” Qi Xian bring me some water.” I Understood the Korean dialect and looked around to see who had spoken. Qi Xian come here you silly girl. I need your help!” a female voice said. Without thinking I replied “I am here auntie. How may I be of assistance?” I do not see you auntie. Where are you?” I listened again and the voice came from a room up the hall on the right side. “come closer and maybe you can see me better.” the voice responded. No one else was responding, so I walked toward the room.
In the room I saw a woman of approximately 60 years of age, laying in the bed. She looked at me and said “who are you?” “I am not Qi Xian, but I heard you calling for help.” I told her. Well since you came to help me. Hand me that cup with some water in it. My throat is dry. These wires and tubes do not allow me the reach very far.” I accepted her offhanded way of asking for assistance. When I had lived in Korea, I grew to understand the way seniors in that country talked to their families. To be addressed in this manner meant she accepted me as family.
As I poured her a cup of water I asked. “Why didn’t you ring for a nurse?” “When I first awoke I had forgotten that I was in a hospital. I called for my daughter to help me.” Aren’t you a nurse? No, I am not. I replied. I am a night janitor.” Which reminds me I left part of the floor wet, when I answered your call for assistance. I better get back to work before someone notices.” As I made my hasty retreat, she asked. “How are you called?”