by Simon Palmer
TWENTY-ONE
PANG WAS wandering along the hospital corridors with a bulky box under his arm. He arrived at Stan’s room, strolled in and was surprised at what he saw.
Stan’s masseuse, Aey, from before was leaning over him, her hand moving rapidly under the sheets. Pang didn’t leave and Aey didn’t stop. Pang started to unpack the box as Stan reached down and placed his hand on Aey’s arm. “We’ll finish this next time.”
He paid her; she picked up her oils and walked out. Stan straightened himself out under the sheets then looked over at Pang. “Don’t you ever knock?”
Pang apologised then continued to unpack.
“Is it a good one?”
Pang nodded and after switching channels, a blue screen appeared with the letters Teac DVD in white.
“Who the hell is Teac?”
Pang handed over the remote as Stan looked around. “Where are the films?”
Stan lay there restless and disappointed. “Can you buy me some films?”
“Sorry I forget.”
Two nurses burst in wheeling in another bed.
“Am I expecting company?”
They parked it next to Stan, locked the wheels and straightened the sheets.
“I didn’t sign up for a roommate.”
They didn’t reply. Pang shuffled towards the door and escaped.
“Thank you!” Stan yelled.