Claire was grateful that dance was canceled tonight, that way she was able to visit Grandpa. She wished that she could visit more, but she was so busy. Yet at the same time, he was getting weaker. The stroke had left him weak and with ventilator to assist with his breathing. She hoped that he would be out of the hospital soon, but things looked bleak in his current condition. The nurses didn't share her hope either.
She had spent the last hour with him, telling him about her life and, well, just talking. Talking about home and memories and worries and anything else that came to mind. He seemed to like that. The meds that were helping him with the pain and recovery only left some of the grandfather she had known left to interact with, but at least it was something.
Claire looked at the clock and realized that visiting hours were ending. She didn't want to leave. But she still had so much to do before she could go to bed. Agh, she despised the thoughts of how much homework was awaiting her.
Still, she got up to leave and kissed her grandpa's forehead. She headed down the hall, past a room full of chatty teenagers. Usually the third floor was quite, especially at this time of night. But it seemed like the hospital was the place to throw a party now a days. She chuckled at the thought as she passed.
Hmm, they look familiar. I think they are in my grade.
Claire continued down the hall as the generators whirled and then die. She stopped and looked around in the darkness, ignoring the startled responses of her classmates. She paused before continuing down the darkened corridor. She heard as some other people followed to the stairs. She glanced behind to see a couple of her classmates headed in the same direction, but then they turned around to head back to their room.
Something didn't feel right.
But she couldn't figure out what.
She continued walking towards the exit.
Isn't there usually backup generators, or something, for hospitals?
After all, plenty of patients need electricity just to live....
Claire let out a strangled scream from the sudden realization as she bolted back down the hall towards her grandfather's room.