Misty Hill Manor

It was after midnight and Bryn was looking up at the ceiling over her bed. Insomnia has been her best friend lately. Tossing and turning for several hours. Trying to find a comfortable position.  'Why do I even try? I don't have to get up!' she muttered solemnly and turned to her side to stare at the window for the hundredth time tonight.  She had been 'let go' just a few days before. From her dream job. Bryn graduated nursing school and landed the job of a lifetime the very next day. Not many people thought being an RN at a nursing home was the best choice in the world, but Bryn was proud and enjoyed her work. Bryn enjoyed her residents and their stories. And, they enjoyed her. She brought joy to their days and laughter. Something Bryn knew there was a short supply of in a nursing home. It wasn’t a retirement home. Bryn worked in a state nursing home. Fuming with frustration of sleep avoiding her and the woman that brought her to this moment, Bryn quickly got out of bed and stomped to the kitchen. She opened the cupboard door and grabbed a cup, turned to the sink and lifted the water faucet. "You're too friendly with the staff and patients”.  Bryn mocked with a fake and highly exaggerated German accent.  Her face still twisted in a mocking gesture, she filled her cup at the sink and took a quick sip of it.  Seared in her brain, Bryn remembered every bit of the conversation she had with Nurse Hunter before she was asked to collect her things and leave. Conveniently, it was the end of her shift and the head nurse made it very clear to everyone that if they were to see Bryn, to send her to the main office. Everyone knew why. Pretty much everyone wanted to stay off the radar when it came to Nurse Hunter, or "Herr Hunter'' as they all called her (behind her back). Nurse Hunter was a masculine woman. Tall, graying hair with no defining features and a long plain face. If not for the bun she rolled tightly behind the back of her head, one would have an issue determining her gender. She always wore a brown nurses gown and early to mid century nurse hat. Nurse Hunter was definitely old school. The doctors did not have to worry about how the retirement home was run; Nurse Hunter 'had a firm hand on things'. A little too firm. She didn't mind chasing off her staff. It was justified if you didn't "fit in".  Bryn was more than aggravated. She did everything for her career, her future. She had been employed there for well over a year and thought her performance was exceptional. She had been complimented often by residents, their family members, doctors and co-workers. Nurse Hunter never complimented anyone, so Bryn didn't take it personally. Thinking about it now, just aggravated Bryn more.  Not wanting another headache in the morning, Bryn walked back to her bedroom to try and fall asleep, again.  Whispering with as much positive affirmation as she could muster "It'll get better, it will all turn out for the best". She had a hard time convincing herself when she lay down and looked back up at her ceiling.  "Hello, friend". She smiled and closed her eyes knowing sleep will not come to her.