Chapter 11
Unseasonably warm spring breezes and bursting leaves seemed to reflect the young nurses’ growing confidence and anticipation of graduation. Working full shifts and still studying didn’t allow time to count the days. Even though illness and death were part of daily life, nothing prepared them when tragedy struck in their midst.
The sound of sniffling mixed with the jangle of rosary beads occasionally hitting wooden pews. Most who had finished this Catholic devotion were in tears. Their faces reflected anger, and unbelief when Sister Gregory announced that their classmate had lost her short battle with death. As prayers ended, most left the chapel with crumpled, damp handkerchiefs in hand.
Exhaustion painted their faces, making Aggie’s words seem redundant. “I’m so tired; it hu
