THIRTY-THREE
Some of the observation rooms in the emergency department at General were sectioned off by blue drapes. The ones along the wall were actual hospital rooms. There were two beds in each room, sectioned off by a blue drape. The overwhelmingly sweet aseptic aroma of the department assaulted James’ nostrils.
There was a hyper-buzz of activity. James couldn’t tell nurses from doctors. Blue scrubs, white lab coats, and everyone wore a stethoscope. The computers on wheels reminded James of Star Wars droids. Beeping, tones, and blips came from every direction. None of it sounded normal. White floors reflected bright fluorescent lights. There were patients moaning. Staff raced up and down, back and forth. They carried electronic devices. There were no more medical charts hanging on th
