The Stalker Between US

Chapter 2

Julia POV

As I am walking out the door, the sun is shining, and the slight cool breeze feels nice to offset the heat. According to the map, I have to walk to the bus, then take the train. From there, it’s about two blocks away.

The bus gave off the smell of drunken vomit. The train offered no improvement either. My front and back were uncomfortably close to another person because of the cramped space. I clutched my bag to myself tightly, worried about anyone pick-pocketing me.

Telling myself it’s okay because it is a 10-minute ride, and that I won’t have to take long. My goal is to get a vehicle once I become familiar with it and save money.

Making my way down the street, I see my first place for the interview. I didn’t think I would be out of a job so quickly. I wanted to travel prior to settling down in an area. When I got the call from Northern County Hospital asking to be the lead nurse/educator for the pediatric unit, I knew I could not say no. I was beginning to resent going into work at Upstate Regional. Upstate Regional Hospital was a critical access hospital. This meant they stabilized and shipped patients if anything major came in. We went through three CEOs, five CFOs, and staff morale was horrible, with a mean-girl vibe. Many travelers came and went, making each patient's experience worse. This is when I knew I needed to leave.

This first interview is at a smaller-scale hospital, Northern Regional. Still considered a critical access, but slightly bigger than my previous job. They have an opening on the Maternal-Child Unit. From what I read, it stated that it encompasses pediatrics, labor, and postpartum. From where I came from, this is the most similar to what I am used to.

As I enter the building, I am met with the aroma of French press coffee. This facility’s lobby has a very rough appearance. The lobby appears worn and neglected, with scuffed floors, chipped paint, and faded wallpaper peeling at the edges. Mismatched and battered furniture shows signs of heavy use and age. Dim lighting casts shadows across the space, highlighting stains on the carpet and cracks in the walls. The overall atmosphere feels unwelcoming and a bit rundown, giving the impression that the lobby has seen better days.

The receptionist, an elderly lady, is stationed at the front desk. She is gossiping to another coworker about something that she witnessed. Great, I think to myself, another one of these atmospheres. I know you cannot escape it; it is at every workplace, but I was hoping for less of it.

“How can I help you?”

I have a meeting with Mr. Ellsworth.

After eyeing my attire, “He will be out momentarily, why dont you take a seat and I’ll let him know you are here.”

Okay, thank you.