I had to spend some time in hospital as I was sick.
The monotonous routine and lack of emotional care left me feeling disconnected and isolated. I remember that time where I was in the paediatric ward, making thousands of ‘lucky stars’ with paper. On one of those days, I met a younger patient, and we sparked up a conversation about our interests and hobbies. That genuine conversation was the first I’ve had since my admission, and it sure wasn’t my last. We played with fidget toys, we watched films, we even talked about friends and family – about a life outside of hospital. When nurses placed our lunch trays next to us, she would slide her apple to me. Though she had no idea, her presence, joy, support, was what kept my spirits up.
The 6 year age gap differentiated our journeys, but her words of encouragement could not be any more mature. Perhaps, it was that contrast – that difference – which brought us together in a dark room to reignite our ‘sparks’.