Sheila could have sworn that the room had looked a little more cozy and inviting earlier that evening when she had done her rounds. Looking around right now, the bed was neatly made and the quaint furniture looked almost sterile. “Maybe the lack of sleep is just getting to me. After a while, all the rooms start to look the same,” Sheila said to herself as she pushed the thought aside. “So what is it that we’re looking for, Mrs. S.?,” Sheila asked turning to the elderly lady. “Well deary, if you don’t mind, I’m actually going to have you do some laborious work,” Mrs. S. said with a hopeful smile. “Do you see that brick with the red markings? I need you to pull it out for me,” Mrs. S. requested as she turned on the bedside lamp. By now, Sheila was really curious.
Beside the bed was a narrow wall of exposed brick from a century ago when the building was first built. It really did look quite charming in the glow of the soft lamp light. As Sheila bent down in her well worn scrubs, she noticed that the very last brick right above the floorboard had more of a reddish hue than the others. With nothing to protect her hands, she pulled a pair of latex gloves from her pocket and gave the brick a little pull. She was surprised at how easily it slid out in to her palm. She set the brick aside and reached in. At first, there just seemed to be a small empty space. Then her hand touched something that felt like cardboard. Sheila pulled it out and after making sure that nothing else was left, she replaced the brick. What had felt like cardboard was actually a thick manila envelope. “Is this what you were looking for?,” Sheila inquired. “That’s exactly what I needed, deary. You’re a life saver!
Sheila carefully pulled out a letter from the envelope and began reading it as they sat on the bed. It appeared to be a Will stating that all of Mrs. Smithsonian’s personal assets would be allotted to her only granddaughter Elizabeth Smithsonian. As she scanned the official looking document, it appeared to have been stamped and signed by a lawyer as well. There was still something heavy left in the envelope. As Sheila reached in again, she pulled out a brilliant diamond encrusted emerald necklace. The incredible green shone against the sparkle of the white diamonds. It left Sheila breathless as she looked up at Mrs. S.
“My late husband had gifted this to me right after World War 2. After I downsized from my house and moved here, I hid these valuable contents away and completely forgot about it,” Mrs. S. explained. “My only granddaughter who is studying abroad, is coming to visit tomorrow morning. I would like her to have it now. You’d like her, Sheila. She’s right about your age and even resembles you, with her long brown hair and big dark eyes.” Then Mrs. S. said seriously, “Promise me that you will personally give her these items. Now please let me get some rest, deary.”
“Of course I will Mrs. S. You can trust me,” Sheila stated sincerely as she gave the lady a hug and tucked her into bed.
As soon as Sheila was back at the Nursing Station, she immediately began to document all that had happened. She safely placed the envelope in a locked drawer and waited for morning shift to roll around.
The Director, the unit’s Registered Nurse and Mrs. Smithsonian’s granddaughter arrived early the next morning. Sheila briefed them on all that had happened the previous night. When she finished relaying her story, she noticed that they were all staring at her wide eyed and open mouthed.
“Sheila,” the Director began gently, “last week, right after your job interview, Mrs. Smithsonian passed away. Her family was very worried because they couldn’t find her will. So I don’t know what really went on here last night, but having this will and precious heirloom back will greatly help put an end to all this.”
“Oh my,” Sheila gasped as she put a hand to her heart. She looked at Elizabeth whose eyes shone with tears. “ I just missed my beloved grandma’s funeral and arrived as soon as I could. I believe grandma came to you just to help me out!,” Elizabeth cried as she embraced the poor bewildered nurse.