GoT Work of the unbroken

Uplifting Story Prompt for House of Black & White/1348

Reality From a Passion

Pauline was so excited that she excepted to work in Lakeshore Manor that she woke up extra early to get ready. This job would be easy peasy and she would be making extra money for her vacation the following year.

“Morning everyone!”

“Well look at you little miss! Where are you going looking like that?” Pauline's mother wore a wry smile.

“Mom I want to present myself as someone who cares what I look like. This is a new job. An exciting day for me.”

“ I am very happy for you honey, but you do realize that your job isn't going to need make-up, a pretty blouse or those shoes. You need something more comfortable to wear. Take my running shoes they will feel much better on your feet.”

“Mom my job isn't a dirty job. I go in and tidy the rooms. Make the beds and gather personal items for afternoon baths. You know, like organizing.”

“All right, sorry. Enjoy your first shift and be sure to do things properly.”

Pauline entered the Manor, finding the front desk, she gave her name while looking around excited to get started.

“Okay Pauline, you can head to house cleaning. I will have someone show you where that is. You will have a locker to store your clothes and be given a uniform.”

“Oh, I need a uniform?”

“Well honey you don't want to wear that doing what you have to do. You might want to get yourself some comfortable shoes for you next shift.” The woman behind the desk looked at her feet and slowly made her way up to Pauline's face. Pauline looked down at her feet and still didn't get it. Not yet.

There was a caddy waiting for Pauline and it had toilet cleaner, polish, toilet paper, garbage bags, window cleaner, soap bars, towels and face cloths.
She started in her first room where the elderly woman lay in her bed half asleep. Her feet were hanging out of the bed, looking like she was trying to get up and gave up.

She didn't want to startle her so she slipped into the bathroom and started her duties.

“Who's there?! Who is in my house? Get out!”

Pauline stepped out of the bathroom and didn't know what to say. Before she could open her mouth the woman started again.

“Oh-it's you. What do you want? You never come unless you want something. What is it this time? You out of money again? I'm not giving you anything so you may as well leave.”

“Excuse me mam, my name is Pauline. I work here.”

A nurse walked in the room shortly there after and put the lady's feet back in the bed and covered her up. “It's okay Josephine. This isn't your daughter. This is Pauline, she works with us. It's her first day today. Isn't that nice?”

The woman didn't answer, she turned her head in disgust and remained silent the rest of the time Pauline was there.

The next few rooms were easy as there was nobody in them. Towards the end of her shift her feet were pinching in her flats and her back was aching. She wasn't sure if she would like this job after all.

The next room was quiet with a little bit of old music playing. A gentleman sitting in a chair humming to a familiar tune in his head.

He turned to see Pauline walk in and turned his radio down. “Hello there. Nice to see a new face in this place. My name is Malcolm.”

“Hello Malcolm, I am Pauline. It's my first day here. I am going to clean your room for you.”

“Sure thing, you want to sit a minute. Maybe your tired and need a rest.”

“I don't think I am allowed.” Although she wished she could.

“Oh there you are Pauline. You missed your break. Anxious on your first day. Listen you can go to the lunch room and take a half hour.”

“Great thank you.”

Malcolm looked disappointed and it really grabbed at Pauline's heart. “You know I think I will sit here for a bit first if that's okay?”

“Hey it's your break. Do what you want.”

“Is that okay with you Malcolm?”

“You bet it is. If your hungry I have a little stash in my end table.” He was delighted and made his way before she changed her mind. Pauline enjoyed their conversation, the chocolate bars, his laugh. It felt like she made a new friend.

“Thanks for the treats Malcolm and the wonderful hospitality. I have to get back to work though.”

Malcolm stood up and gave her a hug. “Will I see you tomorrow then?”

“Absolutely you will.”

As days went on and Pauline found herself becoming attached to many of the patients, she started to love her job. On her breaks she would sit with one of them and brush their hair, or play cards. She was awakened by a new passion for others. She had no idea how many older people had no family to visit them. Some would come but it was more of duty. Pauline could see this and felt so angry inside. What is a few minutes of someone's time to spend what could be that last few years of someone's life?

She started bringing things from home and taking her money to buy personal items for those that were going without. The staff at the Manor loved her and eventually made her a part of the team. Her mind was made up at this point that her career choice has changed. She now wanted to start her own business to help others.

Pauline's mother couldn't believe the change in her daughter. She was smiling all the time and always there to help her as well. She had been enlightened with a new empathy for her elders.

During her schooling and her work Pauline was busy, but not too busy that she started to notice how many elders were homeless! Completely out on the street without a dime. Some of them sickly and some so hungry.

Her idea came one night while she was about to go into a restaurant. She found a older gentlemen curled up under a blanket with a coffee.

“Excuse me sir. Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” he replied with grim look on his face.

“Do you not have a home or family to take care of you?”

“My pension couldn't cover my rent. Rent is so high now and my land lord through me out. Just like that I became a nobody.”

Pauline's heart almost failed her. She had to do something, this is becoming the norm. Older people can't afford to live society? After all they have been through in life they can't live it out with some dignity. She wouldn't have it. She went home and had to talk to her mother.

“Mom we have two spare rooms here at home. I can't see people out on the street like this. They have needs and it wouldn't take anything from us to help a couple of them out. Would you help me do this mom. I will cover the costs.”

Her mother couldn't deny her daughter's plea. She knows her heart was big and it would make a difference to even a few.

Pauline went back to where the man was and helped him up. She took him home, fed him, gave him a room. He would need to see a doctor and so she begun her mission in life.

After finishing her schooling she was a certified Social Worker for the elderly. She opened a house for the ones on the street and allowed them to live free of rent until they were on their feet. She would find them apartments that they could afford. She hired someone to drive them to appointments and groceries. She made a difference in her community. From one part time job to a life time of commitment. Pauline's dream to make a difference was now a reality.



word count 1348