The Smiling Candy Striper

"Welcome aboard Janet," said Mrs. North, a supervising nurse.  Janet was a new teen volunteer, smiling and pert in her candy stripe outfit.

"My Mom was a patient here, so I know how important the work is," Janet replied.

Looking down at her notes, Mrs. North didn't see the change in Janet's expression.  If she had, things might have gone differently.

"Let's tour the floor," Mrs. North said.  "I'll fill you in on your duties."

"Could I get another blanket?" asked elderly Mrs. Ford.

"Janet will be happy to get one," said Mrs. North.

"I can really help with requests like that," Janet said.  Following behind Mrs. North, the roll of Janet's eyes went unnoticed.

Janet learned the routines, when she would be alone for a few minutes, and where she could locate supplies.

"This is for my Mom," Janet whispered when she gave Mrs. Ford a special treatment with a syringe.

Mr. Johansson was next for special treatment.  Then Mrs. Michaels.  Then Mr. Alan.  Four times in as many weeks.  Each time repeating the ceremony.  "This if for my Mom."

"I can't understand losing four patients," Mrs. North said to the hospital administrator and the detective investigating the unexplained deaths.  "Here are the personnel records.  How will this help?"

"Checking all possibilities," said the detective.  "Who's the newest addition?"

"Janet, a candy striper," she replied.  "She'll be a good one.  Her Mother was a patient on the floor at one time."

"What's her last name?" asked the administrator.

"Benson," Mrs. North replied.

"Oh my God!" was his response.  "We have to find her right now.  Her mother died from a mistaken injection.  The family never forgave the hospital."

When they found her, Janet had her smile on, a smile of satisfaction.