Hospital Sweeper
I didn’t think I’d get fired in my first week.
But looking the whole thing over — I didn’t think I’d get the job.
Although I had some experience cleaning — well, cleaning cars — what’s so hard about sweeping in a hospital? Whatever. I got hired, but I didn’t really care.
But no one said I couldn’t talk to people.
My first night working alone, some guy was awake, reading some book, and all I said was “Hey.” I shoulda kept my mouth shut.
He looked at me for a moment and said, “You working late?”
“Nah.” I wasn’t sweeping fast, but I didn’t slow down any, neither. “I’m here when most are asleep.” I mean I was doin’ my job. I wasn’t screwing off.
“Sounds like you’re from the East Coast. What brought you here?”
This gonna sound weird, but the way he spoke, it seemed like he sorta wanted to know. It’s not like he was being nosy, or disrespectful. He was just asking … like … I don’t know, like I was someone he didn’t hate.
Anyway, I usually make stuff up when I get asked why I moved to LA. But, whatever, he didn’t look like he needed to be in some hospital. He’s for sure gonna be gone tomorrow and I’m never gonna see this guy again. So, I just told him straight up, “I’d be in jail if I stayed.”
I mean, who’d a guessed the supervisor would walk in just then? And for sure she could see I was working, but … I was sweeping over her shadow and it got all frozen, like something bad happened.
Anyway, I figured I’d get some talking to later.
I kept pretending I didn’t know she was there and the guy, I mean, it’s weird, but he talks at the supe, and says “You’ve got a good worker, here.”
What the!? He don’t know me. He don’t know the supe. It’s like he’s covering for me and all I did was answer his question. Is it illegal to talk?
Yeah, but no surprise, she says, “Jonathan, please see me when you’re done with this room.” And she’s gone.
I was only there a little bit longer but before I left the guy, he says, “You are a good worker.” He talks like he’s trying to convince me, or something. Like maybe I wouldn’t believe him. Whatever. Like I said, I just don’t care.
Soon after, the supe was asking me about why I should be in jail. I was answering her but I was thinking about what he said. No one ever told me that.
I didn’t even care that I got fired. But I couldn’t get that guy’s words out of my head.
Anyway, I never thought about it before, but I am a good worker. I can get a better job.
by George Alger
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