2:52pm
I’m standing outside the rehab facility my dad and his wife are in. It’s also a nursing home because this is a rural area. Not many facilities can handle his injuries and almost complete lack of mobility. Anyway, there’s a young white woman out here and SHE IS MAD.
We’ve been standing outside IN 90 DEGREE HEAT AND HUMIDITY for at least 20 minutes. There’s no one at the front desk to let us in. I decided to surprise my folks with ice cream. It’s soup now.
Whatever. Just a few dollars lost. I’m chilling, reading a book, trying not to move and sweat more. Amanda (we’ve been talking, she’s nice) is steaming. She’s in heels, BLACK slacks, and a blazer. And she’s on her phone calling them every 30 seconds saying this is ridiculous.
3:09pm
She asked me, “What do you think of this place?” I literally hate it. They’re understaffed and everyone is stressed out. The food sucks. I think all these people hate their jobs. Amanda: “oh no….I’m here for a job interview.”
We’re sitting inside now. A nurse came out so we just went in so we can wait in the AC. Amanda is pacing. She’s gonna wear a hole in the floor. It’s a very exciting day at the nursing home.
3:18pm
Every person who comes out, Amanda asks “Are you Perry? I’m here for an interview.” No one is Perry. Perry may not exist. Perry may have come out, seen Amanda ready to charge like a bull and decided to lie. I’m still Rafi though, that I know. I also know the ice cream is melted.
3:23pm
Amanda is done waiting so she tries to leave. SURPRISE! You need a code to get out! That’s one of the things I hate, that someone has to LET YOU OUT of this nursing home when you’re done visiting. I’m enjoying watching her stress out about being trapped.
3:28pm
The front desk is still unmanned. If someone isn’t here in 10 minutes, I’m just going back there myself. They’re too understaffed to even have someone let us in and out. I’m a thousand percent positive they don’t have someone to chase me down for seeing my dad without permission.
Amanda is having the worst day of her life. Poor thing. I hope she has some nice facial compresses at home and some box wine in the fridge.
3:51pm
Perry is here!
Perry: Sorry I was in a meeting.
Amanda: Can you just let me out please?
Perry: Everything is okay.
Amanda: I’d really like for you to just open this door please so I can leave.
Perry: Why what’s wrong? I’m just little late.
Amanda: Could you open this door please?
Me:
Perry: are you upset about something?
Amanda: are you on crack?
Me:
There’s a Latino family across the room pretending not to listen. The old lady is DYING in her magazine. I am her she is me we are we.
Perry: If we just take a minute–
Amanda: This is legal kidnap. Being held against my will. Please do not make me be this person I would just like to leave!
Old Lady: Miss Perry she being very nice just open the door please for her.
Me: YEAH!
I’m not helping. I just wanna be a part of the activities.
4:06pm
Amanda has long been freed. Perry is confused. My ice cream is melted. The lobby is now quiet again. But I left. I’m walking the halls with purpose so no one questions my presence.
4:15pm
Nobody tackled me!
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