Nursing Home Tales

Bundanoon, NSW, Australia.

The room is quiet now. The carers came early, as they always do. They tidied up, fussed over the bed, straightened the pillows, and left me with a soft smile. It’s a small room but tidy, everything in its place. The morning light is coming through the window, and there’s a promise of a fine day ahead. The air smells fresh, and the birds are starting their usual chatter outside. I let my breakfast settle— just tea and toast today—and sit back in my chair, watching the light shift on the wall.

There’s a kind of peace in the morning, before the nursing home stirs too much. The nurses make their rounds, gentle and quick, like they’ve done this a thousand times. They check on us, ask how we’re feeling, and go about their way, always with a kind word. There are activities planned for later—nothing too strenuous. I might join in, or I might not. I’ll decide when the time comes.