Read Morris Hollett and St Vernon’s Ward for Strange & Unusual Diseases Page 9

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  Morris was sweating and rather out of breath and he looked around his room with all its comforts and wondered why he’d ever bothered leaving it after all. He also noticed the pile of food that Marvin had left and rushed over quickly and poured the contents of the tray into the bin.

  No sooner had he jumped onto his bed than he heard more noises outside his door.

  ‘We’ve got to check,’ Morris heard urgent whispers.

  ‘The…Doctor will need to be…sure,’ wheezed a voice.

  The next moment the door lock clicked and Matron, hair all ruffled and cheeks glowing red, forced a smile at Morris, (who had quickly turned on the TV and was watching a programme about nuclear fusion), and entered the room followed by Nurse Lollipop who was peeking out from behind Matron Wisely and waving at him.

  ‘Hello,’ said Morris, trying to look surprised.

  POP.

  Both Matron Wisely and Nurse Lollipop jumped and looked around the room for something that wasn’t there.

  ‘Good heavens!’

  ‘What on earth!’

  POP.

  ‘Erm, it’s me,’ said Morris guiltily.

  ‘Oh marvellous,’ whispered Matron.

  ‘This means that you are nearly at the last stage when you are able to – ,’ but Matron fired a sharp kick at Nurse Lollipop’s ankle which made her catch her breath and do a sort of hopscotch dance for a moment.

  ‘Erm, you will soon be on the road to recovery dear,’ said Matron.

  Morris POPPED in acknowledgement.

  ‘Has everything been to your, er, satisfaction this evening dear?’ asked Nurse Lollipop as she put a hand on Morris’ forehead. ‘You’re awfully warm!’

  ‘Yes, it’s been fine, thanks. I don’t think I’m used to such thick blankets,’ said Morris.

  ‘It is also three in the morning Morris,’ added the Matron quietly. ‘You should be getting some sleep, this isn’t a holiday camp…it’s a place of healing,’ she smiled.

  With that, she turned off the TV and they made their way out.