Sleep

It’s 12.27 am.

I’m sat in a chair next to a patient 

I’m waiting for them to fall asleep.

They asked if I could sit there in the dark until they did so

No conversations, no lights save for the muted glow of my iPad. 

Just silence apart for the gentle whoosh of the radiators and the faraway rumble of a late night car.

My fingers are moving silently on the screen.

I’m waiting until their breathing changes.

The relaxed breath of sleep.

Then I will creep out of the room, like a maid in a hotel.

I miss listening to someone sleeping next to me.

The dogs with their farts and snores and brief galloping dreams keep you company for sure

But there is nothing like the deep rhythmical breath followed by a long sigh that says 

I’m ok…..

I’m relaxed…..

I’m slumbering….

It’s like listening to an old clock without a chime.

I look at the digital clock across the room 

It’s almost 1 am

and I’m the only one awake now.

I will wait another five minutes to be sure 

And then I’ll get up and go.