The Quotidian Timeline

12 pm, August 23rd – St Thomas’ Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London

Finch opened his eyes. Machines beeped. He had lost track of time. There was movement around him. Curtains separated him from other patients. What happened to me? He coughed. I have a cough? He waited a while. Then, with strain, he sat up. How did I end up in a hospital?

***

A nurse, clad in a pristine white uniform, approached him. “Hello, my dear!” she exclaimed with a warm smile. “It’s great to see you awake.” She read her clipboard. “We need your details.”

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She was ready to jot down the information when Finch sat up straight. I don’t have money! How do I pay for this? I must leave. He didn’t respond. What would they do when they found out he had no money? Seconds later, the nurse left.

Finch struggled out of bed to follow her.

“He’s terrified, won’t talk,” said the nurse.

“Might be the infection. Dr Amiot will be in any minute.”

“I’ll write a report.”

Finch returned to his room and searched for his things. He found a bag of clothes emitting a musty odour in the closet in front of his bed. He went into the bathroom and emerged wearing his clothes. Despite his physical weakness, adrenaline gave him a burst of energy. He slipped out of the hospital undetected just moments later. He was relieved and determined to reach Denewood this time.