Page 52 of You'll Be the Death of Me

They landed with a stumble in a glossy white hospital hallway burning with the telltale smell of commercial sterilizers. Even with her senses dulled, Dell’s nose still stung.

“That is getting easier,” Dell said, and noted her head was spinning less than last time. “Now, how do we find me?” She looked over her shoulder but kept her arm looped in Cole’s.

He was standing close enough she could feel his hip pressed into hers. “Well, I assume your family has you in a private room, so—”

“Ah, you there. Sir? Madam? I am wondering if you could help direct me,” an elderly man in a hospital gown with a British accent interrupted, and waved a hand at them.

Cole looked up and tensed.

“Can he—? Can he see us?” Dell said in confusion.

“Yes,” Cole hissed. “I was worried this might happen.” He pulled Dell out of the main walkway and toward a nurse’s station.

The man kept approaching, waving with a smile. From the way his gown flapped at his sides, Dell got the sense his entire backside was exposed to anyone behind him.

“If he can see us, does that mean he’s—?”

“Dead, yes,” Cole said. “Though he doesn’t seem to know it. Walking through a hospital runs that risk.”

“Wait, what?” Dell gaped. “You mean, there are a bunch of ghosts just hanging out in here?”

“Of course there are. A hospital is one of the most frequentlocations of transition. It’s best not to engage. If he’s stuck, something has gone wrong, and we don’t have time to help him.” Cole continued to try to pull Dell away, but she planted her feet.

“Gone wronglike, oh, I don’t know, maybe his transition specialist mixed up some files?” she said with a smirk at Cole. “He looks friendly, and maybe he can help us.” She waved back at the man and unthreaded her arm from the crook of Cole’s elbow.

“Dell, don’t. It will only complicate things—”

But it was too late. Dell was already approaching the man with a smile. “Hello, sir. Is there something I can help you with?”

The man’s face lit up. “Ah! Finally, someone who will talk to me. I can’t get a bloody response from anyone in here.”

“Definitely doesn’t know he’s dead...” Cole muttered from behind Dell.

“Yes, I know that feeling,” Dell said, and held out her hands to take one of the man’s. He happily gripped her palm. His wrinkled skin was warm.

“Pleasure to meet you, my dear. Name’s Irving. You can call me Irv,” he said with a little bow.

“Nice to meet you, Irv. I’m Dell, and this is—”

“Dell?” he said, pulling back to take a closer look at her. “Oh, you’re the little bird who’s got the whole place in a fit. What are you doing out of bed? Last I heard, you were close to the veil.”

Dell gaped at him, trying to keep up. “You know who I am?”

“?’Course I do!” Irv sang. “You’re the star of the third floor. Can’t hardly get through the halls thanks to all the fuss.”

Dell threw a look at Cole, silently telling him she was right about Irv being able to help them. “You’re right, Irv. That is me.I am feeling better and was just out for a short walk. It would be super helpful if you could help me find my way back to my room.” As she spoke, she circled around behind him and casually tied his gown closed while averting her eyes from his bare backside.

“It would be my pleasure, dear. Although getting to the third floor might be a challenge. The lifts around here seem to be temperamental...” He turned toward the elevator at the end of the hall, and Dell knew his trouble operating it had nothing to do with the building’s electrical system and everything to do with being dead.

“Thank you so much, Irv,” Dell said. “And while we walk, maybe my friend Cole here can help with those directions you asked for.” She shot Cole another look.

Cole frowned at her but reached into his satchel to pull out a small tablet.

“Oh, how kind of you. I’ve been turned around in here all day,” Irv said. “Last I remember, a nurse was bringing me chicken noodle soup. You know, the food here is quite delicious. You wouldn’t expect such a thing in hospital...”

Dell let Irv chatter on. “What is that?” she whispered to Cole, and nodded at his tablet.

“It’s for work,” he said. “Email and stuff.”