Keep Ticking
by Alan Gartenhaus

A sore back didn’t stop Yelena from smiling as she wrapped Mr. Phillips’ arms around her neck and lifted him from the bed. Though he had lost weight, the dampened sheet made sliding him to the edge difficult, and the plastic mattress protector resisted, adding its complaint. She lowered him onto the shower chair and wheeled him into the stall. She’d run the hot water to warm the bathroom and had towels at the ready as he was easily chilled. Yelena had long overcome any shyness while bathing residents. She knew massaging their fragile bodies with soap and water soothed them.