Emma frowned. She blinked to clear the fog from her mind. She turned around in bed, looking at her bedside table. The clock read 11.
11? Emma sat up straight in bed. She was so late. She threw off the covers and rushed out of bed. She threw on her clothes, stuffing her uniform into her backpack. She ran down the stairs.
The house sounded empty. Too empty. She called out. "Mum? Dad?" There was no reply. For good measure, she tried the others. "Tim? Angela?" Again, nothing but silence greeted her.
Emma frowned. Had they switched the days around? Forgotten that she was supposed to work at Nonnatus House today? She shrugged, grabbing an apple out of the fruit bowl, and headed to the door. If she walked fast, she could just about make in it time for the afternoon home visits.
Emma walked the familiar road to Nonnatus House. Usually, she enjoyed the scenery. Today, she rushed down the streets until she came upon the courtyard. She smiled. Even the sight of the building helped raise her spirits.
Emma pushed open the heavy wooden door. And almost collided with Nurse Crane.
"What are you doing here?" Nurse Crane demanded.
"I'm sorry." Emma said. "I know I should have been here a few hours ago, but I overslept… or my parents forgot or something,… But I'm here now, and I'm ready to work." She smiled at the nurse.
"We've told you this before, you don't belong here."
Emma swallowed. "I know I was supposed to help at the doctor's office this morning, but this afternoon I was supposed to help with house calls."
Nurse Crane shook her head. "You're not a midwife. You're not even a real nurse. We have no use for you here."
Emma felt as if she had been slapped. What was Nurse Crane talking about? She stammered something, but Nurse Crane talked right over her.
"Don't you get it, girl? We don't want you here."
Tears formed in Emma's eyes. She was too shocked to reply.
Nurse Crane pushed her out of the hall, and slammed the door in her face.