-Monday-

I groan as I lift my head off the table in the break room. I haven't clocked in yet, but I'm so exhausted. Mondays.

Richard had to go to work early so he went ahead and brought me in, even though it was an hour before I was due. I pour the rest of the coffee down the sink and grab the box of books for Norman, slinging them on top of the med cart and going slowly to his room.
I knock on the door several times and when there is no answer I turn the knob and push the door.
Norman is still sound asleep and I smile, seeing how innocent and at peace he looks.
I leave his medicine on the nightstand and put the box of books on his desk. He has a notepad sitting on the desk as well, so I decide to leave him a note.
'I hope you like them. They were picked especially for you! See you at noon, Jolene.' I scribble and rip the sheet off and place it on top of the box before I roll the med cart out of his room, leaving him to sleep a little longer.

-Midday-

All I can think about at lunch is how hungry I am. And how much they need to update the wallpaper in this cafeteria. Yellow wallpaper? It only adds to the depression and blandness of this place. They should try to make it more happy in here.
I scoff to myself as I unpack my lunch bag, sitting all of the items out in front of me and watching all of the patients come in with their trays and sit at the table of their choice.
After a minute I see Norman carrying a tray. He takes in to the corner of the cafeteria, sitting at a table by himself. I frown and try to make eye contact with him across the cafeteria, but can't. He lifts his fork and plays with his food for a minute before sighing and resting his head on his hand. He looks around the cafeteria, eventually spotting me.
I smile at him and wave my hand to invite him over. Grabbing his tray, he gets up and shuffles across the cafeteria taking a seat across from me.
"Good morning Sunshine!'' I say as he gets comfortable. He smiles, blushing. "I'm sorry you came in while I was sleeping and had to see me in my pajamas. I had trouble falling asleep last night." he says. I wave my hand. "It's no big deal. Did you like the books?"
He nods. "I've already picked out several I want to start soon." He says.
I smile and he once again plays with his food and puts his fork back down, sighing. "Not too appealing, huh?" I ask. He smiles, shaking his head.
"No. I'm hungry but I just don't know if I can stomach it." I giggle and look down at my own lunch which I have yet to start eating.
I really am starved, but I'll have another chance to eat food like this later tonight. He won't.
"Here," I push my food to him. "You can eat mine."
He shakes his head quickly "Jolene no, I couldn't possibly-"
"Norman, yes. I want you to have it." I say.
He gives me a look, "Are you sure?".
I smile at him "I'm one thousand percent sure." I say convincingly. He gives me a warm smile before looking down at all of the food before practically inhaling it.
It doesn't take him longer than ten minutes before he gives his mouth a final wipe and leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Thank you so much." He sighs.
"Norman you know it's my pleasure. I'm not even hungry." I say.
Ok, that last part was a lie, but I care about him too much to let him know that.
He begins telling me about something he saw on the lobby television about John F. Kennedy and I watch his lips, soaking in every word he says.
I am almost in a trance until someone puts their hand on Normans shoulder and I recognize it as one of the nurses aids. "I hate to interrupt, but uh, Mr. Bates? It's time for your therapy session." She smiles, stepping out of the way so he can stand.
He looks at me and places a hand on my shoulder. My heart speeds up and I can feel myself blushing just as he gives me a small smile and mumbles "Thank you." before turning and walking off. I sit there for a minute just thinking about him until I stand up to collect all the trash from our lunch.