Gina's Story

My name is Gina, and I'm the Nurse.

For a long time, I've grown having to take care of Dia. I've assumed she's been her sickly self since birth, but it seemed that her condition has worsened since the conflict with her parents. I was relieved to hear about the Sanatorium being built at Flower Bud Village by word of my friend Martha. We all agreed to it would be best if Dia got some healthy country atmosphere for the time being, and so the two of us head out to Flower Bud Village as soon as word arrived that the Sanatorium was finished. Although I had my suspicions that the Master and Mistress had their separate reason as to have Dia move away.

She's still quite young and unacquainted to general society, but what most people find hard to believe is that she's awfully naive as well. She's always been adorable to me, like the little sister I've always wished I had. Some people believe I can be generous to a fault, that I spoil Dia no end, but I think it's because they don't know her as well as I do. In truth, Dia's just a conflicted young lady. I would know this rather well, obviously because I've seen it all. Sadly, her family doesn't put her in high regard, especially because of her illness. Actually, it's because of her condition that they see her as... a liability. It's expected that she'd act out at times, and I'd deal with it with a smile on my face, but it's not as often as most believe. They all just happen to come in at the wrong times. And thus far, only Doctor Alex, Kurt, Jack, and myself have come to see the side of herself she keeps others from knowing. It's a delicate side, but a curious and considerate one.

But briefly going back to the issue of Dia being spoiled? I admit that I've contributed to that impression by myself. While everyone agrees that I'm far too attentive of her, Dia actually agrees to this. I've done so many things for her, and yet she's felt embarrassed time after time. I admit that this constant embarrassment is starting to take a toll on her, but her blushing face is just adorable! That, and she forgets sometimes how sickly she is sometimes. She ends up trying to do very risky things on her own sometimes, so I end up having to keep more careful watch on her.

Most of what I do is usually for her own good, but I find myself getting carried away sometimes. I guess it's just another sign of my sisterly affection.

Of course, with a nurse, a Doctor is usually expected, and in this case, it's Doctor Alex. He's been reputed to be the one the brightest and youngest to ever graduate from his medical school. Most have even gossiped of his handsome features, and upon meeting the guy, I can't help but agree. But what impressed me most is when I learned how he's such a caring, responsible, dedicated man just by working with him. He's an incredibly deep person, and he has this intriguing, ethereal wisdom about him. It's a shame we barely share ample free time so that I get to further delve into this aspect of him, but I understand how much he puts into his work.

Again, I suppose the lack of free time we've spent together is in part my fault. I think I spend even more time around the Clinic and Sanatorium than even Dia does sometimes, while Doctor Alex spends his time off enjoying nature while picking the occasional herb. It's because of his outdoor hobby that I request he pick a few mushrooms and toadstools along the way, since I love them so. It only piques my pleasure when he's happy to oblige, but I suspect that he believes my interest in such thing is solely for study purposes.

One day, I hope to receive a sample of the truffles within Flower Bud Village's soil. I find some relief in being able to fulfill my hidden passion of fixing up fungi on occasion. It really is a taste to adore when properly prepared!

Overall, there is so much the good Doctor has going for him, I can't but feel attracted to him on so many levels. It can make work a little difficult for me, but I've always kept a keen focus on my work when it always mattered. Besides, part of me suspects it could be a passing feeling, a mere crush developed by admiring an incredible person. But Martha always suggested that I not ignore this, and that I would indeed be of greater use to him than merely being his assistant at work.

With some concerns over this issue, I find myself drawn to Dia once again. I have to know how she feels about this, and what she voices out is simply her own version of what Martha told me while assuring me she's fine with having some time to herself. Although I have great concern for her well being, our closeness may have made her argument more convincing to my ears, but I always feel this hint of hesitation in her breath.

Immediately, I assume that she still wants more time with me than what she says is enough, but her eyes tell a different story.

I ponder over what this contrast in her expression, and it has led me to one possible solution that's still in question.

Could it be... that she's finally found love?

And could it be with the same Doctor that has captivated me?

I was glad when the two of them started to communicate more easily, but then she started backing off more out of embarrassment than fear.

If that really is the case, then I would have to say... I'm a bit envious of her. But let me make this clear:

I'm not envious of the innate noble quality that comes with being a reputed Princess.

I'm also not envious of the so-called beauty that a few inconsiderate folk tell me of when they compare me to her.

What I am envious of, is the deep compassion she's capable of, that others fail to see in her.

What most people have come to know of me is a wide-encompassing compassion, the kind that I'm willing to share with anyone who's willing to open themselves to me. What I share with Dia, I suspect, is merely and extensive version of this compassion. Most of my friends say that this quality makes me the ideal nurse, and a generally likeable one if the people I come across aren't absorbed in their absurd views of physical beauty.

At the same time, these same people fail to recognize just how deep her compassion for another may go, or how far she'll go to express it. There's a sense of deep devotion and consideration I always feel from her, and I believe the way she shows this to me is by tolerating my occasional silliness while listening intently on what I have to say to her. I am certain that she looks out for me as well, even as I look out for her.

What's most touching is how gives back when she receives. If anyone does her an unexpected favor, she thanks them with the most sincere smile they me ever witness. And if she feels she's somehow taken away from someone she cares deeply for, she'll strive to compensate for them in the best way she can. This genuine quality is something I've always loved about her, but it's truly a shame how few people realize this about her.

But it seems I've ranted on about Dia, again! Oh Dear... I believe I was trying to focus on the Doctor! How careless of me...

Although, if I recall correctly, it was because I made a connection between the two of them. And I believe that connection is of love, whether it be mine for them, or vice versa, or between each other?

Yes... sometimes I think she might actually be a better lover for him if she learned to open her heart, but I understand how hard it is.

I mean, I glance at him from time to time and sigh from admiration, while it seems to me that Dia is overwhelmed with an emotion so special that she's trying to distance herself from him due to doubt and reluctance.

To me, I get the impression that what she feels is stronger and more meaningful than my hints of admirance, if what I observe is accurate.

However, I seriously hope I am right about this. It could prove to be a worthwhile lesson for Dia if she can learn to cope with such an emotion...

Anyway, with all the busy work the Doctor has to take care of, I end up stuck with nearly everything else that he and Martha leave me to do. I really don't mind this, because I happen to enjoying doing these tasks!

The one task that I'm most likely to be caught doing would be the cleaning. While most people consider it a tour, I personally consider it a hobby! It's just something I can't help but doing. Seriously! Some people think the entire staff is treating me like a slave, especially since Martha's barely had to lift a finger since my arrival, but I agreed to take over! I wipe the windows, clean the floors, wash and sterilize the medical tools, and arrange the various volumes and documents of works that the Doctor allows me to touch. And every morning on my day off, I even opt to do the Clinic's Laundry!

I confess it's a "need" I face, and this has become another one of my obessisons over time. Some have been convinced that I should be maid instead, but I know my talents are even more useful to my nursing profession. After all, isn't true that the cleanest Clinic makes the healthiest Clinic?

Of course, I do more than just clean, and my other task at hand is make sure that Doctor Alex is completely prepared and well armed. Sometimes this can be a considerably daunting task due to one of Doctor Alex's considerable faults. Even when he's hard at work, he can be forgetful at times, and he ends up leaving one item and another place, or he doesn't follow through on unfinished projects (which thankfully, don't include operations). He's forgotten a myriad of things over the course of my time working with him, like a stethoscope, his white coat, the proper diagnosis and record papers for a patient, and even his pants! But... I digress in order to keep myself from further humiliating the doctor.

However, I have screwed up at times, in the case where I make a mistake in arrangement where both the Doctor and I end up struggling to find it later. It is these times where I become discouraged in my abilities, which is occasionally followed up with the Doctor's reprimanding. Luckily, Dia and Martha are there to cheer me up in a moment of failure, and Doctor Alex himself is a very forgiving man. I feel really privileged to be around such wonderful people. This familial atmosphere always makes it easy to pick myself up when I'm down, and simply move in with work.

Yet another task entrusted to me, which should be pretty obvious, is the constant care of Dia. I doubt I need to go any more in depth of how this works, but I'll say once more than I am glad to have her entrusted in my care. And since she always appreciates my company, and cooperates whenever she can, she only makes this job easier for me.

Then there is that one vital job that more or less ensures the stability of the Clinic, the one task that Martha is basically tutoring me on. It's the one thing that requires my trust, compassion, and dedication, and something that I felt that my tutor has mastered a long time ago. It is the ability to keep everyone hospitable, and it is something already interwoven within everything else I do. It is to retain the hospitable atmosphere of the Clinic.

I already take cake care of Dia and the Doctor on certain levels, but I also must take care of those who enter the Clinic with an immediate problem. I must also take care of Martha as she looks out for me.

Of course, I can't just go around and take care of everyone as some distinct professional! In order for it to work, I must recognize it as a way of life!

So I try to extend m hand of casual outings with Dia to that with others, especially the hardworking Doctor who struggles to Relax. Whenever I'm outside busy with the laundry, or taking a breath of fresh air, I'll be more than happy to hold a conversation with the villagers of Flower Bud Village. And if I ever find that extremely rare opportunity, I'll even spread my good cheer to the lively atmosphere of Cafe Callaway.

Understanding both my patients and coworkers is key to my line of work. It will make me a better nurse, and it should help me mature as a person as well.

In conclusion, I am confident that I have chosen the one profession that will allow me to accomplish everything I've set out to do. It's a profession that allows me to care for the people, as well as let me assist another figure of great importance. I am grateful that these skills and knowledge has allowed me to care for Dia in her harshest days, and that these skills will allow me help me aid others within the coming days.

Oh my... I've certainly shared a lot here! I've never really spoken so much in one city, but I've always had a lot on my mind. I just hope that wasn't TOO much information...