Going through a long corridor to another building, you will find a cafeteria, a washing room and a clothing room.
The dining hall was huge as always ,rows of tables stretching across the room surrounded by quiet ,brief conversation.Along one side of the room stood a long counter, behind it large metal pots and trays of food—bread, soup, and something warm that filled the air with a comforting smell.
Joan followed Eliana and headed to the counter. There was vegetable soup , grilled chicken with potatoes and bread .They took their meal and chose free chairs in the corner to feast .
"After lunch, let's go pick up your uniform from the clothes room. How tall are you? you should tell Shirley your measurements later , so she can make adjustments, fitting your size "
"Okay, I'm 1.65 cm tall , it's not a big deal,as long as the uniform fits "
After having a fulfilling meal ,they set the plate aside with the others, rinsed their hands, exiting the hall.
"Hello Shirley, are you coming back from your meal?"Eliana spoke cheerfully, stranding towards a young innocent face ,by the end of her teens…
"Yes , today's chicken was delicious "
Shirley replied,her simple smile brightening the room.
"Only you a glutton ,will be happy for something this simple "mid her teasing Eliana introduced Joan "By the way, this is Joan , a new nurse trainee, and tomorrow is her first day, she is here to pick her uniform "
"Hello Joan, I'm Shirley, I'm one of two semestresses responsible for this hospital uniform, if your uniform teared later, come find me "
Shirley was a reflection of young lively beauty,with her jet black hair braided to her childish smile.She was a person that would be comfortable to be around.
"Nice to meet you, Shirley, im glad i could count on you "
"what is your latest measurements, and how tall are you "
"I was measured a long time ago, and I can't exactly remember my size,but I'm 1.65cm tall"
Shirley studied her Stance, with a few glances .
Her figure was well-balanced, neither delicate nor overly defined, but shaped with a natural, quiet grace.
She carried a subtle slenderness, the kind that came not from effort but from constant movement—long hours on her feet, walking, lifting, working.
Giving to two outfits to Joan, Shirley said "these two are the closest to your size, try the to see which one is more fitting,then we will make adjustments if needed"
Joan took the uniform, and went to the back of the the room ,where there is a covered corner used for changing "
After trying both ,they decided on the second one, as the first was a little short.
"Come pick it up. It will be finished in two hours. " Shirley said after marking the dress.
"that will be wonderful,thank you ,Shirley"
"You are welcome, my friend, and I recommend you washing it in the laundry room later ,as you are not the only one who changed into it"
"Oh , is it the room across the hallway "
"Yes it is that room, make sure, you stay near so you could know where your clothes will be hanged later"
After parting ways with Eliana,Joan returned to her room.After all that hustle and bustle, having nothing to do in the next two hours, Joan laid on her bed hopefully taking a nap, while thinking about her future plans.
"Accommodation and meals are secured, transportation, clothes are not necessary for now,as I rarely will be allowed to leave, and my clothes are enough to get by " after calculating how much money she had left, Joan frowned"10.81$ is considerably in these days, but it is not enough for a stable life , and I wouldn't get a check any time soon, a private duty is a far call without a convincing resume or a recommendation "
"So , how can I get some cash in these days without getting out of the hospital"
Joan turned her head and noticed the newspaper had slipped off the table.
She got up to pick it up, then it hit her.
"I could become a writer, a lot of women shined through writing, it's true, it may not be stable,but it will be enough for her to float in case of an emergency and add to her future savings.As of the chance its not excepted , she will worry about that later. For now,she needs to go back to the general store and get papers, envelopes ,a pen and ink bottle ،and maybe some snacks.
She counted her coins carefully before handing them over, knowing each cent mattered in a place where even ink and paper were a small luxury.
"That's all , young lady, be careful on the way"
"Thank you, Mr. Jonathan"
Joan got out of the general store, bidding her greeting to the old manager, crossed the street,and entered the bakery .
"welcome, what would you like "
"I think , I will take a pound cake and a loaf of bread, please "
"The cost is 17 cent"
The baker told her the cost while wrapping the bread in parchment paper.
The rest of the the day was spent on picking and washing her clothes as she didn't wash her personal ones since arriving and it is not a wise choice to let it piled up,then she took a bath as if she waited to the end of the day it will become busier .She then sat and began searching for publishing houses and learning the popular writing style.
She had dinner with Eliana and her friends then got back to her room and wrote a couple of drafts for patient care tips before it was time to turn off the lights at 9.o'clock and go to sleep .