The Workaholic
A short story from the hospital bed
This short story of a man in a hospital bed was inspired by reflections on corporate culture, bringing in some of my experiences of working in that world — and the toxic behaviors it encourages.
As always, all feedback is welcome. I hope you enjoy it!
‘This hospital room is a pleasant break from the office, but I do miss the comfort of my carpeted jungle.’ He mumbles.
Malik can feel everything at the same time; the soreness of the bed’s mattress, the sharpness of the IV, and the room’s bright linoleum floor. The tiles illuminate him while slices of sunlight skim his face.
‘Oh God dammit, did I forget to email that last presentation?’ He roars at no one in particular. ‘Nurse! get me the Wi-Fi password now! The boss will butcher me if I blow it.’ Malik’s temper is that of a 7-year-old child.
‘I have a half-written speech that needs to be delivered, a business trip to Dubai.’ He continues ‘one of you morons better pull some of these tubes so I can sip my whiskey. Where did I put my laptop!? I need to tweak my PowerPoint slides.’
The smell of rubbing alcohol and food decaying in the microwave permeates the air. His daughter, son and wife sit silently beside him, chairs pressed against the barren white wall.
‘I haven’t taken a vacation in years and I don’t plan on starting today. I’m virtually irreplaceable! Don’t believe these so-called experts and doctors, they can keep their morphine drip. What’s life without a little pain? I’m still breathing and have good days left in me, so let me do what I do best.’
Malik’s wife Aya walks over to him and tenderly tugs the sheet up to his shoulders, kisses him on the cheek, and sits back down.
Malik continues ‘Gather around kids. I know I didn’t attend your band rehearsals and football games, but you’ll thank me one day when you see how much is in my 401K. My advice is to work hard, stay focused and never talk back to your boss. Never call in sick, you can’t ever show them your vulnerabilities. Keep your head down and be grateful for the free coffee and donuts.’
The words sink into his chest. ‘Yes, I overheard you say that I’ve been as good as dead since your earliest memories. But, I had to be a silhouette in the background to keep you kids clothed and fed.’
His daughter shuffles over to him sobbing, dabbing the blisters on his forehead with a wet cloth, her mascara dripping on the white linens.
Without skipping a beat, he continues ‘I know it wasn’t the same without me there, but I had to leave before you woke and return after bedtime, like Santa and the Tooth Ferry. I get that it wasn’t enough that I placed my hand over yours while you slept.’
Aya turns to the kids, takes a sip of coffee from Malik’s cup that reads #1 Employee, and speaks for the first time all day ‘This world’s overpriced, but don’t you worry, the next lifetime will be free.’ She cries. ‘I promise we’ll finally go to Disney World and Paris. On the other side, there’ll be no mortgages or disease. God will provide.’
She faces forward and slurps another sip of coffee.
The nurse walks in and checks Malik’s vitals. She’s a stick-figure wearing scrubs and a matching floral headscarf, a few strands of brown hair escaping from the sides.
‘Any updates, nurse?’ Aya asks.
‘No changes. The good news is that he’s not getting worse.’ She relays with comforting yet recited words.
She finishes taking Malik’s vitals and before leaving, turns to the family with a warm smile ‘The doctors are hopeful that he’ll come out of the coma any week now.’
Thank you so much for reading. Here are some others that I hope you’ll enjoy. 💚🙏🏼
