A resident once asked you if you were an angel. You wondered where she got that impression, but supposed the fluorescent light shining down on your platinum blonde hair could give off the illusion of a halo. You quickly sat at her side. You had never been an angel before.

Your parents wanted you to be a doctor. Your father does not understand why you are a nurse’s assistant. Your mother does not understand why you chose to be employed at an assisted living facility, rather than the local hospital. Even though it disappoints them, you are happy.

You have been whatever the residents need you to be – a mother, a sister, a wife, a daughter. You have never refused them. The nurses insist that you should, because it is not in the job description and you could get in trouble if the family member you are impersonating decides to visit. That would never happen, but you have prepared yourself if it does.

You had never been an angel before, but you still knew exactly what you were meant to do. It was what she wanted. You pinched her breathing tube. When she reached out for the emergency alert button, you knew it was a plea for reassurance and you looped your fingers through hers to give them a comforting squeeze. Her mouth opened and closed without making a sound. She was trying to thank you for your mercy. You held her hand as it turned limp in yours.

Yesterday, you heard the nurses discussing that resident. Her family is devastated. Even though she was old, it was all so sudden. I cannot even imagine losing my mom like that. You scoffed. None of them understand. You had made her better. You will make them all better.