Room 407 By: Anushka Bhatt

 

Room 407

By: Anushka Bhatt

The ER was freezing.

Sofia’s mom wrapped her in a hoodie, but it didn’t help. Her stomach still burned, and the nausea hadn’t gone away for days. They had tried urgent care, but they said she needed a specialist. The specialist said they didn’t take her insurance.

So now they were here. Room 407. Sixth hour waiting.

Sofia was tired of being told to “just drink water” or “it’s probably anxiety.” No one ever seemed to listen. It was like being invisible — a patient on paper, not a person.

A nurse finally walked in. “Sorry for the wait. The doctor’s doing his rounds.”

Sofia nodded. What else could she do?

But then something small changed. The nurse sat down. “Hey. I know this has been frustrating. I’ve seen a lot of patients come through here who get brushed off, especially young women. Just know — you’re not imagining this. We’ll figure it out. You're not crazy.”

Sofia didn’t expect tears, but they came.

Sometimes the difference isn’t a miracle cure. It’s someone who treats you like you matter.

Room 407 still had flickering lights and stiff hospital beds. But that nurse? She reminded Sofia that even in broken systems, there are people who care — and that’s sometimes what helps you hang on.