Page 32 of Sing it, Sam

Chapter Eleven

Two days later, Superhero Day kicks off.

I help Mrs Cassidy slip on her Catwoman mask. Funnily, there’s been no mention of Snuggle Muffins today. I thought the mask would trigger thoughts of her feline friend, but I guess there’s no way of knowing when her memory will come and go.

Mrs Ferguson is dressed as the Hulk—her choice was made because green is her colour. She doesn’t seem fussed at all about wearing the shirt with outlines of bulging muscles. She’s teamed it with her own federation green cropped pants and matching slippers. She’s utterly adorable.

“That colour looks fabulous on you,” I tell her as I pass through the room.

A wide smile stretches across her wrinkled face. “Why thank you, dear. You look stunning in that little number. Once upon a time, I had pins like yours. I turned heads, you know.”

“I bet you did. I guarantee men threw themselves at you.”

“Oh, yes.” She chuckles quietly. “Yes, they did.”

“You’ll have to tell me all about it sometime,” I say with a wink.Maybe I’ll get some story ideas…“So what made you decide to settle down with Keith?”

“Oh, my Keith,” she continues, sighing. “He stood out above all others. That man captured my heart like no one else.” She presses her hand to her chest and walks off, a fond smile plastered on her face.

Frederick looks dashing in a Batman costume, although his fascination with the feel of the built-in padded abs makes him look like he’s complaining of a stomach ache.

My gambling friend Mr Thompson couldn’t wait to put on the Spiderman mask, although Paige said that getting the shirt on was an epic challenge because he was more interested in undressing than dressing. Whilst it might’ve been a battle, I haven’t seen him smile this much since I started work here.

Mr Blandford, aka Captain America, is asleep in his chair, snoring and holding his plastic shield to his chest like a lifesaver as the originalSupermanmovie streams from the TV in the corner. For an old fella, he looks kind of cute.

I head back to reception and touch up my lip gloss.

“This morning has been perfect, Jane,” Kathleen says as I apply a coat of Cherry Red. It’s not Friday, but I feel like wearing it today. “It’s been great to see everyone so spirited. I haven’t experienced this kind of jovial atmosphere at the home in quite some time.”

Her kind words fill me with pride. There’s just one more thing that needs to happen to make this day truly perfect. “Thanks, Kathleen. I appreciate you giving me a bit of free rein. Let’s just see if it pays off with Sam.”

The switchboard lights up.

“Speaking of,” Kathleen says, pointing at the switch which has just lit up.Room ten.

My heart pounds as I pick up the handset. “Jane speaking,” I chirp, knowing full well who it is.

“Hey,” Sam says with a throaty chuckle.

“Hey,” I mimic.

“Hey, again,” he says, a playfulness to his tone.

“What can I do for you, Mr Marshall?”

“No need for formalities, Janie. What’s all the fuss about out there today?”

“Whatever do you mean?” I ask in a high-pitched tone.

“Someone in red just went past, hummed theSpidermantheme, and covered my door in silly string. It’s really loud out in the hall.”

“Maybe you should come out of your room.”

“I’ll come out if you come visit me first.”

Winning!“I’ll be there shortly.”

“All I have is time. I’ll be waiting.”

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