The Midnight Checkup

Late one night, a nurse was doing her rounds in a quiet hospital ward.

Most of the patients were asleep, lights dim, everything calm.

She stopped by one room where a man was lying awake, staring at the ceiling.

She smiled and said softly, Sir, how are you feeling tonight?

The man looked at her, serious.

Honestly? I feel like a deck of cards.

The nurse nodded thoughtfully.

Okay… I’ll let the doctor know.

She made a note on her chart and moved on.

A few minutes later, she came back with the doctor.

The doctor looked at the patient and said, So I hear you feel like a deck of cards?

The man nodded.

The doctor thought for a moment, then turned to the nurse and said:

Alright… admit him.

The nurse looked confused.

Admit him?

The doctor nodded.

Yes.

He paused.

He’s clearly not dealing well.