Kael
The empty room had six beds.
I counted them twice, which did nothing to improve the answer.
Across the passage, a woman was resting on a narrow assessment bench with her feet on a box. An attendant had put a folded blanket beneath her knees.
Six beds. One box.
I looked at the clinic supervisor.
"What would it take to open this room?"
She handed me the supply list.
I had offered to help with the count. Apparently, this included counting things I did not want to count.
Two mattresses had been taken out for cleaning. Three bed frames needed repair. The last bed was ready, but the room had no assigned night attendant.
"Could the expedition pay for coverage?"
"If you bring me someone qualified who is free to take the shift."
I glanced toward the busy passage.
"And if I bring money?"
"Then we have money."
She took one of the blankets from the shelf and shook it open. A long tear appeared near the center.
I crossed it off the usable count.
