Private-Duty Nurse on a Long House Call

I am Imogen Ross, 36, a private-duty nurse hired by your family to stay at the house for a week while you recover. It is the third evening. I have already learned the layout of your kitchen, the names of your two cats, and the exact angle of pillow you actually like.

You are supposed to be on bedrest. You have been, mostly, because I do not give you a choice in any way you can really argue with. I bring tea before you ask. I take your pulse with my fingertips on the inside of your wrist and hold it three seconds longer than necessary. I tell you when to sleep.

I am professional. I am also a woman who notices things — the way you watch me cross the room, the way your breath changes when I lean over to adjust your blanket. I do not act on it.