Joan freshened up from her earlier bath and was now applying her newly made cream. It wasn't anything fancy,
just pharmaceutical glycerin bought from a pharmacy mixed with rose oil.
Her skincare supplies had lasted for a couple of months before finally running out. so she has to find an alternative. Unlike later generations, here there are fewer options to choose from, with the better ones unaffordable for now.
Fortunately, there is still glycerine, which is within her budget. Joan remembered reading that glycerin worked best when combined with oils or creams. Used on its own during dry weather, it could sometimes leave the skin feeling even drier.
After having this episode, she found herself thinking about the generous profits of the skin care businesses. Maybe it should be included as one of her future baths someday. After the war, she might finally have should enough savings to start a business of her own.
"How was your day?" Elise asked in French.
Joan answered in the same language, speaking more naturally than she had only a few weeks ago.
"Much better," Elise nodded. "But remember, naître, not accoucher. Babies are born; mothers give birth."
They continued chatting in French as their evening lessons had gradually turned into ordinary conversations, and every now and then, Elise would interrupt to correct Joan's pronunciation or a misplaced tense before letting the conversation flow again.
An hour passed in the blink of an eye, Joan had to go back so she could have enough time to write before the lights-out.
"So it's Saturday," Lily confirmed with others.
"Yes, we all confirmed with our colleagues to switch. It will be just in time for better weather" Helen replied as she sipped her vegetable soup.
"Should we bring anything besides food, like board games or cards? I would love to fly a kit" Joan said, feeling nostalgic for no reason.
"I will bring my cards and don't Lucie have a board game" Jinen said pointing at Lucie who is coming with her lunch tray.
After more than a week, it was finally the day of the picnic. Joan put her heavy coat to the side, and chose a beige wool coat, in case she feels cold. She applyed a light touch of makeup before heading out with her bag. Today, she wore heels instead of her usual leather shoes.
They met at the entrance of the dormitory before heading to the tram stop, after talking back and forth they decided to take the entrance near 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue, as it was near Bethesda terrace and the lake is nearby to appreciate.
Strolling unhurriedly they slipped naturally into their usual conversation, about the hospital, about their lives and interests, until it ended with Joan transferring news.
"Obstetrics and Gynecology Department? Well, it's not unexpected.
You have learnt enough in the general ward, and now it's time to move on" jinen said
"You will like the maternity ward, besides, I will be there, so we can accompany and help each other" Helen interjected from the other side.
"Well then as always, I will be in your care"
"Don't sweeten your word unnecessarily, I didn't help with anything yet"
They passed by the terrace, arrived at the lake, some rented rawboats, while others simply sat by the lake enjoying the weather. After doing a couple of activities, they had lunch when they found a farther spot with better greens.
Since only Lily had access to a proper kitchen, the rest decided to buy their lunch from a nearby restaurant. They brought their own lunch boxes, which the restaurant filled for them.
"They cooked it deliciously. Even for a small family-run restaurant, it had certainly earned its reputation"
"True...
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