It was too hot inside the hospital and the floors squeaked. There was a hand-gel dispenser outside the ward, and a big yellow sign above it read Do Not Drink. Did people actually drink sanitizing hand gel? I supposed they must--hence the sign. Part of me, a very small sliver, briefly considered dipping my head to taste a drop, purely because I'd been ordered not to. No, Eleanor, I told myself. Curb your rebellious tendencies. Stick to tea, coffee, and vodka.
The narrator captures the uncomfortable experience of being in a hospital, highlighting the heat and the oddity of a sign warning against drinking hand sanitizer. This raises questions about the bizarre behaviors of people when faced with unusual situations. The mention of the squeaky floors adds to the unsettling atmosphere, suggesting a place that is both sterile and confining.
Within this context, the narrator humorously reflects on a rebellious impulse to taste the hand gel, revealing a struggle between curiosity and self-control. Instead, she reminds herself to stick to more conventional beverages like tea, coffee, and vodka, emphasizing her character's blend of humor and irritation amidst challenging circumstances.
