Hi,

Sorry to bother you on a question that is not related to your post, but I don't know how otherwise to reach you.

The post below shows the new "finish the story" contest where I'd like to participate. But since it's written in (as I took it) an Australian English, I had a hard time understanding certain details about this story. And since I was stupid enough to express my opinion about it, the author is reluctant to address my questions. So I thought you might help me.

https://steemit.com/finishthestory/@bananafish/finish-the-story-contest-week-67

a.

"A double toast! At your brilliant timing, for the second damn time."

The nurse spoke turning his gaze to the parking lot, beyond the window whose bars, swallowed by rust, had lost all their decorative hypocrisy. His cheerful lashing tone clashed with the fixture of his gaze elsewhere.

What did the nurse mean and why did he look out the window?

What did the author mean by histone clashing with his gaze

b.

Through the steel bar on the side of the bed, her bleary, half-closed eyes returned to her the image of a lanky shape exiting the bedroom.

I understood this happened in a hospital setting. If so why the story mentions "the bedroom". Maybe Ms. White was kidnapped and was held against her will in some house?

c.

the sarcastic human crane turn back towards her.

What was sarcastic in the comment of a nurse?

e.

Fortunately, on his way back home after the shift, Valery noticed the wheels of your vehicle in the ditch along the avenue.

The author mentions some guy Valery. Who did he refer to the nurse? If so, why did the nurse bring the patient to the hospital bypassing the police? Or maybe he called the police. Again, if it was the nurse that found Ms. White during the crash then why was he looking outside the window?

d.

"You have crossed the border and turned to us to participate in the pharmacological trials and, may I add, further to helping medical progress, you have also come because we pay fairly well."

Does "crossing the border" here is implied in a literal or figurative sense? Did Ms. White actually cross the border to another country and why does this matter? Different statutes of limitation in regards to medical practice?

Thank you!