LIGHT IN DARKNESS
By Tessa Harvey
"Have you a woman?" the girl asked, warily. "Is she free?" Bill was tired and puzzled. "My Glad...'course she's free. I need my bed. Glad will help you. Follow me and see."
He strolled away and Lacey followed, almost as weary and in a great deal more pain. Finally they reached a small house. Fumbling for a key, Bill opened the door and called "Glad - I'm home!"
He headed up the nearby stairs, yawning loudly, scratching his chest. Lacey teetered on the doorstep, uncertain. A small, wiry looking, grey-haired lady bustled forward. Seeing Lacey she halted. "Well, I never!"
Sensing the girl was poised for flight, she beckoned her in, closing the door firmly. Lacey whirled around. She was panic-stricken, reaching for the door handle, then yelping in pain as her sprained wrist gave way. Lacey sagged to the floor, whimpering softly. Glad knelt beside her. "What's your name, dear? I'm Gladys, Glad for short. Tell me what I can do to help."
The girl flushed and whispered something. Instantly, the older lady levered herself off the floor, went to the bathroom, and hand something white and soft to her. "Would you like a nice warm bath, dear? I have some nightwear spare, and some towels."
Lacey looked up. She spoke hesitantly, as though she was in pain, finding it hard to catch a breath, but also, beyond that, as though the language itself were a struggle.
"Who else comes here?" she asked nervously.
Excellent
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