LIGHT IN DARKNESS

By Tessa Harvey


 "Why, no-one, dear. Too early for visitors."
    Just then there was a peremptory knock on the door, loud and strident. The girl's eyes widened and her hand flew to her mouth. "Toilet," hissed Gladys, "and lock the door." The last few minutes had made the older lady wary and suspicious.
    "Who is it?" she asked. "A health worker from the local hospital. Open the door." 
"No way! Why should I?" But the woman's voice persisted. "We want to check on a young woman who gave birth. We are concerned for her physical and mental well-being."
    But the voice sounded arrogant and uncaring.
"Why should that concern us?" parried the older woman. "Go away!" 
    There was a long silence, then footsteps sounded as the unwelcome visitor left.
"You are safe, dear," called Gladys. Lacey swayed near the toilet door. "Come on, love," Gladys said. "I will help you wash, then give you a lovely warm drink, and maybe toast." 
    Helping her wash, Gladys was shocked at the bruising. Most was the result of recent marks, especially a huge bruise over the girl's ribs. Carefully she helped her dry and re-bandaged the sore wrist. She left the head bandage alone.
    Lacey seemed beyond speech, drained and exhausted. Gladys did not ask about the marks, even the older ones, though she was very concerned and also angry. Lacey drank a cup of tea and some soup.
    Gladys carefully helped her to bed in her daughter's room.


 

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