LIGHT IN DARKNESS

By Tessa Harvey 



Glad had already provided a bowl of warm water and several cloths. It hurt a little as the nurse gently removed the head bandage. She was pleased the wound was not infected and the stitches were holding. It was up near my hairline and shouldn't scar too badly, she said.

Then Glad disappeared as she checked my body carefully, gently touching my sore ribs. She also palpitated my stomach, satisfying herself all was as it should be.
Then she checked Hope, frowning slightly. "Have you had any drugs the last nine months, dear?" "Yes," I murmured, then defensively, "I was made to, but not many. I spat them out when I could."

By now Glad had returned. The nurse checked we would attend the Monday appointment and left, smiling.

GLADYS:
Bill left after lunch for work and his last shift for the week, Friday, would finish earlier. He gave me a hug and tender kiss, then turned to Lacey. He gave her a sideways light embrace and kissed her cheek. Her eyes filled with tears. Obviously she was unused to such affection.

Lacey helped me clean and tidy up, then nursed Hope. It was beautiful to watch them, reminding me of my babies - and Simone. Where was she, I wondered yet again?

The soaring white and pink flowers of roses patterned the fence, seeming to stitch over the ugly tin shed next door. The sun was setting through the flickering new leaves of the trees, a golden glory patterning the sky. The birds sang softly - I determined I would ask about Simone.


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