A flash A loud bang Darkness Darkness
Finally the darkness began to fade. A voice broke through:
Dr. Harper, this is the firefighter, something exploded over there.
Through the ache he felt a hand brush his neck. He forced his eyelids apart. A rectangular pendant with zodiac signs etched into it hovered in view then a womans face in a white coat.
Straight to theatre! someone said right beside him.
His parents got home from work. His mum headed straight for the kitchen after a quick look into the room where her son was doing homework. David, coming in after her, noticed right away that the boys mood was off.
Tommy, whats up? he ruffled his hair.
Nothing, the fourth-grader muttered.
Come on, spit it out.
Valentines is nearly here. Teacher kept us back and said weve got to sort gifts for the girls.
And the trouble is? David smiled.
Same number of boys and girls. She picked who gives to who, Tommy sighed hard. I got landed with the plain one, Emily Harper.
Every girl wants a Valentine, even the ones who arent cover models, his dad said, trying to sound grown-up. How did she sort it? Last names?
No, by star signs.
Hows that work? David couldnt stop the grin.
Compatibility. Emilys a Virgo, and Virgos suit Taurus best. Guess what I am.
Handy if you match! Grow up and you might even fancy her.
David laughed out loud. His mum rushed in at once.
Whats the racket?
Sarah, back to the kitchen, Davids face went serious. Were having a proper talk, me and the lad.
Once she left, Tommy asked in a flat voice,
Dad, what do I do now?
Make a gift.
What kind?
Ill sort one for your chosen girl at work tomorrow.
Dad, what can you even make? Youre at the factory.
True, but Im in the plating shop. We do every sort of metal finish.
Dad, I dont get it.
Youll see tomorrow.
***
Next day his dad brought home a rectangular pendant on a chain that looked gold. On one side two signs were engraved Taurus and Virgo and on the other, small but tidy letters said:
To my classmate Emily for Valentines Day! Tommy.
It looked smart on its own, but once his mum popped it into a little plastic bag it looked even better.
***
Valentines was the next day. The teacher had no plans for lessons. First the class gave her a present and she thanked them for ages. Then she told the boys to hand out their gifts to the girls.
Chaos. Every lad charged toward his pick. Tommy walked over to Emily Harper and said what his dad had drilled into him:
Emily, happy Valentines. Maybe one day a Taurus and a Virgo will end up together.
He turned back to his desk and, naturally, missed how the girls heart the one he still thought was plain gave a sudden thump.
Not long after, Emilys family moved to another part of town and she started at a new school in Year Five.
***
Tommy opened his eyes to the white hospital ceiling. He tried his arms and legs. Only the left arm moved.
Where am I? he asked no one.
Footsteps tapped over and a patient on crutches stopped by the bed, studied him, and said,
Back in the land of the living? Emergency surgery ward.
Are my arms and legs still attached? Tommy asked quietly.
Everythings where it should be, the man said cheerfully. Youre just bandaged head to toe.
Thats something.
A nurse came over.
How are you feeling?
What happened to me?
Youre not in danger. Arms and legs will work. Youll just carry a few scars, she handed him the phone, already ringing. Your mum asked us to call the second you woke.
Love, came his mothers tearful voice.
Mum, Im fine, he tried to sound bright. They said just a couple of small scars. Ill be out soon.
They wouldnt let me stay overnight. Im coming now.
Mum, dont get yourself worked up.
He put the phone down and gave the nurse a tired smile.
Thanks.
They wont be sending you home yet, she smiled back. Three weeks at least, Id say.
What went on out there? his roommate asked once she left.
Im a firefighter. Oxygen tanks started going off at the plant, Tommy said, remembering. They called us. We got there before the engines. Big space, three people down inside. We went in, tanks all over, a bit of fire. Started carrying them out I was last to leave Right by the door another tank blew. After that, nothing.
You caught it rough.
Thompson, Tom, the nurse called. Colleague here to see you.
Hey, Tom! You alright?
Arms and legs still work! he answered, trying to sound upbeat. Can only wave with the left hand for now.
Youll live.
What happened after we got out?
We were nearly clear when it went up. We ran back in, dragged you out blood everywhere medics were already there.
Cheers.
Tom, stop it! his friend grinned. Word is they want to put us in for medals.
Ill be out by then.
Right, Im off. Rounds soon. Nurse said keep it short.
His mate had barely gone when a doctor in his forties walked in.
Hows the hero doing? he stopped at the bed.
Not bad.
If youre talking youll be fine. Lets have a look.
Did you stitch me?
No, that was Dr. Harper. Shell be round the day after tomorrow.
***
Two days passed. Tommy was trying to stand. His legs still hurt badly and his right arm was torn up. He had at least ten wounds across his body. Two on his face from when the blast threw him against the gate lucky hed got his right hand up in time. He checked the mirror. His face was still swollen.
The doctor whod spent five straight hours sewing him up in theatre was due for rounds today. Tommy felt oddly nervous.
Then she came in. Young, slim, glasses, but they didnt spoil her, and the white coat suited her. At twenty-seven Tommy had already been married. It lasted six months they didnt get on, the form said. Really his ex just hated a firefighters pay.
Hello, she said, coming to his bed.
Hello. Did you do the stitches?
I did. Something wrong?
Let me see you.
She leaned over him. The zodiac pendant swung from her neck.
Emily Harper! he said.
She studied his puffy face.
Sorry? she still didnt know him.
Im Taurus, he pointed at the pendant.
Tommy Thompson? her lips shook. You remember me?
Course I do, Emily. Seeing tears, he laid his good hand on hers.
Im sorry, she took a tissue and wiped her eyes. Never thought wed meet again like this.
She didnt come back to his room that day. But Tommy had already worked out her rota was the same as his old one: day, night, two off.
He hated looking helpless in front of her. All the next day he practised walking round the ward using the beds for support, and twice he made it into the corridor by holding the wall.
Evening. The day doctor left and the night team arrived you could hear it in the voices outside. Rounds were due.
Shouts and quick footsteps suddenly filled the corridor. That usually meant another patient was coming in.
It was past ten. The nurse turned off the light. Sleep wouldnt come. After midnight footsteps sounded outside, then stopped, and in the quiet Tommy felt rather than heard someone crying. He got up and stepped carefully into the hall.
At the desk sat his old classmate, head on her arms, crying. He put his good hand on her shoulder.
Whats wrong, Emily?
She stood and pressed her face into his shoulder.
I operated on a woman hit by a car, she said between sobs. I did everything possible Shes in intensive care but she wont make it. Two kids her husbands with her now.
Easy, Emily.
Three years a surgeon and I still cant get used to people dying.
Easy now. Thats the job we both chose. In five years Ive seen plenty of deaths too, but weve saved plenty of lives as well, Tommy sighed. Its why my wife left. Said I come home not myself and dont earn enough. But I always bring home enough you can live on it.
Same for me, she looked at him. Blokes look at me like Im odd. Never been married, still live with my parents like a kid.
Come off it, were only twenty-seven. Whole life ahead.
No, Tom, were already twenty-seven.
Dr. Harper, her pulse is dropping, a nurse shouted, running out.
Sorry! Emily dashed for intensive care.
Tommy didnt sleep that night. In the morning the nurse gave him his usual injection.
The woman from last nights operation, is she still here? he asked, surprising himself.
Alive, but very poorly.
***
Three weeks passed. The wounds on Tommys body had healed. He and Emily saw each other on her shifts and he felt himself drawn to her more and more. But the emergency surgery ward wasnt the place for anything personal.
During one morning round the male doctor said,
Youre going home today, he smiled. From the hospital, anyway. Straight to your clinic and theyll decide how long you stay off work.
Can I pack?
Yes, no rush. Theyll have your discharge ready soon.
After he left, Tommy shaved. In the mirror he was pleased the two scars left on his face didnt spoil anything they actually gave him a bit of character. The rest werent worth worrying about.
He gathered his things and stepped into the corridor. A patient was coming the other way, using the wall for support.
She made it after all! he thought happily.
The nurse came out with the papers.
Look after yourself, Tom. Dont come back!
***
He had his own small flat but went to his parents instead. His mum had been waiting and worrying herself sick. Shed even taken time off.
My boy! she hugged him tight.
Its fine, Mum. See? Alive and well.
Come and eat, I made something proper. Youve got so thin.
Ive missed proper home food.
Youll stay here until youre better and married. Your rooms still empty, she called after him like he was little. Go wash your hands!
***
By evening Tommy had been to the barber. He popped into his flat for some clothes. His mum set about sorting them straight away.
That night his dad came home from work. They sat together like they used to and talked until late.
Tommy went to bed in his old room but didnt sleep at once.
Clinic tomorrow. Then work. And tonight
With that thought he finally dropped off, long after midnight.
***
Next morning he went to the clinic first. He spent the morning moving between rooms. After lunch he headed to the station for his shift.
Where are you off to? his dad asked.
Dad, remember ages ago when I was in Year Four? You made that pendant for me to give my classmate?
The plain-looking Emily Harper? I remember.
And you said, Grow up and you might fall for her.
I did.
Dad, Emilys a surgeon now. She operated on me. And shes still wearing the pendant.
Well I never!
Dad, you were right. Im going to see her.
***
Twenty-seven isnt so old to start a life with someone you love.A flash A loud bang Darkness Darkness
Finally the darkness began to fade. A voice broke through:
Dr. Harper, this is the firefighter, something exploded over there.
Through the ache he felt a hand brush his neck. He forced his eyelids apart. A rectangular pendant with zodiac signs etched into it hovered in view then a womans face in a white coat.
Straight to theatre! someone said right beside him.
His parents got home from work. His mum headed straight for the kitchen after a quick look into the room where her son was doing homework. David, coming in after her, noticed right away that the boys mood was off.
Tommy, whats up? he ruffled his hair.
Nothing, the fourth-grader muttered.
Come on, spit it out.
Valentines is nearly here. Teacher kept us back and said weve got to sort gifts for the girls.
And the trouble is? David smiled.
Same number of boys and girls. She picked who gives to who, Tommy sighed hard. I got landed with the plain one, Emily Harper.
Every girl wants a Valentine, even the ones who arent cover models, his dad said, trying to sound grown-up. How did she sort it? Last names?
No, by star signs.
Hows that work? David couldnt stop the grin.
Compatibility. Emilys a Virgo, and Virgos suit Taurus best. Guess what I am.
Handy if you match! Grow up and you might even fancy her.
David laughed out loud. His mum rushed in at once.
Whats the racket?
Sarah, back to the kitchen, Davids face went serious. Were having a proper talk, me and the lad.
Once she left, Tommy asked in a flat voice,
Dad, what do I do now?
Make a gift.
What kind?
Ill sort one for your chosen girl at work tomorrow.
Dad, what can you even make? Youre at the factory.
True, but Im in the plating shop. We do every sort of metal finish.
Dad, I dont get it.
Youll see tomorrow.
***
Next day his dad brought home a rectangular pendant on a chain that looked gold. On one side two signs were engraved Taurus and Virgo and on the other, small but tidy letters said:
To my classmate Emily for Valentines Day! Tommy.
It looked smart on its own, but once his mum popped it into a little plastic bag it looked even better.
***
Valentines was the next day. The teacher had no plans for lessons. First the class gave her a present and she thanked them for ages. Then she told the boys to hand out their gifts to the girls.
Chaos. Every lad charged toward his pick. Tommy walked over to Emily Harper and said what his dad had drilled into him:
Emily, happy Valentines. Maybe one day a Taurus and a Virgo will end up together.
He turned back to his desk and, naturally, missed how the girls heart the one he still thought was plain gave a sudden thump.
Not long after, Emilys family moved to another part of town and she started at a new school in Year Five.
***
Tommy opened his eyes to the white hospital ceiling. He tried his arms and legs. Only the left arm moved.
Where am I? he asked no one.
Footsteps tapped over and a patient on crutches stopped by the bed, studied him, and said,
Back in the land of the living? Emergency surgery ward.
Are my arms and legs still attached? Tommy asked quietly.
Everythings where it should be, the man said cheerfully. Youre just bandaged head to toe.
Thats something.
A nurse came over.
How are you feeling?
What happened to me?
Youre not in danger. Arms and legs will work. Youll just carry a few scars, she handed him the phone, already ringing. Your mum asked us to call the second you woke.
Love, came his mothers tearful voice.
Mum, Im fine, he tried to sound bright. They said just a couple of small scars. Ill be out soon.
They wouldnt let me stay overnight. Im coming now.
Mum, dont get yourself worked up.
He put the phone down and gave the nurse a tired smile.
Thanks.
They wont be sending you home yet, she smiled back. Three weeks at least, Id say.
What went on out there? his roommate asked once she left.
Im a firefighter. Oxygen tanks started going off at the plant, Tommy said, remembering. They called us. We got there before the engines. Big space, three people down inside. We went in, tanks all over, a bit of fire. Started carrying them out I was last to leave Right by the door another tank blew. After that, nothing.
You caught it rough.
Thompson, Tom, the nurse called. Colleague here to see you.
Hey, Tom! You alright?
Arms and legs still work! he answered, trying to sound upbeat. Can only wave with the left hand for now.
Youll live.
What happened after we got out?
We were nearly clear when it went up. We ran back in, dragged you out blood everywhere medics were already there.
Cheers.
Tom, stop it! his friend grinned. Word is they want to put us in for medals.
Ill be out by then.
Right, Im off. Rounds soon. Nurse said keep it short.
His mate had barely gone when a doctor in his forties walked in.
Hows the hero doing? he stopped at the bed.
Not bad.
If youre talking youll be fine. Lets have a look.
Did you stitch me?
No, that was Dr. Harper. Shell be round the day after tomorrow.
***
Two days passed. Tommy was trying to stand. His legs still hurt badly and his right arm was torn up. He had at least ten wounds across his body. Two on his face from when the blast threw him against the gate lucky hed got his right hand up in time. He checked the mirror. His face was still swollen.
The doctor whod spent five straight hours sewing him up in theatre was due for rounds today. Tommy felt oddly nervous.
Then she came in. Young, slim, glasses, but they didnt spoil her, and the white coat suited her. At twenty-seven Tommy had already been married. It lasted six months they didnt get on, the form said. Really his ex just hated a firefighters pay.
Hello, she said, coming to his bed.
Hello. Did you do the stitches?
I did. Something wrong?
Let me see you.
She leaned over him. The zodiac pendant swung from her neck.
Emily Harper! he said.
She studied his puffy face.
Sorry? she still didnt know him.
Im Taurus, he pointed at the pendant.
Tommy Thompson? her lips shook. You remember me?
Course I do, Emily. Seeing tears, he laid his good hand on hers.
Im sorry, she took a tissue and wiped her eyes. Never thought wed meet again like this.
She didnt come back to his room that day. But Tommy had already worked out her rota was the same as his old one: day, night, two off.
He hated looking helpless in front of her. All the next day he practised walking round the ward using the beds for support, and twice he made it into the corridor by holding the wall.
Evening. The day doctor left and the night team arrived you could hear it in the voices outside. Rounds were due.
Shouts and quick footsteps suddenly filled the corridor. That usually meant another patient was coming in.
It was past ten. The nurse turned off the light. Sleep wouldnt come. After midnight footsteps sounded outside, then stopped, and in the quiet Tommy felt rather than heard someone crying. He got up and stepped carefully into the hall.
At the desk sat his old classmate, head on her arms, crying. He put his good hand on her shoulder.
Whats wrong, Emily?
She stood and pressed her face into his shoulder.
I operated on a woman hit by a car, she said between sobs. I did everything possible Shes in intensive care but she wont make it. Two kids her husbands with her now.
Easy, Emily.
Three years a surgeon and I still cant get used to people dying.
Easy now. Thats the job we both chose. In five years Ive seen plenty of deaths too, but weve saved plenty of lives as well, Tommy sighed. Its why my wife left. Said I come home not myself and dont earn enough. But I always bring home enough you can live on it.
Same for me, she looked at him. Blokes look at me like Im odd. Never been married, still live with my parents like a kid.
Come off it, were only twenty-seven. Whole life ahead.
No, Tom, were already twenty-seven.
Dr. Harper, her pulse is dropping, a nurse shouted, running out.
Sorry! Emily dashed for intensive care.
Tommy didnt sleep that night. In the morning the nurse gave him his usual injection.
The woman from last nights operation, is she still here? he asked, surprising himself.
Alive, but very poorly.
***
Three weeks passed. The wounds on Tommys body had healed. He and Emily saw each other on her shifts and he felt himself drawn to her more and more. But the emergency surgery ward wasnt the place for anything personal.
During one morning round the male doctor said,
Youre going home today, he smiled. From the hospital, anyway. Straight to your clinic and theyll decide how long you stay off work.
Can I pack?
Yes, no rush. Theyll have your discharge ready soon.
After he left, Tommy shaved. In the mirror he was pleased the two scars left on his face didnt spoil anything they actually gave him a bit of character. The rest werent worth worrying about.
He gathered his things and stepped into the corridor. A patient was coming the other way, using the wall for support.
She made it after all! he thought happily.
The nurse came out with the papers.
Look after yourself, Tom. Dont come back!
***
He had his own small flat but went to his parents instead. His mum had been waiting and worrying herself sick. Shed even taken time off.
My boy! she hugged him tight.
Its fine, Mum. See? Alive and well.
Come and eat, I made something proper. Youve got so thin.
Ive missed proper home food.
Youll stay here until youre better and married. Your rooms still empty, she called after him like he was little. Go wash your hands!
***
By evening Tommy had been to the barber. He popped into his flat for some clothes. His mum set about sorting them straight away.
That night his dad came home from work. They sat together like they used to and talked until late.
Tommy went to bed in his old room but didnt sleep at once.
Clinic tomorrow. Then work. And tonight
With that thought he finally dropped off, long after midnight.
***
Next morning he went to the clinic first. He spent the morning moving between rooms. After lunch he headed to the station for his shift.
Where are you off to? his dad asked.
Dad, remember ages ago when I was in Year Four? You made that pendant for me to give my classmate?
The plain-looking Emily Harper? I remember.
And you said, Grow up and you might fall for her.
I did.
Dad, Emilys a surgeon now. She operated on me. And shes still wearing the pendant.
Well I never!
Dad, you were right. Im going to see her.
***
Twenty-seven isnt so old to start a life with someone you love.
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