A TANGLE OF LIGHT

By Tessa Harvey

       The road was awash with a seething mass of foam-flecked water. The ambulance lights stabbed through the darkness tinging the turgid flow with blue, red and gold.  Two paramedics slid out, fighting to keep their balance in the strong swirling torrent. With commendable efficiency, despite the appalling conditions, they checked the elderly lady, ascertained her condition and agreed she could be safely moved.

    There wasn't much choice. To linger was impossible. They slid the stretcher bearing the unresponsive woman into the ambulance. The designated driver scrambled into the driver's seat, already drenched, shoes soaked. His partner, a woman, pulled Adrienne into the ambulance. She was in no condition to protest. Shocked and pale, trembling violently, she half-fell into a seat. The doors were hastily closed.

    Easing some of the sodden clothes from her patient, the older health worker made the lady more comfortable. Having done all she could to stabilise her, the paramedic turned to Adrienne.

    "Are you alright?" The voice was low and pleasant. "Are you able to give me any details?" she gestured toward the elderly lady. "Do you know what happened? Her name?"

    Just then, light flooded the rear of the ambulance as another vehicle pulled up behind. A horn beeped once, then repeatedly when there was no response.

Flicking back her long, dripping hair, the girl said shakily, "It's my dad. I have to go. Thanks."

She paused near the door, turning back, her face anxious and pale. "Will that lady be ok?" "We will do our best. Take care, and thanks. I have your contact notes here." The paramedic smiled. It lit up her tired face.

It had felt like sanctuary but Adrienne pulled herself up, opened the door and went out into the storm to face her father.

Inside her dad's car, she saw the lights of the ambulance flickering for a while, then they were gone. And she was left alone in the night, her father solely pre-occupied with his own concerns.