A TANGLE OF LIGHT 

By Tessa Harvey


        "I need to know who you all are." His voice sounded gravelly, but authoritative.
        Damien stepped forward. "I am Damien Blackburn. My wife is in your care, Annabelle here is my daughter, Adrienne my granddaughter and Elsie Hopper a close family friend.
    The surgeon nodded to each in turn. "Your wife, Ava is still alive. We have performed open heart surgery to bypass a blockage caused by atherosclerosis. She has had to have a heart valve replacement. At present, we are hopeful. If you are Christians, pray; if not, try to be positive and hopeful." 
    There was a stunned silence. Everyone seemed not to be breathing. Distant hospital sounds faded. Personal issues, resentments - all had no place here. Life hung in the balance. The surgeon turned. "I have to go."   

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