Running High - Chapter 23

Herve moved away from the nurse’s station and stood beside Sara. He told Sara the nurse was calling a Priority 1 so the Doctor would come and see Ric. Herve went on to say they thought he may need surgery and he would most likely be transferred to another hospital.

Herve paused and then said, ’The Doctor has to authorise the move. The nurse said Ric had been assessed with either kidney stones or appendicitis.’

He sighed and ran his hand through his hair.

Sara said, ‘thank you.’ She went on, ‘It’s been awful seeing him sick.’

Herve paced as Sara went to see Ric.

Finally a female appeared and she introduced herself explaining she was a Doctor. She asked Ric some questions and pressed his stomach.

She wrote on a piece of paper and attached it to a clipboard and said, ‘Ok he is getting transferred. He needs surgery.’

She spoke into a device and said, ‘wait transport is coming now.’

Then she was gone.
 
Ten days had passed since Ric’s unexpected collapse and Sara’s long-held dream to finish a marathon was dashed in the closing stages of the race.

Forced to choose between Ric, or winning, she chose Ric as abandoning him on the side of the road with unexplained abdominal pain was shocking to her. She did though, at the time, ask herself could she sprint across the line and then run back?

Not knowing the answer and with Ric’s sudden collapse, she chose instead to stay at his side. In that second, Sara knew she could not abandon him. As well, Gayle too, was uppermost in her mind. She never did discover if Gayle knew she and Ric were travelling and running together. Sara did not know if she could face Gayle and be party to his unexpected death in a foreign land, a flirtatious and playful jaunt that neither predicted would turn so horrible. Her love for him had welled up as she had watched in horror, as he lay on the road, his head brushing against its sharp surface, peppered with debris, violently spewing. She knew she could not abandon him despite her strong desire to sprint across the FINISH line.
 
By his side again, this time 35,000ft in the air, flying towards Australia, she knew she had made the right decision. Thanks to Herve, Ric’s emergency surgery had saved his life. Sara was thankful to Steele and Herve. Herve’s advocacy saw Ric get the treatment he needed as bad timing saw resources at the hospital stretched. It did her no good thinking about what might have happened if otherwise. She looked over at Ric who was sleeping. She tilted her chair back, willing the plane to fly faster as she drifted off to not only pass the time but to also forget.
 
They had just landed. Smiling widely, Ric looked over at Sara and squeezed her hand. They had been through a lot.

Steele had wanted to fly to Marseille and escort Sara back to Turkey. She had insisted, though on travelling with Ric so as to deliver him safely back to Gayle.

Sara was torn about letting him go. She felt they had played and played hard, risked a lot and luckily the dice, the one time when it really mattered had rolled high numbers.

She was paying a debt to Ric and Gayle, not to mention to Steele and Herve. Without their intervention, Sara thought, Ric would have died.

She was seeing the final leg of their journey through and its end had arrived. Disembarking, Sara knew Ric would soon see Gayle.

With the moment almost upon them, they continued as if it was nothing more than a brief farewell akin to friends briefly separating. As they approached the escalators, Sara knew this was it.

As she touched Ric’s arm, he looked at her and said, ‘Sara, I love you, always will.’

They were oblivious to the throngs of people around them, as Ric pressed his lips to hers and their velvety caresses were all that mattered. After denying this moment since their first meeting, they savoured its sweetness. As quickly as he had initiated it, Ric pulled away.

Separated by travellers, Sara tracked him as he moved towards baggage claims, surrounded by people waiting for loved ones and friends. Camouflaging herself amongst the crowds, she gasped as she recognised Gayle. She looked on as Gayle surged towards Ric embracing him while others swarmed around. As if sensing something of his ordeal, they formed a human shield, seeking to protect him from further threats and Ric disappeared into their arms.

The arrivals lounge swelled as travellers grabbed their baggage and moved away. With all the commotion, Sara lost sight of Ric and he did not look back to find her.

Sara got jostled in the crowd, however she moved away from the throng to hear her phone beeping. Picking it up, she discovered a message from Steele. She read it and burst into tears as its contents revealed to her that Steele had booked her a ticket to Turkey departing at NOON. She quickly composed herself astounded at this news but also thrilled that she soon would be joining Steele again, embarking on an exciting journey with him. She did not look back as she collected her luggage, making her way to check-in.

The End

Running High - Chapter 22

The paramedics approached and knelt by Ric. Checking his vital signs, they asked questions. He pointed to the side of his abdomen. There was a short discussion between the pair and the taller paramedic opened the back of the ambulance and pulled out a Guernsey.

The other one spoke with Sara asking if she was related to Ric. She said they were friends, travelling together.

When he asked her if she knew his date of birth, she shook her head. When Ric was wheeled into the back of the ambulance, the paramedic ushered Sara beside him.

She had carried her phone with her on the inside of her shorts in a pocket. Pulling it out she frantically looked up Steele’s number.

Hitting speed dial, she willed him to pick up and after the 4th ring she heard Steele’s voice. Without any pleasantries, she launched right into telling him Ric was unwell and in an ambulance on the way to hospital.

‘Christ,’ said Steele. He went on, ‘what has he got, aren’t you running?’

‘No,’ she cried. She continued, ‘I mean, we were but he, he collapsed.’

There was silence.

After a while Steele said, ‘It will be ok Sara, he is receiving medical attention. Can you call me when you get to the hospital?’

Crying, she said, ‘yes,’ and the line dropped out.
 
The waiting area was crowded inside Emergency and Sara asked, ‘What’s happened?’ to the paramedic who had spoken with her after Ric’s collapse. He said there had been a pile up on Le Freeway A63 with rescuers still there working to pull the injured from the wrecks.

He went onto say, ‘Two are in surgery now.’

Hearing this, she anxiously asked, ‘When will Ric be seen?

The paramedic shook his head and said, ‘We cannot say, he has pain in the abdomen with vomiting but the others….for now are a priority…’

Gripped with worry about Ric, she looked at him lying on his side on the Guernsey, knees curled. The paramedic said Ric would get pain relief as soon as they knew what was wrong.

Bowing he said, ‘I will return shortly.’

Concerned about medical resources being used elsewhere, she grabbed her phone, telling Ric she would be right back.

She hurried to the ward’s entrance and quickly dialled Steele again. He picked up after the second ring.

Crying, her words tumbled out and Steele asked her to slow down. She told him medical staff were treating badly injured people from a car accident and that she didn’t know how long Ric would have to wait.

Cursing, Steele said, ‘Sara, you have to stay calm. There was silence and then continuing he said, ‘I have a friend, a colleague. His name is Herve and he lives in Marseille. Give me a minute, I have to call. I will ring you soon.’

He rang off and Sara shuffled to an empty chair in Emergency and sat down. Exhausted after running the marathon and shocked at Ric’s sudden collapse, she put her head in her hands, desperate to block everything out.

She would have stayed this way if it was not for a tapping on her knee. She opened her eyes and in front of her was a child, no more than 6 years old. He stopped as she saw him. He had a lollipop in his hand and his large, brown eyes watched her as she held his gaze.

After a while, he cautiously extended the lollipop to her. She took it and half crying and half smiling, said, ‘Thank you.’

He looked at her shyly and hardly blinking his big brown eyes, he watched her again for several moments. She returned his gaze. After a while, he turned and ran back most likely to his mother. She was nursing a baby and had a toddler by her side. At the toddler’s feet was a bucket. She smiled and Sara smiled back. Unwrapping the lollipop, she put it in her mouth, finding the tangy flavour a welcome distraction. As she did her phone rang. Answering it, she heard the familiar sound of Steele’s voice.

‘Sara,’ he said, ‘I have good news. I spoke to Herve and he is driving now to the hospital. He has your number and I will text you his. Be strong, Ric is depending on you.’

Sara choking back tears, nodded and she said, ‘Ok, I better go back to Ric.’

‘Do that Sara,’ he said ringing off.

Before she did, she gave a friendly wave to the mother and little boy who had given her the lollipop. As she did, a name was called. Watching as the mother stirred, Sara realised it was her. Overladen, as she stood up, Sara went over and said, ‘Let me help you.’

She took the baby as the mother carried the toddler asking the little boy something in the local language. Sara watched as he carried the bucket and followed his mother into the treatment room. Sara walked with them handing the baby back as the toddler was placed on the bed.

Medical staff gathered around and the mother smiled at Sara who farewelled her, giving a big wave to the little boy, jumping playfully beside her. Sara welcomed the child’s joie de vivre, before turning her attention once again to Ric.

Sara went to his side and could see straight away Ric had not improved. She asked a nurse how long to get attention. The nurse did not reply but instead offered painkillers. Sara gave them to Ric.

Suddenly her phone rang, ‘Hello, Sara,’ said the speaker on the end of the phone.

‘Hello,’ replied Sara, ‘is that Herve?’

‘Yes, I am entering Emergency now.’

‘Ok,’ said Sara, ‘I will come see you.’

She leant across to Ric explaining to him Steele’s friend had arrived and she would be right back.

He did not react and she quickly walked to the Emergency’s entrance.

She knew it was him, as he came through the doors. She smiled and said, ‘Hi, you must be Herve.’

Returning a smile he said, ‘Yes hello, it’s Sara, isn’t it? So nice to meet you. Steele called me and told me the news about Ric. I know both Ric and Steel well, so please let me help.’

With that she took him through to the treatment cubicle where Ric lay on the Guernsey.

‘Ric,’ he said as he got closer, ‘I hear you’re a bit sick.’

Ric opened his eyes and waved and said, ‘Herve, what a way for us to meet again and you seeing me like this.’

‘Yes,’ said Herve, ‘You certainly have got yourself into a bit of trouble. Let’s see what we can do.’

With that he approached the nurse’s station and he began speaking to one of the staff members. Sara observed his calm tone and manner as he spoke quietly. As Herve gestured towards Ric, the nurse nodded.

Herve paused and the nurse said ‘Un instant se il vous plait.’ (One moment please)

Herve looked at Sara, waving his hand slightly and mouthed the words, ‘wait’ as the nurse made a phone call.

Sara motioned with a slight nod of her head without saying anything.

The nurse’s call ended and she spoke to Herve. He became animated as she told him news.

Herve replied with, ‘Oui, oui.’ (Yes, yes)

The assistant continued and Herve said, ‘Merci beaucoup.’ (Thank you a lot)












Birds of Tokyo - 'Lanterns' Acoustic Live - BPM TV In the Raw


Lanterns by Birds of Tokyo - Perth Western Australia

The song is about a journey. It might be your journey or is it mine - a new job, a new relationship or a material journey. Whatever, know that as we traverse the inky landscape of surprise and intrigue, we light our own paths to reach our destinations.

'On we march 'til we meet the dawn, we will light our way with our lanterns on.'

Image courtesy of imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net - (1)


Image courtesy of patrisyu at FreeDigitalPhotos.net - (2)



Read on

Running High - Chapter 23



Go back

Running High - Chapter 21

Running High - Chapter 21

Shoulder to shoulder with other runners, a final announcement was made and Ric told Sara, the pistol was about to be fired.

Excitedly they both waited. At last, Sara’s long-held dream would begin. Smiling, she looked over at Ric, squeezing his hand.

Suddenly, the pistol’s ping rang out and the crowd’s roar travelled the depth of the route.

Sara and Ric found they were not moving as the number of runners in front made it impossible for them to walk, let alone run.  They could only step forward slowly as the crowd dispersed. Sara looked down and thought if she tripped, there’d be little opportunity to get up as the energy of the runners surged behind her, impatient at the race’s delays. Thoughts of being crushed crossed her mind.

As the front of the pack opened up, the race eventually gained momentum, giving them room to finally run.

Flags, balloons and streamers flashed by Sara as she ran its course. The rush she got from the roar of the spectators fuelled her pace.

Early on Ric was already lagging. She was torn between running her own race and running beside him. Slowing down, allowed him to catch up.

By her side, he said, ‘Sara, go ahead, I’m slow today.’

Without losing her focus, she replied, ‘No, we’re running together, 20kms, all the way.’

With that she adjusted her rhythm and they ran side-by-side.
 
Their pace was steady and with the inclines behind them at the 10km mark, the next 10kms would be the flat part of the course.

This made sense since most runners would have maximum energy at the beginning to tackle the route’s more difficult terrains. When energy and stamina were failing, the final legs, flat and smooth would offer relief and a belief that the race was within reach.

They’d been running for 75 minutes past the half-way mark, slower than their average during training. Sara pulled back as Ric shuffled rather than ran.

Their training, though had given them the confidence to dig deep and find the reserves needed to cross the line. Sara glanced at Ric and saw he was puffing heavily.

‘Steady,’ she said between breaths. Water signs displayed along the route indicated a station was 1 km away.

‘Water ahead,’ said Sara. She continued, ‘only 8 kms after the station, Ric.’

Labouring under the strain, he did not talk.

Sara slightly worried said, ‘Ric, we can stop at the station.’

Her heart sank at the thought of bailing but she could see today wasn’t his day.

Without speaking, he waved as if rejecting any thoughts of stopping.

She continued on silently.

Snatching cups of water from the tables she guzzled their contents throwing the empties into the bin. Ric behind her did the same.


        

 
Buoyed by the thirst quenchers, it was almost as if Ric found a second wind and motioned to Sara to continue. Smiling she shouted, ‘that’s the spirit!’
 
They continued on as runners passed them and Sara slowed as Ric switched to shuffling again and with only 5 kms to go, Sara cheered, ‘not far to go.’

Waving excitedly to the spectators lining the final stretches of the route, she felt as if she could run for another 20 kms as the joy she felt as she visualised crossing the line gave her almost super-human strength. Anticipating the finale just ahead of her, she pumped the air with her fist.

As they rounded the final bend, she had a clear view of the banner emblazoned with the words FINISH. Crossing this would mean her hard work would finally come to fruition.

Wanting to share her exhilaration she looked over at Ric. Emitting a deep rasping sound upon seeing his colouring and the difficulty he had in breathing, she shrilled, ‘Ric, are you okay?’

Forcing himself to answer, he said, ‘Go ahead Sara, I…I can’t continue.’

As she began to speak, he stumbled, falling onto the road.

Alarmed, Sara yelled, ‘Ric, what’s up?’

Writhing around, he said, ‘Sara, please go finish the race.’

Within seconds, Sara debated within herself whether to run the 800 metres, cross the line and run back to Ric. It was within her sights and her goal would be completed but she hesitated as she would have to run against the racers. Dread gripped her as she thought of Ric if she left him alone.  Instinctively, she knew she could not run off.

Dropping beside him she asked where it hurt. He pointed to his abdomen and it was then she waved frantically to a nearby marshal.

He nonchalantly walked her way and crying she said, ‘My friend is very ill, please hurry.’

 ‘Ok, ok,’ he said, and as he got closer, he could clearly see Ric’s distress and made a call. Within minutes, Sara could hear sirens as an ambulance drove through the crowds.

Read on

Running High - Chapter 22

Go back
Running High - Chapter 20

Image courtesy of Sura Nualpradid FreeDigitalPhotos - (1)


Image courtesy of nitinut FreeDigitalPhotos - (2)