THE CHASM 

By Tessa Harvey


    Margaret paused, framed in the doorway of the single hospital room and assessed the young woman lying propped up on a pillow. Her eyes were closed, she was pale with oxygen prongs in her nasal passages, and a drip anchoring her to the bed. 
    :Hello, Ariella," she said softly. The girl looked at her. "Are you my paramedic? Thank you so much." "How did you know?" Margaret was puzzled, thinking the girl had been too ill to remember. "I was aware of you and the other one at times. He helped me too, but," she hesitated, "he didn't like me."
    Just then, she saw Dylan and her face lit up. "What were you doing out in the smoke?" He looked upset. "I didn't realise," Ari replied, coughing a little, "too busy praying." "No excuse," he replied, "but thanks. What happened was amazing."
    "Are you Gavin's boy?" asked the older woman suddenly.
Dylan thought she seemed really intent and focused. "Who are you?" he asked, angrily. "Why are you here bothering my friend, and what do you want?"
    "Your uncle is my brother-in-law." Dylan's eyes widened. "I have an aunt?" he exclaimed. "Why didn't I know?"
    Margaret looked at Ariella, concerned. "Perhaps we could go down to the cafeteria and talk? Your friend is not well."
    "Oh, no, please!" Ariella begged. "We are close friends." She coughed again and Margaret passed her some water from the bedside cabinet.
    Just then a doctor and his entourage of students and nursing staff entered the room. The doctor smiled as a nurse closed the curtains around Ariella's bed. "Come back soon," she said, pleasantly.

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