THOSE AWAKE... 

By Tessa Harvey


Imelda crept into her aunt's darkened room, still disturbed by the overwhelming nature of all that had just happened and the strange story she had been told.
    The doctor had made the older lady as comfortable as possible. He had declared her too sick to be moved right now, though he had tested her and her nephew for COVID. 
    The nurse had been employed by Grayson and sat watching her aunt, checking the various monitors that had been set up around her. "You should be wearing a mask also," chided the nurse, gently adjusting her own brightly coloured one.
    Imelda reached for a spare mask, unwrapping it and placing it carefully on.
"I know you," whispered the nurse. "Remember me. I'm Ava and I looked after you some time ago in the hospital." Ava couldn't see the other woman's warm smile, but saw her soft brown glow and twinkle.
    "Will my aunt be alright? What is wrong?" She turned towards Mia. "She is exhausted. I can see that."
"Actually, there is a drip because of the fact your aunt is dehydrated. You can see she is emaciated."
    "Could she have been in prison," queried Imelda, shocked and saddened.
Ava hesitated. "She has been badly treated. There are bruises and lacerations." 
    Just then her aunt stirred and looked toward Imelda. "Meldy," she said softly. "I am home! It is not a dream."
    She coughed and Ava moved the sick lady carefully more upright. "Sorry I did not tell the truth. I did not know if I would find your brother. Is he safe?"
    Tears pooled in Imelda's eyes and trickled down her cheeks.
"Auntie, I could have gone back." But her elderly relative had fallen asleep, a peaceful half-smile on her chapped lips.


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