excerpt
When Tyne returned to the emergency room, she found that Jim and his assistant, Tom Dayton, had transferred Barry to the examining table. The injured man’s eyes were closed and his breath came in short, stertorous gasps. Tyne pulled the anesthetic machine to the bed and turned on the oxygen. Even as she placed the oxygen mask over Barry’s face, a cold dread took hold of her.
Please God, she prayed silently, don’t let Barry die. Lord, he’s only nineteen. And she thought of his family – his parents and two sisters. He’s the only son, please don’t let him die. It could be Jeremy on this table. He’s an only son, too.
She looked up at Jim, and saw him watching her with eyes full of compassion.
“Are you going to be all right, Tyne?”
She nodded. “I’m fine. But Jim, would you please see to Steve. He’s pretty upset and I don’t even know if he’s hurt badly.”
Jim reached out and patted her arm. “Sure, Tyne. I don’t think he has severe injuries.” He turned to go but Tyne’s quiet voice stopped him as he reached the door.
“Jim, who was driving?”
He turned and looked at her and she saw the pain in his eyes. “Steve,” he said. “Steve was driving. He went out of control at the bypass and hit a power pole.” He hesitated. “It’s going to be rough on him if … if Barry …” He turned away and left the room.
Manolis Aligizakis 