Previous – Book1 Page147 – Next
“My dad was a doctor you know,” says Hayley, as she turns to greet the visitors, “he wasn’t a marine, he didn’t deserve to die.”
Walker doesn’t know what to say. Her training has prepared her for discussing death. With adults. She’s done that a few times over the years, compassionately consoling bereaved families, but she’s never before had to have a conversation about death with an eight year old.
AuntSylvie has. She’s done it a few times. She knows Hayley’s story, because she’s been through it a number of times before. The best thing Walker can do is stay calm, let AuntSylvie manage the dialogue, add in a sympathetic smile from time to time, and a demur “yes” or “I know” or “uh huh” when the youngster is looking for reassurance.
Commander Wilde was Sylvie’s younger brother, so even though everybody at the Noble Coliseum calls her “Auntie” or “AuntSylvie”, she is Hayley’s authentic aunt.
In a very pragmatic, mature, matter of fact voice, Hayley continues. She doesn’t sound like the average eight year old.
“My grandfather was a marine. And my great grandfather too. He was the captain of The Celestial Empress when they won the Battle of Fflint.”
“Dad didn’t want people to die. He wanted them to live. That’s why he became a doctor.”
A tear begins to well up in Hayley’s eye. AuntSylvie’s too. Walker is one step ahead of them both. She raises a plain, white handkerchief to her face to catch the tears which have already started.
“He couldn’t save mum though! Mum didn’t have a serious injury. Mum had a serious illness.”
Spontaneously, all three of them allow the tears to flow. AuntSylvie takes Hayley in her arms, and strokes her hair gently. After a few moments to let the highly charged emotions subside a little, she says, “my mouth’s feeling dry, I need some tea, and a biscuit, who wants a chocolate chip cookie?”
Modern medicine has gone full circle and has returned to its roots. Long gone are the days of commercially available
Previous – Book1 Page147 – Next