It all kicked off with a flash… a loud bang… darkness… darkness…
Finally the darkness began to lift. A voice said:
Emily, it’s the rescuer, there was an explosion over there.
Through the pain he felt a hand on his neck. He tried to open his eyes, but it was tough. There in front was a rectangular pendant with zodiac signs carved into it… the eyes of the woman in the white coat…
To the operating room! came the voice right nearby.
Tom’s folks got back from work. His mom dashed straight to the kitchen after glancing into the room where her son was doing homework. David, as he entered the room, noticed right away that his boy wasn’t in the best mood.
Tom, what happened? the dad patted him on the head.
Nothing, the son grumbled, being a fourth-grader.
Come on, out with it!
Valentine’s Day is coming up. The teacher kept us late today and told us we need to get gifts ready for the girls.
So what’s the issue? the dad smiled.
We’ve got equal numbers of boys and girls. And she assigned who gives to whom, the son let out a heavy sigh. I ended up with the plain-looking one, Emily Thompson.
Every girl wants a gift on Valentine’s Day, even the plain-looking ones, the dad tried speaking to his son like an adult. How did she assign them? By the alphabet?
No, by zodiac signs.
How does that work? David couldn’t stop himself from smiling again.
By compatibility. Emily’s a Virgo, and Virgos match best with Taurus. And I’m a Taurus.
Well that’s good if you match! Grow up and maybe you’ll even fall for her.
The dad burst out laughing. Mom ran into the room right then:
What’s going on with you two?
Sarah, head to the kitchen, the dad’s face got serious. We’re having a serious talk with our son.
Once mom was gone, Tom asked in a sad voice:
Dad, what am I supposed to do now?
Get a gift ready!
What kind?
Tomorrow at work I’ll make one for your special girl.
Dad, what present can you make? You work at the factory.
Yes! But I work in the plating shop. They handle all sorts of metal coatings there.
Dad, I don’t understand.
You’ll see tomorrow!
***
The next day dad brought a pendant on a chain that looked golden. On one side two zodiac signs were engraved, Taurus and Virgo, and on the other side it said in small but nice letters:
“To my classmate Emily for Valentine’s Day! Tom.”
Oh, that pendant looked so good! And when mom wrapped it in a little plastic bag, it looked totally awesome.
***
And here was the day before Valentine’s. The teacher wasn’t planning on teaching any lessons. First the kids handed her a gift. She thanked them for ages. Then she said the boys should give their gifts to the girls.
What a commotion that started! All the boys dashed over to their “chosen girls.” Tom went up to Emily Thompson too and said what his dad had taught him:
Emily, happy Valentine’s Day! Maybe one day fate will bring a Taurus and a Virgo together.
After saying the practiced line, Tom headed back to his seat and of course didn’t notice how this plain-looking girl’s heart, in his view, started racing.
Soon enough Emily’s parents moved to another area, and from fifth grade Emily went to a different school.
***
Tom opened his eyes. The white ceiling of the hospital room. He tried to move his arms and legs. Only his left arm moved.
Where am I? he said to no one.
There was some tapping and a guy on crutches came over to his bed, looked at him closely and asked:
You coming to? You’re in the emergency surgery ward.
Are my hands and legs all in one piece? Tom asked quietly.
Looks like everything’s there, the man shared the good news. You’re just wrapped up in bandages from head to toe.
That’s good if it’s all okay.
A nurse came over then and asked kindly:
– How are you feeling?
– What happened to me? Tom replied with a question.
– Your life isn’t threatened. Your arms and legs will work fine. You’ll just have lots of scars left, – she gave him the phone that was on. Your mom wanted you to call when you woke up.
– My boy, – his mom’s voice came through with tears.
– Mom, it’s all good, – he tried to sound as upbeat as he could. They said just some small scars will be left. They’ll let me out soon.
– They wouldn’t allow me to stay with you overnight. My boy, I’m coming over right now.
– Mom, don’t get too worked up!
He set the phone down beside him, tried to smile at the nurse:
– Thanks!
– Well, they won’t be letting you out anytime soon, – the nurse smiled back. You’ll be stuck here for three weeks. No doubt about it!
– What happened to you? the roommate asked once the nurse had gone.
– I’m a rescuer. Oxygen tanks started exploding at the factory, – Tom began to recall. They called us out. We got there ahead of the firefighters. The place is massive, three people hurt inside. We rushed in, tanks all over the place, fire here and there. We started carrying the injured out… I was the last one coming out… When I was near the door, another tank went off… Can’t remember anything after that.
– Yeah, you really caught it.
– Thomas Edwards, – the nurse’s voice called out. You’ve got a coworker here to see you.
– Hey, Tom! You doing okay?
– Hands and legs are fine! the injured guy answered cheerfully. But I can only say hi with my left hand right now!
– Ah, don’t worry about it!
– What went on after that?
– We were heading out when it blew. We ran right back in, dragged you out… you were covered in blood… the doctors were already there…
– Thanks!
– Tom, what are you on about?! all of a sudden a grin showed up on his friend’s face. – They might even be giving us medals.
– By then I’ll be out of here.
– Alright, I’m heading off. You’ll have the doctor round soon. Nurse said keep it short.
The friend hadn’t even left when the doctor walked in, a guy in his forties:
– So, how are things, hero? he came up to the bed.
– Not bad.
– If you’re talking already, you’ll be fine. Let’s check you over!
– Did you stitch me up? Tom asked.
– No, that was Emily Thompson. She’ll be here the day after tomorrow.
***
Two days went by. Tom was already trying to stand up. Though the pain in his legs was still pretty bad, his right arm was all torn up. And he had no less than ten wounds all over his body. Two on his face, when the explosion happened he smacked into the door frame, lucky he got his right hand up in time. He checked himself in the mirror. His face was still puffy.
Today the doctor who had spent five hours straight stitching him up in the operating theater was supposed to do the rounds. Tom was even feeling a little anxious.
And then she walked in. Young, slim, though she had glasses on, they didn’t hurt her looks one bit, and that white coat looked just right on her. At twenty-seven Tom had already been married. But they split after half a year personalities didn’t click, that’s what they put on the form, but really his ex didn’t like how little a rescuer made.
– Hello! the doctor said and walked over to his bed.
– Hello! Was it you who stitched me up?
– It was, – she smiled. Something not right?
– Let me have a look at you!
And she bent down over him… Right in front of his eyes was the pendant with the zodiac signs, hanging from her neck:
– Emily Thompson!!! he shouted.
She looked closely at his swollen face.
– Sorry! she said, without recognizing him yet.
– I’m a Taurus, – and he pointed at the pendant.
– Tom Edwards? her lips started to shake. You still remember me?
– Of course I do, Emily, seeing the tears in the woman’s eyes, he put his hand on hers.
– I’m sorry! she pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed her eyes. I never imagined we’d run into each other this way.
Emily didn’t come back to his room that day. But Tom had figured out her schedule was the same as his: day shift, night shift, and two days off.
He hated looking helpless around her. The whole next day he tried walking around the room using the beds for support, and a couple times he made it out to the corridor holding onto the wall.
Evening came. The day shift doctor left. The new shift arrived you could tell by the chatter in the hall. Rounds were coming up…
Then suddenly there were yells and quick footsteps in the corridor. That always happens when they bring in another patient.
It was already ten o’clock. The nurse came in and switched off the light in the room. But sleep just wouldn’t come. It was past midnight when he heard footsteps in the corridor, they faded, and in the quiet Tom felt more than heard someone crying out there. He got up and went carefully into the corridor.
Sitting at the nurses’ station, head on her arms, was his old classmate, crying. He walked over and placed his good hand on her shoulder:
– What’s the matter, Emily?
She stood and buried her face in his shoulder:
– I operated on a woman who got hit by a car, – she started explaining through sobs. I did everything I could and then some… She’s in the ICU now, but she won’t pull through. She’s got two kids… her husband’s with her in the room right now…
– Calm down, Emily!
– I’ve been a surgeon for three years and I still can’t get used to people dying.
– Calm down, just calm down! That’s the way our jobs are. In five years I’ve seen plenty of deaths too, but we’ve saved a lot of lives as well, – Tom let out a big sigh. – That’s why my wife left. She says I come home not like myself and don’t bring in enough money. But I always clear forty, you can get by.
– It’s the same for me, – she looked him in the eye. Guys think I’m weird. I’ve never been married, still live with my parents like I’m a kid.
– Ah, come on, we’re only twenty-seven there’s a whole life ahead.
– No, Tom, we’re already twenty-seven.
– Emily Thompson, her pulse is fading, – the nurse yelled as she ran out.
– Sorry! and Emily hurried off to the ICU.
Tom couldn’t sleep at all that night. In the morning the nurse came and gave him his usual injection.
– Is the woman they operated on last night still alive? he asked, surprising even himself.
– She’s alive, but in really bad shape.
***
Three weeks went past. The wounds on Tom’s body had closed up. They saw each other during her shifts, and what’s more he felt himself getting more and more pulled toward her. But the emergency surgery ward isn’t the spot for talking about personal stuff.
Then during one of the morning rounds the male doctor said:
– I’m discharging you today, – he smiled and added. From the hospital, I mean. You’ll head straight to your local clinic, and they’ll figure out how long you’ll still need to be off work.
– I can get my things together!
– Yes, yes! No need to rush. They’ll have your paperwork ready soon.
After the doctor left, Tom shaved. Looking in the mirror he noted with satisfaction that the two scars left didn’t ruin his face, if anything they made him look more manly. The rest of the scars weren’t worth bothering about.
He got ready and stepped out into the corridor. A patient was coming the other way, leaning on the wall.
“She pulled through after all!” the happy thought crossed his mind.
The nurse came out and handed him the discharge papers:
– Goodbye, Tom! Try not to come back here!
***
He had his own little apartment, but he went to his parents’ place instead. His mom had been waiting and worrying so much. She’d even taken some time off work.
– My boy! she threw her arms around him.
– It’s okay, mom! See, I’m alive and kicking.
– Come on, I’ve got some food ready for you. You’ve gotten so thin.
– Boy, have I missed home cooking!
– You’ll stay here in the family home until you’re better and get married. Your room’s still sitting empty, – and she called out like he was a child. Go wash your hands!
***
By the evening Tom had popped into the barber’s. He went by his apartment to pick up some clothes. Mom got right to sorting them out.
That evening dad got home from work. They all sat together like they used to and chatted until late.
He went to bed in his old room where he’d spent his childhood and teens, but sleep didn’t come right away:
“Tomorrow I gotta go to the clinic. Then work. And in the evening…”
With that thought about the next evening he drifted off… long after midnight.
***
The following day Tom headed to the clinic first thing. He went from office to office until lunchtime. After lunch he stopped by work since it was his shift.
– Where are you going? his dad wondered.
– Dad, remember way back when I was still in fourth grade. You made that pendant as a gift for my classmate?
– The plain-looking Emily Thompson? I remember.
– Remember, you also said “Grow up and maybe you’ll fall in love with her.”
– I remember that too.
– Dad, Emily’s a surgeon now. She’s the one who did my operation. And she’s still wearing that pendant around her neck.
– Well I’ll be!
– Dad, your words came true. I’m going to see her!
***
Twenty-seven years really isn’t that old to start a life with someone you love.It all kicked off with a flash… a loud bang… darkness… darkness…
Finally the darkness began to lift. A voice said:
Emily, it’s the rescuer, there was an explosion over there.
Through the pain he felt a hand on his neck. He tried to open his eyes, but it was tough. There in front was a rectangular pendant with zodiac signs carved into it… the eyes of the woman in the white coat…
To the operating room! came the voice right nearby.
Tom’s folks got back from work. His mom dashed straight to the kitchen after glancing into the room where her son was doing homework. David, as he entered the room, noticed right away that his boy wasn’t in the best mood.
Tom, what happened? the dad patted him on the head.
Nothing, the son grumbled, being a fourth-grader.
Come on, out with it!
Valentine’s Day is coming up. The teacher kept us late today and told us we need to get gifts ready for the girls.
So what’s the issue? the dad smiled.
We’ve got equal numbers of boys and girls. And she assigned who gives to whom, the son let out a heavy sigh. I ended up with the plain-looking one, Emily Thompson.
Every girl wants a gift on Valentine’s Day, even the plain-looking ones, the dad tried speaking to his son like an adult. How did she assign them? By the alphabet?
No, by zodiac signs.
How does that work? David couldn’t stop himself from smiling again.
By compatibility. Emily’s a Virgo, and Virgos match best with Taurus. And I’m a Taurus.
Well that’s good if you match! Grow up and maybe you’ll even fall for her.
The dad burst out laughing. Mom ran into the room right then:
What’s going on with you two?
Sarah, head to the kitchen, the dad’s face got serious. We’re having a serious talk with our son.
Once mom was gone, Tom asked in a sad voice:
Dad, what am I supposed to do now?
Get a gift ready!
What kind?
Tomorrow at work I’ll make one for your special girl.
Dad, what present can you make? You work at the factory.
Yes! But I work in the plating shop. They handle all sorts of metal coatings there.
Dad, I don’t understand.
You’ll see tomorrow!
***
The next day dad brought a pendant on a chain that looked golden. On one side two zodiac signs were engraved, Taurus and Virgo, and on the other side it said in small but nice letters:
“To my classmate Emily for Valentine’s Day! Tom.”
Oh, that pendant looked so good! And when mom wrapped it in a little plastic bag, it looked totally awesome.
***
And here was the day before Valentine’s. The teacher wasn’t planning on teaching any lessons. First the kids handed her a gift. She thanked them for ages. Then she said the boys should give their gifts to the girls.
What a commotion that started! All the boys dashed over to their “chosen girls.” Tom went up to Emily Thompson too and said what his dad had taught him:
Emily, happy Valentine’s Day! Maybe one day fate will bring a Taurus and a Virgo together.
After saying the practiced line, Tom headed back to his seat and of course didn’t notice how this plain-looking girl’s heart, in his view, started racing.
Soon enough Emily’s parents moved to another area, and from fifth grade Emily went to a different school.
***
Tom opened his eyes. The white ceiling of the hospital room. He tried to move his arms and legs. Only his left arm moved.
Where am I? he said to no one.
There was some tapping and a guy on crutches came over to his bed, looked at him closely and asked:
You coming to? You’re in the emergency surgery ward.
Are my hands and legs all in one piece? Tom asked quietly.
Looks like everything’s there, the man shared the good news. You’re just wrapped up in bandages from head to toe.
That’s good if it’s all okay.
A nurse came over then and asked kindly:
– How are you feeling?
– What happened to me? Tom replied with a question.
– Your life isn’t threatened. Your arms and legs will work fine. You’ll just have lots of scars left, – she gave him the phone that was on. Your mom wanted you to call when you woke up.
– My boy, – his mom’s voice came through with tears.
– Mom, it’s all good, – he tried to sound as upbeat as he could. They said just some small scars will be left. They’ll let me out soon.
– They wouldn’t allow me to stay with you overnight. My boy, I’m coming over right now.
– Mom, don’t get too worked up!
He set the phone down beside him, tried to smile at the nurse:
– Thanks!
– Well, they won’t be letting you out anytime soon, – the nurse smiled back. You’ll be stuck here for three weeks. No doubt about it!
– What happened to you? the roommate asked once the nurse had gone.
– I’m a rescuer. Oxygen tanks started exploding at the factory, – Tom began to recall. They called us out. We got there ahead of the firefighters. The place is massive, three people hurt inside. We rushed in, tanks all over the place, fire here and there. We started carrying the injured out… I was the last one coming out… When I was near the door, another tank went off… Can’t remember anything after that.
– Yeah, you really caught it.
– Thomas Edwards, – the nurse’s voice called out. You’ve got a coworker here to see you.
– Hey, Tom! You doing okay?
– Hands and legs are fine! the injured guy answered cheerfully. But I can only say hi with my left hand right now!
– Ah, don’t worry about it!
– What went on after that?
– We were heading out when it blew. We ran right back in, dragged you out… you were covered in blood… the doctors were already there…
– Thanks!
– Tom, what are you on about?! all of a sudden a grin showed up on his friend’s face. – They might even be giving us medals.
– By then I’ll be out of here.
– Alright, I’m heading off. You’ll have the doctor round soon. Nurse said keep it short.
The friend hadn’t even left when the doctor walked in, a guy in his forties:
– So, how are things, hero? he came up to the bed.
– Not bad.
– If you’re talking already, you’ll be fine. Let’s check you over!
– Did you stitch me up? Tom asked.
– No, that was Emily Thompson. She’ll be here the day after tomorrow.
***
Two days went by. Tom was already trying to stand up. Though the pain in his legs was still pretty bad, his right arm was all torn up. And he had no less than ten wounds all over his body. Two on his face, when the explosion happened he smacked into the door frame, lucky he got his right hand up in time. He checked himself in the mirror. His face was still puffy.
Today the doctor who had spent five hours straight stitching him up in the operating theater was supposed to do the rounds. Tom was even feeling a little anxious.
And then she walked in. Young, slim, though she had glasses on, they didn’t hurt her looks one bit, and that white coat looked just right on her. At twenty-seven Tom had already been married. But they split after half a year personalities didn’t click, that’s what they put on the form, but really his ex didn’t like how little a rescuer made.
– Hello! the doctor said and walked over to his bed.
– Hello! Was it you who stitched me up?
– It was, – she smiled. Something not right?
– Let me have a look at you!
And she bent down over him… Right in front of his eyes was the pendant with the zodiac signs, hanging from her neck:
– Emily Thompson!!! he shouted.
She looked closely at his swollen face.
– Sorry! she said, without recognizing him yet.
– I’m a Taurus, – and he pointed at the pendant.
– Tom Edwards? her lips started to shake. You still remember me?
– Of course I do, Emily, seeing the tears in the woman’s eyes, he put his hand on hers.
– I’m sorry! she pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed her eyes. I never imagined we’d run into each other this way.
Emily didn’t come back to his room that day. But Tom had figured out her schedule was the same as his: day shift, night shift, and two days off.
He hated looking helpless around her. The whole next day he tried walking around the room using the beds for support, and a couple times he made it out to the corridor holding onto the wall.
Evening came. The day shift doctor left. The new shift arrived you could tell by the chatter in the hall. Rounds were coming up…
Then suddenly there were yells and quick footsteps in the corridor. That always happens when they bring in another patient.
It was already ten o’clock. The nurse came in and switched off the light in the room. But sleep just wouldn’t come. It was past midnight when he heard footsteps in the corridor, they faded, and in the quiet Tom felt more than heard someone crying out there. He got up and went carefully into the corridor.
Sitting at the nurses’ station, head on her arms, was his old classmate, crying. He walked over and placed his good hand on her shoulder:
– What’s the matter, Emily?
She stood and buried her face in his shoulder:
– I operated on a woman who got hit by a car, – she started explaining through sobs. I did everything I could and then some… She’s in the ICU now, but she won’t pull through. She’s got two kids… her husband’s with her in the room right now…
– Calm down, Emily!
– I’ve been a surgeon for three years and I still can’t get used to people dying.
– Calm down, just calm down! That’s the way our jobs are. In five years I’ve seen plenty of deaths too, but we’ve saved a lot of lives as well, – Tom let out a big sigh. – That’s why my wife left. She says I come home not like myself and don’t bring in enough money. But I always clear forty, you can get by.
– It’s the same for me, – she looked him in the eye. Guys think I’m weird. I’ve never been married, still live with my parents like I’m a kid.
– Ah, come on, we’re only twenty-seven there’s a whole life ahead.
– No, Tom, we’re already twenty-seven.
– Emily Thompson, her pulse is fading, – the nurse yelled as she ran out.
– Sorry! and Emily hurried off to the ICU.
Tom couldn’t sleep at all that night. In the morning the nurse came and gave him his usual injection.
– Is the woman they operated on last night still alive? he asked, surprising even himself.
– She’s alive, but in really bad shape.
***
Three weeks went past. The wounds on Tom’s body had closed up. They saw each other during her shifts, and what’s more he felt himself getting more and more pulled toward her. But the emergency surgery ward isn’t the spot for talking about personal stuff.
Then during one of the morning rounds the male doctor said:
– I’m discharging you today, – he smiled and added. From the hospital, I mean. You’ll head straight to your local clinic, and they’ll figure out how long you’ll still need to be off work.
– I can get my things together!
– Yes, yes! No need to rush. They’ll have your paperwork ready soon.
After the doctor left, Tom shaved. Looking in the mirror he noted with satisfaction that the two scars left didn’t ruin his face, if anything they made him look more manly. The rest of the scars weren’t worth bothering about.
He got ready and stepped out into the corridor. A patient was coming the other way, leaning on the wall.
“She pulled through after all!” the happy thought crossed his mind.
The nurse came out and handed him the discharge papers:
– Goodbye, Tom! Try not to come back here!
***
He had his own little apartment, but he went to his parents’ place instead. His mom had been waiting and worrying so much. She’d even taken some time off work.
– My boy! she threw her arms around him.
– It’s okay, mom! See, I’m alive and kicking.
– Come on, I’ve got some food ready for you. You’ve gotten so thin.
– Boy, have I missed home cooking!
– You’ll stay here in the family home until you’re better and get married. Your room’s still sitting empty, – and she called out like he was a child. Go wash your hands!
***
By the evening Tom had popped into the barber’s. He went by his apartment to pick up some clothes. Mom got right to sorting them out.
That evening dad got home from work. They all sat together like they used to and chatted until late.
He went to bed in his old room where he’d spent his childhood and teens, but sleep didn’t come right away:
“Tomorrow I gotta go to the clinic. Then work. And in the evening…”
With that thought about the next evening he drifted off… long after midnight.
***
The following day Tom headed to the clinic first thing. He went from office to office until lunchtime. After lunch he stopped by work since it was his shift.
– Where are you going? his dad wondered.
– Dad, remember way back when I was still in fourth grade. You made that pendant as a gift for my classmate?
– The plain-looking Emily Thompson? I remember.
– Remember, you also said “Grow up and maybe you’ll fall in love with her.”
– I remember that too.
– Dad, Emily’s a surgeon now. She’s the one who did my operation. And she’s still wearing that pendant around her neck.
– Well I’ll be!
– Dad, your words came true. I’m going to see her!
***
Twenty-seven years really isn’t that old to start a life with someone you love.
