THE LIVING FLAME 

By Tessa Harvey



    Torn by diametrically opposed ideologies, /`Ernst walked around the school. Peter, following him, found his breathing start to sound ragged. He had tried to call, but the slouching figure in front seemed oblivious.
    It was very cold. Some boys were kicking a ball around on the oval, but seemingly without much enthusiasm. Peter stopped, leaning both hands on his knees, struggling. Finally he managed "Help, Ernst, help!" A little girl came running up, his sister Eliana.
    She yelled loud "Oy! Help my brother, dimwit or else I'll hit you, HARD!"
Inside, Peter giggled. She was annoying, but loyal.
    Reluctantly Ernst turned. His eyes widened, realising Peter was in trouble. He hurried over and half-carried the smaller boy to a nearby very rickety bench. The little girl was searching for an inhaler in the boy's pockets. Expertly she found and helped her brother use it - and again.
    Peter leaned back, eyes closed - very pale. Slowly he managed to talk. "Help me Ernst. I'm not a leader. Can't do this rubbish stuff."
    But his sister looked scared. "I need your phone, Ernst. Peter is turning blue!" She grabbed it and dialed Emergency.
    "It's my brother. Severe asthma. Turning blue," and gave the location. "Help me take him nearer the school, please Ernst. Others came to their assistance. Peter was popular.   

 


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