THE LIVING FLAME 

By Tessa Harvey


    Something woke Peter in the dark of night. He listened, nurses whispering, keys sliding down the corridor to another group of nurses, dim lights. A cough. Then another. He waited. The boy opposite was twisting around.
    Now free of his drip and mask, Peter pressed his red alarm buzzer but also slithered out of bed.
    Carlo, the little guy opposite was fitting! Running to the nurses' station, Peter banged urgently on the window. Seeing him, a male nurse opened the door and Peter breathlessly explained.
    "Walk slowly back, cautioned the man and he rang for the doctor on call before hurrying to help the stricken child.
    Within seconds the screen curtains were drawn round the little boy's bed and staff appeared from everywhere.
    Peter tried to listen, but suddenly fell asleep, tired by his run along the corridor.
    In the morning Carlo was gone! Dr. Matthew came to see the other children in the ward. "Where's Carlo?" The doctor patted Peter's shoulder reassuringly. "You saved him, son. He's in ICU but should be okay. Thank you. Your life always has purpose."


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