Waiting for the Flyers Pt 4: The Fall

The impression of calm and total detachment is the first memory I have of waking up. My surroundings were white although the light was low. The crazy idea of life after death crossed my mind until I realised I was in a cot in Doc. Sophie’s clinic. I found it impossible to move. I seemed to be completely wrapped up in tightly bound bandage. I guess I must’ve squawked or something. Junior appeared at my side.

‘Ah you’re awake, Ma.’

On trying to turn to look at him an indescribable pain shot out from my neck, down my arm and left side. I passed out. During the first three weeks I drifted in and out of consciousness due to Sophie’s pain management drugs. It was six weeks before I could leave the clinic and move to a rather luxurious recovery room in the big house. I stayed there under Junior and Janey’s care for another month.

At each stage during my recovery Doc. Sophie explained I had severe bruising, several broken bones and ribs and damaged a couple of vertebrae (or, as she put, it I was pretty banged about). Because of my age and the limitations of the equipment it was necessary to take a lot of time over getting everything fixed. Basically for severe injuries like mine Sophie and her team had to revert back to procedures used back in the 1940-50s. No one admitted it, but I knew I was lucky to be alive.

I had no idea what was happening with the community or how things were progressing with the search of Burnalham. Every time I asked someone, including Rachael, I got fobbed off with the same kind of answer.

‘Don’t worry about all that, Ma. Concentrate on getting well. Everything is in hand, when you are stronger we’ll fully update you.’

I did worry, mainly because half the time people avoided direct eye contact when they said this. Also even when I was cooped up in the big house my questions were avoided. One day I got so furious I frightened Rachael into promising my family would all come together and explain how things were going, “when Sophie feels you are strong enough.” No matter how hard I pushed that was all I ever got.