“There’s another camp like this?” I asked, I don’t know why I thought that this was the first one that the military had attempted. Probably because the Captain hadn’t mentioned it during our little chat and I thought that Deacon would have brought it up. He must not have known.
“Oh yes, I’m from one up North, I trained up there. I was in my third year of health at college when this happened. Just a few months out from graduating. Anyway, they had a few nurses and doctors at the old place and so they sent myself and Annabelle here” she smiled she didn’t seem disappointed, but rather quite smug that she had been chosen.
“Ah, so we are the second compound that the army have put together?” this was good news. It proved that Billy’s plan had worked before. I was positive that we could also become self-sufficient.
“So, did all the army men and women leave the old camp, how does it work now.?
“No, we are the third camp I think. I’m not sure how it works there now, you’d have to ask the Captain or Lt Jacks. But I know that some of them stayed behind. Annabelle and I were amongst the first people to arrive at this camp. We brought Weapons and livestock with us, along with food clothing, water and bedding. The men go out on supply missions and bring us back what they can also. We have been here for nearly three months and I’m so proud of how it has grown.”
“Wow, only three months? That’s incredible!” I was astonished at how far they had come in so little time.
The doors to the infirmary flung open suddenly causing me to jump and Amy to make a surprised squeak sound. The doctor and several uniformed men came crashing through. The doctor led them straight through to the operating room. they were carrying another soldier, he was moaning in pain. I couldn’t quite see what was wrong with him but he was covered in blood, that dripped to the floor, leaving a messy crimson trail in their wake.
Chapter 7
“Amy, call in the others, we need all hands-on deck here” the doctor instructed before disappearing behind the operating room doors.
“On it, well, guess I got to go” Amy hurried behind the desk and pulled out a hand-held radio. She started to talk quickly into it. That was my cue to leave.
“See you later” I waved before going back to the ward.
Nia came in a short while later with a smile from ear to ear. I made me feel good to see her so happy. She was practically glowing.
“Soooo, you’re now looking at the new teaching assistant for our camp.” I didn’t think it possible but her smile grew wider.
“Wow, that’s great, congratulations” she sat in the chair by the side of my bed and handed me the bowl of soup.
“Yep, I’ll be working with the younger school age 3 to 5. The guy I’m working with seems so nice, his name is Brian Cook, he was a vice principal at a primary school before all this happened.”
She was so excited she went on and on about the job and the staff she had already met during and after her interview. Said the Captain had another four applicants, two of which were qualified teachers. Because of the positive replies the captain had decided to do a younger class with Brian and Nia running it for ages 3-5, a class for 5-10 and one for 11-14.
It was so nice to hear her enthusiasm that I just let her talk, smiling and nodding when I felt it necessary. I finished my soup and placed the bowl onto the bedside table and poured myself a glass of water.
“It sounds so good, I’m so happy for you. Shaping little minds. I cannot think of anyone better for the job.” I smiled feeling extremely proud of her.
“Oh, crap I forgot your coffee, I’ll go and get some.” Before I could stop her, she was gone; bouncing out through the doors. I chuckled to myself. This job had certainly given her a spring in her step.
I lay back, it was warm in here today. I tried to distract myself from the heat by thinking of Poppy and Cameron. I was trying to think of my family in a positive way but it was hard. I was not to focusing on my loss, but of how lucky I was to have had them in my life even if it was for such a short time.
I must have dozed off for a while. I woke up to her the voices of Nurse Amy and Nia. They were excited whispers.
“Hey, you two,” I croaked, my throat was dry from the heat as I slept.
The nurse handed me a single tablet this time which I refused. She didn’t argue but instead placed it back into a plastic orange bottle.
She still gave me the water which I accepted gratefully and took a large drink. The cool water felt good as it made its way down my throat.
“Thank you”
“Will and the boys are back George” Nia was almost dancing on the spot from excitement and her eyes sparkled.
“Really?” now I was excited. I couldn’t wait to see them. To hear all about their mission. For now, I would have to live through them and their thrilling adventure.
“Yep, I’m just headed there now. Is that ok?”
“Yeah of course it is. Tell them to come and see me and soon”
