"I want biscuits and a loaf of bread, please" Joan said hastily, aware of the line forming behind her.
"That will be twelve cents, " said the clerk as he wrapped her order.
With everything in hand, Joan headed back and just. As she crossed the road , she saw an elderly woman walking along the sidewalk. Suddenly, the woman slipped and fell hard onto her back.
"Ma'am, are you alright?Can you stand?" Joan asked , quickly moving to supporting her .
"Oh,thank you, young lady, I think I ca—- Ah " The woman tried to stand, but the pain forced her back down
"It's alright, there is a hospital nearby, we should go and make sure nothing is wrong " Joan said , glancing around for a carriage or a tram .
"No…I stepped out to buy something, they will worry if I'm late" the old woman replied, attempting to rise again before grimacing in pain.
"Please,stop moving, you might make it worse, it looks like you have twisted your waist badly, where do you live?Is it far? we can send a message first " Joan said , gently supporting her.
"It's not far…..just a street a way"
Joan turned to a nearby newspaper
"Can you deliver a message, we'll pay "
Not long after, a young man came running towards them.
"Grandmother! What happened? Are you alright ?"he asked , kneeling beside her.
"Oh, it's nothing, just a small fall,"she said, trying to reassure him despite the pain.
"Sir,it would be better to have a doctor examine her, " Joan said, drawing his attention.
"There is a hospital close by, can you carry her?Or should we get a carriage? "
"I can carry her "he replied without hesitation.
He turned around and lifted his grandmother onto his back .Joan helped steady her as the old woman winced, sweat forming on her brow.
"It's alright ... .the pain will pass" Joan said , steadying her on the young man's back .
For a brief moment, faint blue lines flickered within her lake-green eyes before fading, unnoticed by those around her.
"Oh…. .perhaps we should just go home, I don't feel it as much now "the old lady murmured
"No, grandma, we are going to the hospital " her grandson insisted , moving quickly , Joan followed him after picking up their belongings.
"Doctor ,please help . My grandmother fell and hurt her back "the young man called out upon entering.
"lay her on that bed ,and wait "a nurse instructed .
A few minutes later, the doctor arrived and examined her carefully.
"It may be a bad strain"he said "we will need to set it properly.Keep her still and bring bandages."
He turned to them with a calmer tone.
"It's painful, but we'll manage it"
After the nurse brought the necessary items, the doctor asked the grandson to wait outside.
"I'm a nurse trainee in the general ward, may I stay and assist?"
Joan didn't know why she asked that , it's obvious that she's in good hands .
"The doctor glanced at her briefly, then nodded,
"Hold her steady, not too tight, just enough to keep her from moving "
Joan moved to the bedside, gently but firmly holding the old woman's hands. At first, the woman trembled from the pain, but gradually, her breathing steadied.
It still hurts, but not as sharply as before.
After the treatment was completed, the grandson returned from registration.
"Take this for the pain," the doctor said, handing over a small packet. "Apply it gently, and she must rest. No walking for a few days."
Seeing it was getting late, Joan quietly took her leave.
Share your thoughts on the comments
💭
Your Power Stones help the story grow ✨