Untitled - Chapter 1: Born Blind

Chapter 11

It’s the heart of Sydney, at the largest hospital, May 21st 1942. Casualty is not very busy, nobody stirs in the corridor, and the time is ten-forty-five at night. In the distance is a wail of an ambulance.2

A doctor comes out of casualty and rans straight into a nurse wheeling a medication trolley out of a private room.3

“Hi Jim, working hard in Cas?” asks Beth.4

Doctor Jim Evans is a pleasant sort of man, tall with hair so light it appears silver, and his skin so pale that it looks colourless until one notices the faint flush on the wide cheek bones: the pink of a wide, tightly-controlled mouth. 5

“Yes Beth, just had a call, you can hear the ambulance now, and we may need some help – so come on Beth,” he replies.6

Just then the casualty doors swing open; a trolley is wheeled into the room. The Ambulance Officer speaks, “She’s been hit by a car and she’s also pregnant.”7

While the doctors attend to the woman – who is small with sharp features and long black hair – a couple of nurses go through her purse for some form of identity.8

“Doctor,” says a young student nurse.9

“Yes, nurse?”10

“There is a telegram here from the War Department.”11

“What’s it say nurse?”12

“’Sorry to inform you that your husband, Peter John Watson, was ‘KILLED IN ACTION’ on May 16th 1942’,” she reads.13

“Well that would explain what she was doing roaming the streets at this time of night, she has probably been wandering since she received the telegram this afternoon,” Jim replies.14

“Doctor, her name is Sue-Ellen Watson, and her address is sixty-six Redfern Street, Redfern,” says the other nurse.15

“She’s a long way from home. Well anyway, give that to the policeman outside will you nurse.”16

“Right away, Doctor,” she says as she leaves the room.17

Beside the bed, the young student nurse exclaims, “She’s coming around, Doctor!”18

“Well, I am glad now that she may be able to tell us when the baby is due.”19

On the bed, Sue-Ellen moans and opens her eyes. “Doctor! The pain… my baby… please don’t let him die, please don’t let my baby die!”20

“We won’t, just tell us when your baby is due.”21

“In about six weeks.”22

“I don’t think so,” says the nurse, “her water has just broken.”23

Sue-Ellen gasps, “It’s too early, I’m not due yet.”24

“Don’t worry, Sue-Ellen, we will look after you.25

From that moment on, things got very busy.26

***27

Meanwhile, at Redfern, the policeman calls at the address he had been given by the nurse, but after knocking several times there is no answer. A tall man, with thick blonde hair, the policeman turns away and enquires next door. He rings the doorbell, and seconds later it is answered by a woman. The woman that answers is young and pretty, with a slim figure and proud head marked by shinning red-gold hair. She is delicately featured, with full soft mouth and large blue eyes.28

“Yes? What can I do for you officer?”29

“My name is Gillis. I am after some information on Mrs. Watson who lives next door. Has she any relatives that you know about?”30

“No, she hasn’t anyone – only her husband, and he is away at war. What’s the matter, has something happened to Sue-Ellen?”31

“Yes. I am afraid so. She has been hit by a car about an hour ago in the city.”32

The young woman gasps, her hand rising to her mouth. “Oh no! What about the baby?”33

“I don’t know.”34

“Are they getting in touch with her husband, Peter?” asked the woman with some concern.35

“They can’t, she received a telegram informing her that he was ‘KILLED IN ACTION’”36

“Oh no – I will come with you to the hospital, Officer Gillis. We have been friends for the past four years since they moved here.”37

“Yes, alright, she may need a friend.”38

“I will just get my coat and tell my mother where I am going.”39

***40

Back at the hospital Sue-Ellen gives birth to a baby boy weighing four pounds, five ounces, but died about half an hour after the birth. Before she died, she murmurs that she wants the baby named after her husband: Peter John Watson.41

As the Doctor writes the death certificate, Nurse Sanders comes in and says, “The officer has returned and has a woman with him.”42

“Thank you nurse, I will go straight down,” says Jim.43

Jim Evans walks down from the nursery to see the officer.44

“Doctor, this is Mrs. Joyce Baxter, a neighbour of Mrs. Watson’s,” says the officer.45

“How is Sue-Ellen? Is she alright Doctor?” asks Mrs. Baxter.46

“I’m pleased to meet you, Mrs. Baxter. Sue-Ellen had a baby boy, but I am sorry that you are too late – she died about ten minutes ago. She asked for the baby to be named after his father,” says Jim.47

“What is going to happen to the baby now? There are no relatives to take him.”48

“Well, I suppose he will be sent to the orphanage when he is out of the humidicrib,” says Jim.49

Just at that moment a voice came over the intercom.50

“Will Doctor Jim Evans please report to the nursery stat.” 51

The direction is repeated twice.52

Jim excuses himself and goes to the nursery.53

Nurse Beth Sanders, a tall, well-built girl with rich red brown hair tied back, is with young Peter. She has an attractive face, with a straight nose and nicely curved, almost too big mouth made beautiful by a pair of green eyes. Her eyes are fringed by long curly lashes that give rise to a good deal of speculation amongst those who meet her for the first time. She is just about to use a pen torch when Jim walks in.54

“What is the matter Beth?” asked Jim.55

“I think he is blind, Jim.”56

“Let me have a look at him.”57

Jim takes the pen torch and examines the baby’s eyes. “Yes, you are right. He is blind.”58

Beth sighed, “Oh no, what is going to happen to him now?”59

“I suppose he will be sent to the orphanage as soon as he is out of the humidicrib.”60

Beth looks at the young Peter, and then up at Jim, tears rimming her beautiful eyes. “Oh Jim, that is so sad.”61

Jim puts an arm around Beth’s shoulders, drawing her near. 62

Beth stiffens, glancing around the room nervously. “No, Jim. Not here – we will be seen.”63

Jim takes her in his arms and inclines his head. “So what?” he murmurs before kissing her softly.64

Just then the nursery Sister comes in, stopping short when she spies the tryst. “What’s going on here?”65

“Well, Sister, Beth… ah… Nurse Sanders is a bit upset about young Peter here, and I was just comforting her,” Jim explains.66

“What is the matter with him?” asks Sister McKay.67

“He is blind, Sister,” Jim replies.68

“I am sorry to hear that,” she says. She turns to Beth and tersely says, “That is still no way for a third-year nurse to act, is it, Nurse?”69

Beth pulls away and avoids Sister McKay’s reprimanding gaze. “No, Sister, it is not, and I’m sorry.”70

“Alright, on with your work,” the Sister huffs before walking out and leaving the pair.71

Jim strokes her shoulder. “I am sorry Beth, I really shouldn’t have…”72

She shakes her head.73

Jim continues, “Will you have breakfast with me when you come off duty?”74

She says silent for a few seconds before replying, “I’m off at seven.”75

“Fine, I will meet you at the front entrance at seven fifteen. Is that too early?”76

“No – that will be fine. Is there anything that can be done for Peter, Jim?” asks Beth as she glances at the baby again.77

“No, not that I can tell at the present time, there will have to be tests done, but it does not look very hopeful.”78

“Poor child!” Beth gasps.79

“Don’t take it so hard – it could have been worse – he could have died too.”80

“Yes – I suppose you are right,” Beth replies.81

“Well, I am due in surgery. I will see you in the morning.”82

“Right, Jim, I’ll see you then. Good luck in surgery.”83