A Child To Heal Them. Louisa Heaton

wish I could see her.’

      ‘If there’s room we could take you back with us.’

      ‘I have my own children here. Crops to tend. I cannot leave.’

      ‘Then try not to worry. We’ll do our best for her.’

      ‘Thank you.’

      The boy and girl that Ada had spoken of were brother and sister. The boy twelve, the younger girl nine. They were sweating and had been sick.

      Quinn was quickly by their side. ‘Let’s do the rapid tests—double-check this is what we think it is. In the meantime let’s get them on IVs so they don’t dehydrate.’

      Tasha stood back and watched him work. He was a true professional. She’d seen it before with Abeje and now she saw it again as he cared for these two siblings side by side. They were conscious, so he spoke to them, keeping his words simple in case their English wasn’t good. He smiled. Explained what he was doing. Told them not to be afraid.

      Even if they didn’t understand his words they would at least understand his kind, caring tone. His unthreatening behaviour. His empathy and desire to help. It was good for her to see it. This side of him. It gave her hope.

      She wished she could do more. Instead she silently watched as he worked, anticipating and expecting his every move. His care of the two siblings was exactly what she would have done herself. It was hard to stand back and do nothing.

      The rapid tests confirmed malaria so he started the anti-malarials. When he’d done, he turned back to Ada. ‘Is anyone else sick?’

      ‘No.’

      ‘I really don’t want to leave these children here. They need urgent care. Would you allow me to take them back to the ship?’

      Ada nodded. ‘I will speak to their parents.’

      She disappeared from the hut.

      Tasha stood in the doorway, afraid to stay, afraid to leave. ‘Is it wise to move them right now?’

      He frowned. ‘We won’t do it straight away. I’d like them to get fluids on board first. We might have to stay here the night. Give them time to rest...get them stable before we move them.’

      She’d known it might be a possibility when she came, but she’d hoped they’d be lucky enough to escape with a quick visit. Now she would have to spend the night out here with Quinn.

      Tasha gave him a nervous smile. ‘I’ll go and tell Rob. Maybe get started on setting up those tents?’

      She went to find the nurse. Rob was standing by the truck with Maria. It looked as if they were counting the medicines.

      ‘There’s more than enough here to inoculate the entire village.’

      Tasha smiled. ‘Anything I can do to help?’

      ‘It’s probably best if we gather everyone in the same spot to explain what we want to do. Then we can set up a line and treat everyone.’

      She nodded. It did seem the best idea. ‘I told Quinn we’d get the tents set up for an overnight stay, too.’

      ‘Good idea. Perhaps we all ought to get something to eat, as well,’ Maria added.

      The tents went up easily—even though Tasha had never put one up in her life. Rob was clear on the instructions and they worked well together as a team. Tasha cracked open some bottles of water, so they could hydrate underneath the hot African sun. Even though it was evening, and everything was a little cooler, they still poured with sweat.

      She looked out over the horizon at the vast emptiness, the grey, stony mountains in the distance. It was so different here from in Ntembe. At the port city there was always a sea breeze blowing in—there always seemed to be air and noise and life. Here in Mosa it seemed more solitary, more empty. Quieter. She missed the busyness of people. The safety of numbers.

      As she hugged her arms to herself Quinn came to stand alongside.

      ‘You all right?’

      ‘I’ve only ever known Ntembe. I thought I knew more. Thought I knew Africa. But I don’t.’

      ‘It’s a place that can always surprise you. Its capacity to inspire, to fear, to amaze, will always keep you on your toes.’

      She looked at him. ‘How are the children doing?’

      ‘As well as can be expected. I think they were infected earlier than Abeje. They’re sicker.’

      Fear welled in her gut. ‘Are they going to die?’

      ‘Not if I can help it.’

      He stared at her, determination in every feature.

      * * *

      The inoculation line was long, but each and every villager had turned up to receive medication. Tasha could see that Quinn was very happy about that. Neither of them would have liked to leave anyone out, and Ada had been instrumental in speaking to the villagers en masse and getting their understanding and trust, translating to those who didn’t understand English very well.

      They sat around a small campfire later in the evening, drinking coffee with Maria and Rob, who soon disappeared for an early night, leaving Tasha and Quinn alone.