one for the books
definitely
once he imagined confused glass
similar carnival Funhouse mirrors
although the
reflections werent
rather
corporeal
to a T
she became three a trinity
they independent
of her all three original
independent
she was riding in the car beside him as
they drove in reverselaughing
across the dunes that overlooked the ocean suddenlybraked
a womanappeared out of nowherefell directly behind the car
Did
you hit her? looked
terrified
No no I don
believe so Sit tight Please
as he exited the carleft the door
open she opened hers needed
fresh air thought
she was going to throwup going behind the car it appeared he
was right they hadnt struck her she faced inward wedged between sand pushed by the braked tires
the unbroken dune
she was unconscious
he dug out the length of her body behind her
freed she began rolling towards him
she rolled towards
him
he didnt recoil
he simply rocked back on his haunches
stood
he looked through the rear window at her in the passengers seat she had turned was on her knees
intensely urgently she looked at him
Is she okay?
he nodded
One moment
he
went around the car opened the door behind her
Shes unconscious Well take her to
the hospital
Do you need help?
No No I have her
returning to the rear of the car he dropped
to his knees gathered her in his arms
stood
walked around the car
guided her head first into the backseat
set her fanny down
carefullylaid her halfin halfout of the
car
she watched
he went around to the other side opened
the door took ahold of her under her shoulders pulled her inside
closed the door
returned he gentlybent her knees rested her legs against the seatback
looked up at her
Are you okay
I . . . . I . . I think I am.
Okay
Good Strange
he shut the door
went around behind the car
got in
closed the door
for what seemed a momentthough
was longer he looked out through the windshield
flashback
saw the brilliant electricblue
illuminated-from-within tenpoint buck they unfortunately hit and killed ten
years earlier
shifted his body turned his
head
Are you okay
Now. I’m not sure.
she was still on her knees
she leaned over gently brushed hair that
was on her face aside could feel her fingers gently graze
her face
She looks
exactly like me.
Ja Exactly
She feels exactly like you
Shut your door Hallie We need to get her to Emergency
Yes. Yes.
when they stopped she was still
unconscious
preceding him through the door she garnered
an empty gurney yanked it towards the door as he entered carrying her
a nurse impelled by Hallie abruptly
commanding the gurney hustled towards them
You can’t . . .
then went silent
went professional
they wheeled her in an examination room
immediately off Reception
Hallie explained to the nurse the event
nurse was gobsmacked
she kept looking back and forth between the
women
There’s no relation . . . between you?
No.
She’s a stranger.
somewhat stunned the nurse perhaps convinced otherwiseconvinced
they were twins was perhapsfrightened doppelgangers
a doctor appeared
she was in good hands
they retreated to Reception
were
unable to sit
If you don’t mind . . . I need fresh air.
I’m going outside.
Saw the chairs the table
I did.
Are you okay
I’m . . I’m . . . sighed
. confused.
he nodded
she went through the SHUSH
of the automatic doors wandered over to
the chairs standing behind one she
leaned over it clutched its arms
stood like that
nurse walked into Reception
She’s conscious. She’s asking for
you.
astonished Asking
for me
Yes.
Joe.
You’re Joe, correct?
Joe
Joe I am
She asked for you. Please follow me.
he glanced outside
Hallie had finally sat down head in hands
elbows on knees
they had propped the gurney into the
sitting position
she smiled at him as he
entered
the nurse explained that while they couldnt
say why she had fallen unconscious their examination revealed her to be otherwise
sound normal
Normal
he said
No contusions. No abrasions.
Her vitals are appropriate, in sync, for all intent and purposes
normal.
We
did, however, find sand in her hair.
she
laughed timing impeccable
Shes fit to be released
There’s no discernable reason to keep
her.
Hallie.
she corrected the nurse
Hallie
Yes. Hallie.
Hallie
If youll excuse me
Id like to tell Hallie
Shes outdoorsshed
want to know immediately
Of course.
the nurse Hallie said at once
he backed outturned left up the short
hallway to Reception
entering it he looked out the window to where Hallie sat
there was a woman
with her
exiting the automatic doorswalking
towards them heels hard on the pavement they turned to his approach
Hallie
and Hallie
he almost went over onto his face
they asked together How is she?
Hallie
Yes.
Shes fine Theyll be releasing her
Hallie said We thought so, we could feel she was.
the other Hallie noddedsmiled amazing dimples Hallies dimples
I was just coming out to check on
you to Hallie who sat facing him
Excuse me he did an aboutface
hurried back inside
Hallie sat in a wheelchair had moved to Receptions apron
We’ll
be able to leave in just a moment, there's paperwork I have to sign.
Paperwork
Yes.
Yes
Of course
I should bring the car up
Yes.
he paused
Hallie smiled her
dimples amazing
he
looked out the window they were
conversing
he was good
cant deny reality
walking towards the doors he thought the
ride home was going to be something else
0743, Wednesday,
15 10. 25
1046, Thursday,
16 10. 25
