Daylight loitered on the sleeping bundles. Wheelchairs queued like sentinels lurked in the corridor awaiting jagged bums. The new day held few surprises for their occupants: blueberries with oatmeal, volunteer clowns or the possibility of basking in sunshine before being shepherded to their rooms.
But today Philip would succumb to an unprecedented encounter.
With furtive movements, this fiend penetrated the base of his throat, snaked down his lungs -- an uninvited guest taking liberties. Philip was the first to go. Others capitulated before the caller was detected.
Forlorn wheelchairs predicted a new day, longed for resilient occupants.
But today Philip would succumb to an unprecedented encounter.
With furtive movements, this fiend penetrated the base of his throat, snaked down his lungs -- an uninvited guest taking liberties. Philip was the first to go. Others capitulated before the caller was detected.
Forlorn wheelchairs predicted a new day, longed for resilient occupants.
