DAWN WILL RISE

DAWN WILL RISE  By Tessa Harvey     Six weeks later, the whole family gathered together. Sam and Molly, Mark's quiet, busy parents were hosting the party for Rose and Dawn's very first birthday. David and Simon were not jealous. They had had big parties also in recent times and David was now a keen soccer player, much in demand at school by the other boys.     Simon, almost ready for Kinder basked in the reflected glow of a party - everything a child could wish for laid out, looking yummy and momentarily unscathed.     Healthy veges and fruit, pretty sprinkle-bread, jelly ( beautiful and lit with ruby-light) and plain water for all the children - less mess.      Jan was there, and Ella's friend from next door, Sally, both happy to see four squirming children. Their presence was indispensable.     Ella's parents, Gavin and Esther arrived a little flushed and breathless from hiding small gifts around the house and secure garden, ...

 DAWN WILL RISE By Tessa Harvey     Ella was edgy that same day. She did her best with the children as always. Her parents noticed, but when questioned, Ella's answers were vague, distracted.         They returned to their home, puzzled.     Mark and Ella had been drawn to each other powerfully and as Mark trudged down dangerous streets and alleyways, he soon realised his vague seeming, random meanderings were leading home. No, he could not risk his family. The noble thought surprised him also.     He turned away, then two things happened. The first was a small light in the lounge window, the sort of thing people wrote about in the few books or songs he had read or heard. The second was a steady creeping noise, barely audible, scarcely discernable. The darkness seemed palpable around him.      From somewhere he remembered his long dead granny telling him God's light shines in the darkness and never goes out. Terrified...

DAWN WILL RISE  By Tessa Harvey     Mark was not happy. He was reduced to a cramped, half-broken sofa with a tattered thin rug for a bed.      At first his pals had greeted him with words of praise and affirmation, pats on the back, drinks ordered. When it came to paying, they looked remorseful, shrugging. It was a habit they had developed well, but even he was no longer interesting. What he was supposedly guarding had never been made clear.     Merchandise, Internet business transactions were two of the stock replies, but as Mark grew uneasy, this was noticed.     Dark looks were cast his way. Finally the youngest member, a hard-looking young woman, drew him aside while the others were loading a truck with heavy boxes.     "You have a family, don't yez?" When Mark nodded, she said "Get out while yez can. They know where yez live. Think about yer kids, selfish one."     That stung. The fact was Mark did not look at hi...

DAWN WILL RISE  By Tessa Harvey     David was nearly five and a half now and just starting Kinder. He came home with Jan, but would not say a word to her. Jan had two children of her own and chatted a little about nothing in particular, giving him space.     She dropped him off, waited for Ella to appear, then waved, driving away smiling to collect her own young ones.     David came in, stomping like the twins. She rolled her eyes, trying not to smile. "Where have you put my dad?" His face was scrunched up like a baby bulldog. His mother kneeled and on impulse held out her arms. The little boy sobbed and sobbed. Simon who had been playing happily cried also.     Ella hugged the boys, thinking nasty things about the errant adult.     Happily, the dynamic twin duo had only just gone for a nap.     "Let's have some cheese and crackers and juice and a talk.     Fifteen minutes later, only a few crackers were left. El...

DAWN WILL RISE  By Tessa Harvey     It was three weeks since Mark had left. Sally next door had been a caring, non-judgmental friend and the grandparents had rallied. Ella's mother, Esther had quietly just helped with washing dishes, playing with the children.....but Gavin, her husband had been almost incandescent with rage. For days he had tried to track Mark down, to make him face up to his responsibilities - without success. Ella was secretly relieved. She was still "daddy's girl" and she knew he might try and punch her husband. It was a fight he would not win.     Sam and Molly helped for a while but were bitterly ashamed of their son. They also both still worked so were not always available, nor was Ella's sister Janet. Her husband Tony muttered rude things under his breath which oddly sounded soothing because of his lilting musical Welsh accent.     And Dr. Archibald Bailey came to visit when Dawn's cast was taken off. From the hospital, he carri...

DAWN WILL RISE  By Tessa Harvey     Fast asleep, exhausted by her little ones, and the increasing anxiety for her husband, a loud crash broke into her dreams, smashing them. Fearing a home invasion, Ella raced too fast down the small flight of stairs, clutching the rail, almost falling.     It was Mark - an alien Mark she barely recognised, though later she knew she had seen and buried the signs, smoothing over the cracks like a builder smoothing the cement to hide the dirt.     He stood swaying in the halo of the light over the stove. Ella knew he drank, but had feared to challenge him. But her husband's rant crushed her entirely.     "You gave me a cripple," he growled. "I work with better people than you and our whingeing parents - useless little people."      "And," Mark clutched the quivering stove, "your neighbours...." he paused, searching for more scolding words. They poured out like venom. "So I'm going away from you a...

DAWN WILL RISE  By Tessa Harvey     When the hospital intern had left, Ella looked carefully over the list of after-care requirements. Really, most of it was commonsense, but it seemed that the fibreglass cast would be on for weeks.     Her Christian friend kept in touch and Ella texted her to ask for prayer for quicker healing. She had read "With God all things are possible!" Unsure, she was grateful the babies had fallen asleep on their soft yellow play-mat.     David and Simon were playing a quiet game of car-racing. They loved their sisters but were also happy to play together again.     Leaving the back door open, she took the boys outside with a small soccer ball. David said "Rose does not want that white cast like Dawn!" Simon spoke up: "That's because it isn't much fun."     Surprised by his perception, Ella agreed. Wearing the same sock support ( one real, one similar), had been fun for the twins.     Expecting Ma...

DAWN WILL RISE  By Tessa Harvey     A young man asked to come to visit the next day. Would late morning be convenient? He was from the hospital.     By this time they had about a hundred questions and Mark had even stayed home away from work - with permission from the management or what? Ella was going to ask. Mark seemed to be changing. His wife prayed a bit, but thought perhaps he is growing up but never would say so (unless provoked).     The young man, to their surprise, was carrying a medical bag and wore the ubiquitous hospital stethoscope.     His mission was to discuss post-operative care. The twins stared at him, then smiled. Andrew Harper smiled back, introducing himself as one of the children's doctors.     As he was expected, the lounge was in reasonable order and they all sat down on various mismatched couches. The children began to play together, though David declared solemnly he would be a doctor one day. "Me, fly," s...

DAWN WILL RISE By Tessa Harvey     The doctor, June Anders, began to explain about the fibreglass cast, the operation.....but she saw them just staring dumbly at their child. June had two small children of her own and knew that soon her shift ended and she could see her babies of one years and three years. But this was very important.     She sighed. "Mark, Ella." Slowly they almost visibly tried to concentrate as she looked at them with compassion. "Just do not get the cast too wet," she implored. "A bath that is not too long."        Almost impossible! Her kids thought bath-time was mess and fun time!      "Tomorrow I will send a senior nurse to help you if that meets your approval." "Can we......?" the parents began. "Yes, take her hand very carefully. She needs to sleep....," a glance at her watch,....."at least half an hour which will take you to your door!"     Finally she impressed upon them that they must con...

DAWN WILL RISE  By Tessa Harvey     Finally the surgeon stood in the doorway of the waiting room, pulling off her surgical mask, stripping her gloves. A young nurse accompanied her and took those items from the doctor. She thanked the nurse.     Mark and Ella were on edge, obviously, as were their other relatives so Dr. Anders spoke quickly. "I am June Anders. We met previously. Dawn's operation took a longer time because it was very complicated. We have done the very best we could and are hopeful of complete success."     Before they could say a word, she held up her hand.     "if you are agreeable, just the parents accompany me. I will take you to Dawn." She smiled with fondness at their other baby and asked Ella if the child would sleep longer....possibly!  Ella nodded, somewhat tearfully. Mark also was close to tears after so much stress.     Dawn lay asleep on her back, her arms thrown out over her head. The doctor was sur...

DAWN WILL RISE  By Tessa Harvey     Mark was pacing the hospital waiting room floor, upsetting other relatives or friends so much that a senior nurse firmly asked him to go and get coffee or walk outside.     Already he had had repeated admonishments. For a moment he swung an arm back as though to strike the man, who wisely stepped back. Fearing the threat of police intervention, Mark desisted and left, clattering loudly down the stairwell.     Ella was anxious about Dawn's operation, but Rose was bereft. The staff had Ella's mobile contact. She took Rose quietly down in the lift, first making it clear she was getting food for this baby. Rose struggled to get down when they reached ground level.     Slowly they walked to the cafeteria. Rose was really hungry and demolished some sandwiches without spilling more than a few crumbs. Ella had some biscuits and water. Another half hour, she thought........     How waiting dragged minute b...

DAWN WILL RISE  By Tessa Harvey     The next morning, all four children were eating breakfast. The boys liked toast sticks straight like soldiers. David liked jam, Simon preferred thinly spread Vegemite. Janet, Ella's sister was helping. She had been to France with her husband, Tony and toured some French Chateaux in the Loire valley, but also just taking in the countryside and towns.      They had visited Tours Blois, Orleans.......and Notre Dame Cathedral, newly risen from the ashes. David noticed his dad helping the twins who were not eating much.     "Why are you home dad?" Both boys remembered past shouting, but not so much lately. His parents looked towards Aunty Jan.     Simon picked up on their sad faces and his brother's bottom lip trembled. "It's the day when the doctors try to help baby Dawn's foot," Jan explained clearly.     Mark should aside his fear and nascent tears. "We did tell you guys last week." He spoke so...

DAWN WILL RISE  By Tessa Harvey     Mark wandered in with his two sons. Simon was nearly four and would start kinder in a few months. His language skills were much better now he was in a good day-care. David would be in prep next year. They were chattering with their dad about football. He even looked interested.     He greeted Ella with a warm smile and hug. Surreptitiously he checked the kitchen. Everything, well quite a lot was much better.     Ella qualified for daily help since her hospital visit - two hours a day. It was such a huge blessing.     Greeting his little girls, he was happy they had forgotten to be frightened of him. One little one clung to his left leg, another to the other. Two faces looked at him thoughtfully.      He would not tell Ella about his work or friends. Nor did he want to hear about an encounter with a Christian medic on the ward. That was for women. But he did hope fervently that the operation t...

DAWN WILL RISE  By Tessa Harvey     Over the following weeks the two ladies gradually grew closer. Ella asked Sally one bright blustery autumn morning "Why were you in Sulkpot...! whatever?" "Sulkpotland! I just made the name to describe my self-pity. We (my partner and I) were cruising along fairly comfortably - then I turned fifty..."     "You don't need to say...." began Ella, guessing the outcome.     They looked at each other. "Okay-y-y," Sally said slowly. "For some reason he acted like it was a slap in the face. He must have realised we were mortal!" She tried to laugh but could not. "For a few weeks he seemed to go on as usual, but there were signs of, not sure, imbalance I guess. Slowly he retreated like a prodded snail. Then I came home from my work and......he was gone. All of him, clothes - I had no use for those of course - but also stuff that mattered to me - some photos of us together on holiday or having a day o...

DAWN WILL RISE  By Tessa Harvey     Sally looked out of the window. The street was very ordinary - footpaths up and down, mostly navigable, hedges or fences dividing properties, lace curtains or blinds - mostly blinds these days.     She saw Ella next door, trying to struggle out to the letterbox, holding both twins. They were crying. About to turn away, she had a sudden thought: "Why don't I help?" There was no real answer, so out she marched purposefully. "May I help?" she asked politely, having navigated her unmown lawn and part-dying hedges.     The young woman's-tired face lit up briefly, then she frowned. "You don't have to," she mumbled feeling ashamed.     Sally decided to be honest. "I have been sitting in sulkpotland for several months. My husband has left."     "Oh," the twins stopped crying, fascinated by a new face - identical stares. Ella passed one baby to Sally, too tired to put up a fake defence. "Just ...

DAWN WILL RISE  By Tessa Harvey     Dr. Allison quietly interrupted. "Apologies," she announced firmly. "Ella, we have a surprise for you!"     Ella's face lit up. She turned to her parents. "You brought my boys! Oh, thank you." Ella slipped carefully from the hospital bed. Her drip had been removed. Barefoot she walked along to the visitors' room. It seemed very quiet. Perhaps the other parents and carers were not here yet. Still her pace quickened. She could hear her young sons' voices. Some of her joy returned.     After being diagnose with anaemia and a fairly severe urinary tract infection, she was so much less tired with the doctors' care and treatment.     She opened the door and Simon and David rushed to meet her and knocking over some baby chairs. Kneeling down, she gathered them in her arms. The sweet young woman felt like crying, but didn't want to upset the boys.     A nurse opened the door, followed by another. Both hel...

DAWN WILL RISE  By Tessa Harvey          Three days later Ella was sitting up in a hospital bed in a private room, looking anxiously towards the door. There was a soft tapping. Nervously she called out "come in" but had to repeat herself as if the words were said in a hoarse whisper.     Allison, a paediatrician and now also a friend came in, followed by Gavin and Esther, Ella's parents. They were smiling, which gave her even more anxiety     The physician seated herself by her head and her parents alongside. Allison had a very strong presence, used to dealing with recalcitrant relatives.      At first it was quiet. "We want to help more," ventured her mother, clearing her throat. "I'm sorry, precious," her dad said, taking her hand. To her surprise her parents both looked a little tearful. This wasn't what Ella had expected.     Having left school at eighteen, she had met Mark, ten years her senior. Instead of ...

DAWN WILL RISE  By Tessa Harvey     It did not take long to reach the hospital. Ella realised the sirens were on and lights flashing, but she was focused only on her babies. They were so dependent.      Other adults could look after her two wonderful boys, but babies.....what could they do to help themselves? Cry? But these children could not even do that. They had small oxygen masks over their tiny, silent faces.     Part of her mind marvelled at how cleverly and thoroughly modern ambulances were equipped - and it was a seriously difficult course for paramedics. So much learning, like doctors. She was numb, bone-tired. It seemed no matter hard she worked each day, she was walking an endless treadmill.     So grateful for each individual child, but she felt at the end of each day she was further behind.     Mark had to work, so it was important Ella looked after whatever the children needed at night. But her milk was drying up....

DAWN WILL RISE  By Tessa Harvey     Mark had phoned, grumbling a little. Without thinking, Ella walked to the roadside along their slightly pitted driveway. It was hot. The babies were very listless now and somewhat limp. She tried to stand under the shade of one of the lime-tree street plantings. She could not risk the ambulance missing them.     Mark was talking away as usual about work, about his new job, new friends.....Ella tried to listen to be a good wife. The minutes seemed like hours. Then she saw the ambulance. Mark pulled her arm. "Don't walk in front!"     Two male paramedics hurried from their vehicle, each taking an infant carefully. "Come on," they asked Ella, helping her up the steps with Rose and Dawn. It was blessedly cool inside, welcomingly clean and wonderfully equipped. Quickly the infants were hooked to various monitors and a fluid line gently inserted into each tiny arm.     Ella relaxed a little, sitting near them on ...

DAWN WILL RISE  By Tessa Harvey     After a minute, Mark suddenly tries to smile. "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar," his mother used to say.     "I have news," he announced, trying to be heard above the babies. "I have been given a better job."     "What is it?" asked Ella, striving for a sense of normalcy to soothe the babies.     "It is caretaker work, but highly paid because some friends are employing me - a big responsibility," he added after a pause.     Mark glances around the lounge and kitchen area. "I can clear up if you need to feed the twins," he offers. The boys are home soon with Nan and Pop.     Ella nods, tired. Suddenly Rose begins to twitch. The adults are horrified. This has never happened before. The babies are nine months old now. Dawn whimpers in sympathy.     "Quick, get an ambulance," Ella demands, "please Mark, she is too pale, and getting worse. Please, dear - Please!...