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 following the dreams she had cherished for so long, Ella had insisted on marrying Mark several months later. Gavin and Esther had then cut off nearly all contact. now they explained why!

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