Chapter 6 - Page 63 - Rhasha's Bed

   “Rhasha will not die,” Jim assured him, then asked in a gentle voice, “What is your name?”

   “Thamish.” The man regained control of himself and wiped the tears away. His eyes were on his daughter's bed. Jim turned to watch as the nurse took Rhasha’s temperature, checked her blood pressure, and took a blood sample. The doctor went into his office to get some medication.

   “Thamish,” Jim said, “is there anyone else in your family?”

   “My wife Thasha,” Thamish replied. “And I have a son.”

   Jim looked at the other man. “What is your name?”

   “Rantutu,” the man said. “I have a wife and a three-year-old son.”

   “Where are they?” Jim asked.

   “Out by the big road,” Thamish replied, “sitting under the trees.”

   Jim immediately rushed out of the hospital and jumped into his jeep. He sped to the entrance at the main road. On the left-hand side, Jim saw two women sitting with their backs against a tree. A teenage boy and a baby was sitting on the ground beside them. They were all very thin, with sunken faces and swollen stomachs.

   Jim pulled the jeep up in front of them and yelled, “Come, get in. I’ll take you to get some food.”

   They were all sick and weak. Jim helped them into the jeep, then raced back to the hospital.

   Rhasha’s mother’s face was creased with worry. “Is Rhasha . . . ” She started crying, fearing the worst.