©GeraldineBanksFebruary2025
Martin received a telephone message from Gerry to say that Allenby’s office had been in touch and that both Sandy and Angela had contracted a virus and weren’t able to travel. Sandy was recovering in a hospital in Washington, but unfortunately for Angela the virus had proved fatal and he was making arrangements to get her body home. Sandy would be travelling as soon as Gerry could get the Med-Evac organised , but in the meantime she was in the best of hands.
Martin was relieved when he got a telephone call from Sandy. As he listened to her on the telephone , she sounded very weak, and it was a real effort for her to speak but it was the old Sandy.
” Martin, I’m so looking forward to getting home, this virus has just been awful. How are the twins?” She was being careful , she didn’t want to say to much for fear of her conversation being monitored.
“The children are just fine, missing you an awful lot. My parents send their love, they’ve enjoyed their baby sitting stint, but would be grateful if you would hurry up and get home.” Martin tried to be jovial but could feel the tears welling up in his eyes.
Sandy smiled , but any movement would cause her pain, she was talking on audio phone which worked from the bedside table.
” I’ll be home as soon as I can, I think Gerry is working on it.”
“How’s Professor Allenby? Was he pleased with your work?”
“Oh yes, he’s very pleased with himself and everything. Gerry’s handling everything now. We’ve got some great footage. Really shows the place off.”
” That’s good, Gerry’s kept me in the loop, we were both very worried about you. You sound so weak.”
“Yes, I’ve spoken to Gerry, he’s doing everything to get me back home as soon as possible. The only thing that’s keeping me sane at the moment is the thought of getting home. I can’t think any further than that at the moment. The doctor’s are beginning to say I can travel in the next few days. “
” I hope so.” Martin wiped the tears from his eyes, partially out of relief that Sandy was still alive, but also worried that he didn’t know what she had been through.
” I think , they’ll be organising special transport, I’m not very mobile. I can’t walk, the pain is too intense. I don’t want to take too many painkillers , they make me feel like a zombie.”
” Maybe for the flight back, take what they give you, you can go into rehab and detox you when you get back. You don’t even like taking Aspirin .”
” I know, maybe you’re right. I’m so tired now, I think I’ll have a sleep. This has changed me .” Sandy’s voice got weaker.
” Let’s talk when you’re stronger , get some rest.” Martin held the phone to his ear, and he heard Sandy’s shallow breathing.
“OK Martin, love you.” Sandy drifted off to sleep.
Martin put the phone down and looked at the twins asleep on the bed beside him.
thenotsomightyom 