Gladioli in August Read Free Page A

she’d stayed in worse in her student days. That hall of residence had a shared bathroom between twenty of them. She let out a deep breath and sat cautiously on the bed. At least it didn’t squeak. She lay back for a moment and closed her eyes.
    Micah’s snoring was clearly audible though the walls. This was going to be a long six months.
    Jael closed her eyes and prayed. Thank You for bringing me here safely, Lord. Oversee my time here and let me make a difference somehow.

2
    Micah had always been an early riser. By seven AM he’d checked the plane, refueled it, and done a three kilometer run. He hit the shower, singing off key as the hot water streamed over him. He used the last of his shower gel, and rolled his eyes at his forgetfulness. He’d meant to pick some up yesterday and had totally forgotten. The stuff in the local store smelled revolting. Perhaps they’d have soap or something he could make do with instead.
    Ten minutes later he headed over to the dining room. Everyone ate breakfast and the evening meal together. That tradition had been going since the base had been founded ten years ago, and no one had ever complained. Everyone was there except the new nurse.
    Danny was already refilling his coffee but paused as Micah approached. “Would you mind fetching Jael?”
    “Not at all.” Micah replied and turned back to the entrance. He jogged back across the compound and up the three flights of stairs toward his room. He banged on the door of the nurse’s quarters. “Hey, Jael, you awake in there?”
    After a moment or two, just as he was about to knock again, the door opened. Jael’s hair hung in bedraggled hanks over her shoulders, and her pj’s were awry. “What is it?”
    He grinned. “Good morning to you too, honey. It’s breakfast time.” He tried not to stare at her, but it was hard as she looked so cute all half asleep.
    “It’s only seven-thirty.”
    “And everyone’s waiting. We eat together before the day starts, and we get busy. Five minutes or it’ll be cold.”
    “I didn’t realize. I’m sorry.”
    “No probs. I’ll see you over there.” He headed back across to the dining room and took his seat.
    Five minutes later, Jael ran in wearing a uniform dress and heels. “Sorry.”
    All the men rose until she slid into the empty chair next to Micah.
    Danny remained standing to say grace, and then he sat.
    Micah tucked in hungrily. He loved breakfast. There was just something about bacon and eggs that set the day off to a perfect start. Light chatter filled the room, along with the chinking of cutlery on plates. They were probably interrogating the new nurse, but he tuned them out. He topped up his cup, needing the caffeine.
    Once the meal was over, Danny tapped on his cup. Silence fell, and everyone brought out their Bibles, except Jael.
    Micah realized too late he should have told her. He shared his Bible with her as Danny led them through the Morning Prayer and Bible study.
    As the room emptied, she glanced at him. “Thanks for sharing your Bible.”
    He nodded. “I should have warned you in advance, sorry.”
    “It’s fine. Is everyone here a Christian?”
    He rose. “I think most are, and those that aren’t, never complain. It’s a nice way to start the day.”
    Danny came out of the office as they passed. “Jael, here’s your list of calls for this morning. Routine visits mainly–eleven of them. If anything else comes in, I’ll radio you the details.”
    Jael took the clipboard. “OK, thanks.”
    “Micah will show you where the dispensary is so you can pick up what you’ll need.”
    Micah raised an eyebrow. “I will?”
    “You will.”
    “Isn’t that the doc’s job?”
    “Kevin won’t be back for at least two weeks. He’s in quarantine for smallpox, so yes, you’ll be showing Jael where things are. I need you both back here by three as Jael has a clinic scheduled at that time. Have fun now.”
    Micah pulled a face at Danny’s retreating back. “Fine.