THE WORTH OF ONE - A CHRISTMAS STORY

By Tessa Harvey

     The boy in the hospital bed moaned a little in his sleep, then slowly opened his eyes. He blinked a few times, obviously unsure of his whereabouts, then his uninjured arm reached out to grope on the bedside locker. "Jacob," he whispered, "where are you? You didn't read me a story last night." Then his hand found his battered old ball and he sighed, gripping it. Suddenly, fully aware, he saw the principal. "Oh," he said, "why are you here? Where is Jacob?" Then he realised something. "Oops," he said, "Jacob couldn't talk at first. It was like he was broken and his voice was rusty. I didn't mean to dob him in." "Do you know where you are, Augustus?" In answer Augustus moved, then groaned in pain. "The bus." Tears came and Gus plucked at the sheets,  anxiously. "Where's mum?" Just then a staff doctor and a male nurse entered. "Ah, awake I see.  Looking better."

    "I want to go home," the boy replied to the doctor. "They nearly all say that," the doctor put on a sad face.
    The principal leaned nearer with her phone. "Listen Gussie, it's your mum." Clearly a woman's voice was heard. "Augustus, Hi dear. I am just getting on a plane to come see you. It means I will be there in the morning. Jack Russell is looking for you and his ball! Love you son. See you. God cares!"
    "Wow! Mum is coming." Augustus looked happy. The doctor had been quietly checking the boy.
    "You are safe here for now. James (he indicated the nurse) is sitting with you so your school teacher can get some sleep. James will give you something for the pain." "Ok," Gus nodded, sleepily.
    I wonder why mum said God cares, he thought as he drifted into sleep. My mum doesn't believe in God. He did not know that those who love, faced with a beloved child's pain often turn to God and pray.

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