Page 3 of Andrew’s Outback Love

Apari looked up when I approached the bed and smiled. “Doctor Andrew.”

“How are you doing, big guy?”

“I’m good. Nurse Ruby said I’ll be able to see like an eagle after this. Does that mean I’ll be able to see worms for fishing from a long way away? I’ll be able to catch the really big fish with fresh worms.”

I laughed at the little boy’s enthusiasm. “I’m sure you will, but you have to look after your eye and do as Nurse Ruby tells you.”

“I will.”

God, I loved these kids. The simple life they lived, in tune with the environment and nature. Sure, they needed better housing, food, education, but they were so much happier than the kids I treated back in the city who depended on computers, game stations and televisions for their amusement. One day, my kids would grow up out here. In a place where they could breathe fresh air into their developing lungs instead of smog and car fumes. They’d run in the fields, swim in the creeks, fish and bushwalk. Was it a case of the grass is always greener? I honestly didn’t believe it was.

I slid on a pair of gloves, paper mask and secured the magnifying light in place on my head. It was time to give Apari his life back.

CHAPTER TWO

I stripped off the gloves at the end of our surgery list and wiped the sweat from my forehead with the sleeve of my scrubs. Even with the air conditioning working at full blast, the air was now warm. Surgery had gone well for all patients and I expected they would recover without complications. Barry would drive out and see them for a post-op follow up the following afternoon and both him and Ruby would also return next week. Any changes which concerned Barry would bring me straight back.

Viv and Gary willingly allowed us the use of their home but when they’d suggested I build a dedicated clinic on a small plot of land about a hundred metres away, I’d been more than interested. I’d returned to Sydney and managed to secure most of the funding from a few of my supporters.

When I’d discussed it with Barry, he’d suggested he use the clinic for a full day when he visited to do post-op consultations and another full day the following week. He was excited about the prospect of offering the isolated locals a regular general medical service. He’d provided the balance of the money and the building was well underway. Within the next three weeks, Viv and Gary would have their home back, but they would continue to transport us to town, provide lunch and help in any way they could. They would always remain good and valued friends to everyone involved.

I leaned against the door frame sipping on a hot coffee and watched as Ruby and Allison cleaned up. I would miss Allison and whoever replaced her had huge shoes to fill. The RFDS were to organise my new nurse and they’d informed me they had someone in mind. I had a name and brief overview of her experience and qualifications. On paper, she appeared to be more than capable for the position. A meeting between the two of us was scheduled for next week in Dubbo before I left to go back to Sydney.

Viv poked her head through the door. “Ready for lunch?”

I gulped down the remaining coffee and pushed off the door frame. The nurses left the room, which was now neat and tidy and Viv and I followed them through to the kitchen where we scrubbed our hands before taking a seat at the large table.

Platters of sandwiches with various fillings looked mouth-wateringly good and my stomach grumbled in anticipation. Two jugs of iced water were set down before Viv took a seat.

“Where’s Gary?” I reached over and grabbed a couple of sandwiches which I added to the small plate in front of me. Lifting one of the jugs, I poured water for Allison, who sat on the right of me and Ruby on my left.

“Where he always is, checking on cattle. He’s up in the chopper,” Viv jammed her hands on her slim hips in a sign of exasperation but I knew it was feigned. “He’s with James, I swear those men can’t stay out of the air when they’re together.”

I laughed when she rolled her eyes in mock disgust. The rest of lunch was spent discussing local issues and before we knew it, almost two hours had passed. Ruby and Allison excused themselves, left the room and readied the room for my clinic. I noted, Allison appeared pale and was sweating profusely. I narrowed my eyes and resolved to have a word with her to ensure all was well.

I pushed back from the table and stood while Cameron and Viv remained seated. They usually chatted while I conducted the clinic and cleared up together from lunch.

“Is Allison feeling okay?” Viv had obviously seen what I had.

“I’m not sure, I’m about to go and ask.”

“Let me know if you need anything.”

“I will. Thanks again for lunch.”

“As usual, you are all welcome.”

I nodded and smiled before going in search of Allison.

***

I FOUND ALLISON AND Ruby setting up files in the order patients would be seen and placing clean instruments onto a tray. I strode into the room and placed a hand on Allison’s shoulder. I could feel the heat wafting off her through the thin cotton of the scrubs.

“Allison, you’re sick.” It was statement, not a question.

When she turned to face me, her eyes were glassy and filled with pain. I grabbed a chair, shoved it behind her and lowered her into it. Ruby noticed my concern and when I knelt in front of our pregnant colleague, she joined us and took her friend’s hand in hers.

“Shit, Ally, you’re burning up.” Ruby was certainly stating the obvious.