Hey buddy, let me tell you this story that really stuck with me, it’s one of those that makes you think about how life turns out. It kicked off with a flash and a loud bang, then just darkness, darkness all around. Finally the dark started to fade, and he heard a voice saying, Emily Harper, this is the rescue worker, something blew up over there. Through all the pain he felt a hand touch his neck. He tried to open his eyes but it took some effort. Right there in front of him was this rectangular pendant with zodiac signs carved into it, the eyes of the woman in the white coat staring back. To the operating room, came a voice right beside him.
Then it jumps back to when his parents got home from work. His mom went straight to the kitchen after glancing into the room where her son was doing his homework. David walked in and noticed straight away that his boy wasn’t in a great mood. Ethan, what’s going on, the dad said, ruffling his hair. Nothing, the son muttered, he was only in fourth grade. Come on, spill it. Valentine’s Day is coming up soon. The teacher kept us late today and told us we had to get gifts ready for the girls. So what’s the trouble, the dad smiled. There’s the same number of boys and girls. She split us up and said who gives to who, the son sighed deep. I got the not so pretty one, Emily Harper. All girls want a gift on Valentine’s Day, even the ones who aren’t the prettiest, the dad tried talking to him like a grown up. How did she split everyone, by last name. No, by zodiac signs. How does that work, David couldn’t help smiling again. By how they match up. Emily is a Virgo, and Virgos go best with Taurus. I’m a Taurus myself. That’s a good thing if you match, grow up and maybe you’ll end up falling for her. The dad couldn’t hold back and laughed. Right then his mom came running in, what’s happening in here. Sarah, go back to the kitchen, the dad’s face went serious, Ethan and I are having a proper talk. When she left, Ethan asked in a quiet sad voice, dad, what am I supposed to do now. Get the gift ready. What kind. Tomorrow at work I’ll make one for your chosen girl. Dad, what kind of gift can you even make, you work at the factory. Yes, but I’m in the plating section, we handle all sorts of metal coatings. Dad, I don’t follow. You’ll see tomorrow.
The next day the dad brought home a pendant on a chain that looked like it was gold. On one side two zodiac signs were engraved, Taurus and Virgo, and on the other side it said neatly, to my classmate Emily on Valentine’s Day, Ethan. It looked so nice, and when his mom wrapped it up in a little plastic bag it looked even better.
Then came the day before Valentine’s. The teacher wasn’t planning to run any lessons. First the kids gave her a gift and she thanked them for ages. After that she told the boys to hand out their gifts to the girls. Everything went mad, all the lads rushed over to their chosen ones. Ethan went up to Emily Harper and said it just like his dad had told him, Emily, happy Valentine’s Day, maybe one day fate will bring a Taurus and a Virgo together. Once he said the line he headed back to his seat and didn’t even notice how that girl’s heart, the one he thought wasn’t so pretty, started beating fast. Before long Emily’s parents moved to a different part of town and she switched schools starting in fifth grade.
Ethan opened his eyes to the white ceiling of the hospital room. He tried moving his arms and legs but only his left arm worked. Where am I, he said to no one in particular. There was a bit of clattering and a patient on crutches came over to the bed, looked him over and asked, you awake, you’re in the emergency surgery ward. Are my arms and legs still all there, Ethan asked quietly. Seems like everything’s in place, the guy told him with some good news, but you’re bandaged up from head to toe. That’s fine if everything’s still whole. A nurse came over and asked kindly how he was feeling. What happened to me, Ethan shot back. Your life isn’t in danger, your arms and legs will work fine, but you’ll be left with plenty of scars, she said and handed him the phone that was already on. Your mom wanted you to call as soon as you woke up. Son, came his mom’s voice all teary. Mom, everything’s okay, he tried sounding upbeat, they said just some little scars will stay, I’ll be out soon. They wouldn’t let me stay with you overnight, sonny, I’m heading over right now. Mom, don’t get too worked up. He set the phone down beside him and tried smiling at the nurse, thanks. They won’t be sending you home anytime soon, she smiled back, you’ll be laid up here three weeks for sure. What happened to you, the neighbor asked once the nurse had gone. I’m a rescue worker, at the factory oxygen tanks started exploding, Ethan started remembering, they called us out. We got there before the fire crew. The place was huge, three people hurt inside. We ran in, tanks scattered everywhere, some spots on fire. We started carrying the injured out, I was last to leave, when I was nearly at the door another tank went off, after that I don’t remember a thing. Yeah, you really caught it bad. Brooks, Ethan, the nurse called out, your work mate is here to see you. Hey Ethan, how you doing. Arms and legs are all good, the injured man said trying to stay positive, but I can only wave with my left hand right now. Oh come off it. What happened after we left. We were already heading out when it blew, we turned right around and pulled you out, you were covered in blood, the doctors were already on scene. Thanks. Ethan what are you even saying, suddenly his friend grinned, they’re talking about putting us up for awards. By the time they get round to it I’ll be out. Alright I’m off, rounds are coming up soon, the nurse said not to hang around. He barely got out the door before the doctor came in, a man around forty. Well how are we doing hero, he walked over to the bed. Fine. If you’re chatting away that means you’re going to make it, come on let me have a look at you. Did you stitch me up. No, Emily Harper, she’ll be in the day after tomorrow.
Two days later Ethan was already trying to stand up. The pain in his legs was still pretty bad though, his right arm was all torn up, and he had at least ten wounds across his body. Two on his face, when the tank exploded he hit the gate but luckily stuck his right hand out in time. He checked the mirror, his face was still swollen. Today the doctor who had spent five hours stitching him in the operating room was due to do the rounds, Ethan even felt a bit on edge. Then she walked in, young and slim, glasses on but they didn’t hurt her looks at all, the white coat really suited her. Ethan at twenty seven had already been married but they split after six months, personalities didn’t match is what went on the forms but really his ex didn’t like the pay a rescue worker brought home. Hello, the doctor said heading to his bed. Hello, was it you who stitched me up. Yes, she smiled, is something wrong. Let me check you over. She leaned in over him and right there in front of his eyes was the pendant with the zodiac signs swinging from her neck. Emily Harper, he called out. She looked closely at his swollen face. Sorry, she said, not placing him at all. I’m a Taurus, he said pointing at the pendant. Ethan Brooks, her lips started trembling, you still remember me. Of course Emily, seeing the tears in her eyes he put his hand on hers. Sorry, she pulled out a tissue and wiped her eyes, I never thought we’d run into each other like this. She didn’t come back to the room that day but Ethan had worked out her shifts were the same as his, day then night then two off. He didn’t want to look helpless around her so the whole next day he practiced walking around the room leaning on the beds, even went out into the corridor a couple times holding the wall. Evening came, the day shift doctor left and the new team arrived, you could hear it from the talk in the hallway, rounds were starting. Then suddenly shouts and quick steps in the corridor, that always means they’re bringing in another injured person. It was already ten o’clock when the nurse came and switched off the light in the room. He couldn’t sleep though. Well past midnight he heard steps out in the corridor, they stopped, and in the quiet he felt more than heard someone crying out there. He got up and stepped carefully into the hallway. At the nurses station sat his old classmate with her head down on her arms, crying. He went over and rested his good hand on her shoulder. What’s the matter Emily. She stood up and pressed her face into his shoulder. I operated on a woman who got hit by a car, she started telling him between sobs, I did everything possible and then some, she’s in intensive care now but she won’t pull through, she has two kids, her husband is sitting with her in the room right now. Calm down Emily. I’ve been a surgeon three years now and I still can’t get used to people dying. Calm down, calm down, that’s just how our jobs go, in five years I’ve seen plenty of deaths too but we’ve saved a fair few lives as well, Ethan sighed heavy, that’s why my wife left, she said I don’t come home the same and don’t earn much, but I always bring home enough, we can live on that. Same here, she looked at his face, guys look at me like I’m mad, I’ve never been married, still living with my parents like some kid. Come on we’re only twenty seven, whole life ahead. No Ethan we’re already twenty seven. Emily Harper her pulse is dropping, the nurse shouted running out. Sorry, and Emily bolted for intensive care. He never got to sleep that night. In the morning the nurse came and gave him his usual shot. The woman they operated on last night, is she still alive, he asked, surprising even himself. Alive but in really bad shape.
Three weeks went past, the wounds on Ethan’s body had started to close. They saw each other whenever it was her shift and he felt himself pulled toward her more and more, but the emergency surgery ward isn’t a spot for talking about anything really personal. Then during one morning round the male doctor said, I’m discharging you today, he smiled and added, from the hospital that is, you’ll head straight to your local clinic and they’ll sort how much longer you need off work. I can pack up. Yes yes, no need to rush, they’ll have your papers ready soon. Once the doctor left Ethan shaved, looking in the mirror he noted happily that the two scars left on his face didn’t ruin anything, if anything they added a bit of toughness, the rest of the scars weren’t worth a second thought. He gathered his things and stepped into the corridor, coming the other way holding the wall was a patient. She pulled through after all, a happy thought flashed through his mind. The nurse came out and handed over the discharge, goodbye Ethan, try not to land back here. He had his own one bedroom place but he went to his parents instead, his mom had been waiting and worrying so much she even took some time off. Son, she threw her arms round him. It’s all fine mom, as you see I’m alive and well. Come on I’ve got food ready for you, you’ve gotten so thin. Oh I’ve missed proper home cooking so much. Until you get better and find someone you’ll stay right here in the family house, your room’s still empty, and she called like he was little, go wash your hands. By evening Ethan popped to the barber then stopped at his own flat to grab some clothes, his mom got straight to sorting them. That night his dad came home from work, they all sat together like old times and talked until late. He went to bed in his old room where he’d grown up but didn’t drop off straight away, tomorrow I need to get to the clinic then work and in the evening, with that thought about the next evening he finally fell asleep well after midnight.
The next day Ethan headed to the clinic first thing, spent the morning going round the different rooms, after lunch he went to work since it was his shift. Where are you off to, his dad asked. Dad remember ages ago when I was still in fourth grade, you made that pendant for me to give my classmate. The not so pretty Emily Harper, I remember. Remember you also said grow up maybe you’ll fall in love with her. I remember that too. Dad Emily’s a surgeon now, she was the one who operated on me, and she still wears that pendant round her neck. Well I’ll be. Dad your words came true, I’m going to see her. Twenty seven years isn’t too old to start life with the one you love.Hey buddy, let me tell you this story that really stuck with me, it’s one of those that makes you think about how life turns out. It kicked off with a flash and a loud bang, then just darkness, darkness all around. Finally the dark started to fade, and he heard a voice saying, Emily Harper, this is the rescue worker, something blew up over there. Through all the pain he felt a hand touch his neck. He tried to open his eyes but it took some effort. Right there in front of him was this rectangular pendant with zodiac signs carved into it, the eyes of the woman in the white coat staring back. To the operating room, came a voice right beside him.
Then it jumps back to when his parents got home from work. His mom went straight to the kitchen after glancing into the room where her son was doing his homework. David walked in and noticed straight away that his boy wasn’t in a great mood. Ethan, what’s going on, the dad said, ruffling his hair. Nothing, the son muttered, he was only in fourth grade. Come on, spill it. Valentine’s Day is coming up soon. The teacher kept us late today and told us we had to get gifts ready for the girls. So what’s the trouble, the dad smiled. There’s the same number of boys and girls. She split us up and said who gives to who, the son sighed deep. I got the not so pretty one, Emily Harper. All girls want a gift on Valentine’s Day, even the ones who aren’t the prettiest, the dad tried talking to him like a grown up. How did she split everyone, by last name. No, by zodiac signs. How does that work, David couldn’t help smiling again. By how they match up. Emily is a Virgo, and Virgos go best with Taurus. I’m a Taurus myself. That’s a good thing if you match, grow up and maybe you’ll end up falling for her. The dad couldn’t hold back and laughed. Right then his mom came running in, what’s happening in here. Sarah, go back to the kitchen, the dad’s face went serious, Ethan and I are having a proper talk. When she left, Ethan asked in a quiet sad voice, dad, what am I supposed to do now. Get the gift ready. What kind. Tomorrow at work I’ll make one for your chosen girl. Dad, what kind of gift can you even make, you work at the factory. Yes, but I’m in the plating section, we handle all sorts of metal coatings. Dad, I don’t follow. You’ll see tomorrow.
The next day the dad brought home a pendant on a chain that looked like it was gold. On one side two zodiac signs were engraved, Taurus and Virgo, and on the other side it said neatly, to my classmate Emily on Valentine’s Day, Ethan. It looked so nice, and when his mom wrapped it up in a little plastic bag it looked even better.
Then came the day before Valentine’s. The teacher wasn’t planning to run any lessons. First the kids gave her a gift and she thanked them for ages. After that she told the boys to hand out their gifts to the girls. Everything went mad, all the lads rushed over to their chosen ones. Ethan went up to Emily Harper and said it just like his dad had told him, Emily, happy Valentine’s Day, maybe one day fate will bring a Taurus and a Virgo together. Once he said the line he headed back to his seat and didn’t even notice how that girl’s heart, the one he thought wasn’t so pretty, started beating fast. Before long Emily’s parents moved to a different part of town and she switched schools starting in fifth grade.
Ethan opened his eyes to the white ceiling of the hospital room. He tried moving his arms and legs but only his left arm worked. Where am I, he said to no one in particular. There was a bit of clattering and a patient on crutches came over to the bed, looked him over and asked, you awake, you’re in the emergency surgery ward. Are my arms and legs still all there, Ethan asked quietly. Seems like everything’s in place, the guy told him with some good news, but you’re bandaged up from head to toe. That’s fine if everything’s still whole. A nurse came over and asked kindly how he was feeling. What happened to me, Ethan shot back. Your life isn’t in danger, your arms and legs will work fine, but you’ll be left with plenty of scars, she said and handed him the phone that was already on. Your mom wanted you to call as soon as you woke up. Son, came his mom’s voice all teary. Mom, everything’s okay, he tried sounding upbeat, they said just some little scars will stay, I’ll be out soon. They wouldn’t let me stay with you overnight, sonny, I’m heading over right now. Mom, don’t get too worked up. He set the phone down beside him and tried smiling at the nurse, thanks. They won’t be sending you home anytime soon, she smiled back, you’ll be laid up here three weeks for sure. What happened to you, the neighbor asked once the nurse had gone. I’m a rescue worker, at the factory oxygen tanks started exploding, Ethan started remembering, they called us out. We got there before the fire crew. The place was huge, three people hurt inside. We ran in, tanks scattered everywhere, some spots on fire. We started carrying the injured out, I was last to leave, when I was nearly at the door another tank went off, after that I don’t remember a thing. Yeah, you really caught it bad. Brooks, Ethan, the nurse called out, your work mate is here to see you. Hey Ethan, how you doing. Arms and legs are all good, the injured man said trying to stay positive, but I can only wave with my left hand right now. Oh come off it. What happened after we left. We were already heading out when it blew, we turned right around and pulled you out, you were covered in blood, the doctors were already on scene. Thanks. Ethan what are you even saying, suddenly his friend grinned, they’re talking about putting us up for awards. By the time they get round to it I’ll be out. Alright I’m off, rounds are coming up soon, the nurse said not to hang around. He barely got out the door before the doctor came in, a man around forty. Well how are we doing hero, he walked over to the bed. Fine. If you’re chatting away that means you’re going to make it, come on let me have a look at you. Did you stitch me up. No, Emily Harper, she’ll be in the day after tomorrow.
Two days later Ethan was already trying to stand up. The pain in his legs was still pretty bad though, his right arm was all torn up, and he had at least ten wounds across his body. Two on his face, when the tank exploded he hit the gate but luckily stuck his right hand out in time. He checked the mirror, his face was still swollen. Today the doctor who had spent five hours stitching him in the operating room was due to do the rounds, Ethan even felt a bit on edge. Then she walked in, young and slim, glasses on but they didn’t hurt her looks at all, the white coat really suited her. Ethan at twenty seven had already been married but they split after six months, personalities didn’t match is what went on the forms but really his ex didn’t like the pay a rescue worker brought home. Hello, the doctor said heading to his bed. Hello, was it you who stitched me up. Yes, she smiled, is something wrong. Let me check you over. She leaned in over him and right there in front of his eyes was the pendant with the zodiac signs swinging from her neck. Emily Harper, he called out. She looked closely at his swollen face. Sorry, she said, not placing him at all. I’m a Taurus, he said pointing at the pendant. Ethan Brooks, her lips started trembling, you still remember me. Of course Emily, seeing the tears in her eyes he put his hand on hers. Sorry, she pulled out a tissue and wiped her eyes, I never thought we’d run into each other like this. She didn’t come back to the room that day but Ethan had worked out her shifts were the same as his, day then night then two off. He didn’t want to look helpless around her so the whole next day he practiced walking around the room leaning on the beds, even went out into the corridor a couple times holding the wall. Evening came, the day shift doctor left and the new team arrived, you could hear it from the talk in the hallway, rounds were starting. Then suddenly shouts and quick steps in the corridor, that always means they’re bringing in another injured person. It was already ten o’clock when the nurse came and switched off the light in the room. He couldn’t sleep though. Well past midnight he heard steps out in the corridor, they stopped, and in the quiet he felt more than heard someone crying out there. He got up and stepped carefully into the hallway. At the nurses station sat his old classmate with her head down on her arms, crying. He went over and rested his good hand on her shoulder. What’s the matter Emily. She stood up and pressed her face into his shoulder. I operated on a woman who got hit by a car, she started telling him between sobs, I did everything possible and then some, she’s in intensive care now but she won’t pull through, she has two kids, her husband is sitting with her in the room right now. Calm down Emily. I’ve been a surgeon three years now and I still can’t get used to people dying. Calm down, calm down, that’s just how our jobs go, in five years I’ve seen plenty of deaths too but we’ve saved a fair few lives as well, Ethan sighed heavy, that’s why my wife left, she said I don’t come home the same and don’t earn much, but I always bring home enough, we can live on that. Same here, she looked at his face, guys look at me like I’m mad, I’ve never been married, still living with my parents like some kid. Come on we’re only twenty seven, whole life ahead. No Ethan we’re already twenty seven. Emily Harper her pulse is dropping, the nurse shouted running out. Sorry, and Emily bolted for intensive care. He never got to sleep that night. In the morning the nurse came and gave him his usual shot. The woman they operated on last night, is she still alive, he asked, surprising even himself. Alive but in really bad shape.
Three weeks went past, the wounds on Ethan’s body had started to close. They saw each other whenever it was her shift and he felt himself pulled toward her more and more, but the emergency surgery ward isn’t a spot for talking about anything really personal. Then during one morning round the male doctor said, I’m discharging you today, he smiled and added, from the hospital that is, you’ll head straight to your local clinic and they’ll sort how much longer you need off work. I can pack up. Yes yes, no need to rush, they’ll have your papers ready soon. Once the doctor left Ethan shaved, looking in the mirror he noted happily that the two scars left on his face didn’t ruin anything, if anything they added a bit of toughness, the rest of the scars weren’t worth a second thought. He gathered his things and stepped into the corridor, coming the other way holding the wall was a patient. She pulled through after all, a happy thought flashed through his mind. The nurse came out and handed over the discharge, goodbye Ethan, try not to land back here. He had his own one bedroom place but he went to his parents instead, his mom had been waiting and worrying so much she even took some time off. Son, she threw her arms round him. It’s all fine mom, as you see I’m alive and well. Come on I’ve got food ready for you, you’ve gotten so thin. Oh I’ve missed proper home cooking so much. Until you get better and find someone you’ll stay right here in the family house, your room’s still empty, and she called like he was little, go wash your hands. By evening Ethan popped to the barber then stopped at his own flat to grab some clothes, his mom got straight to sorting them. That night his dad came home from work, they all sat together like old times and talked until late. He went to bed in his old room where he’d grown up but didn’t drop off straight away, tomorrow I need to get to the clinic then work and in the evening, with that thought about the next evening he finally fell asleep well after midnight.
The next day Ethan headed to the clinic first thing, spent the morning going round the different rooms, after lunch he went to work since it was his shift. Where are you off to, his dad asked. Dad remember ages ago when I was still in fourth grade, you made that pendant for me to give my classmate. The not so pretty Emily Harper, I remember. Remember you also said grow up maybe you’ll fall in love with her. I remember that too. Dad Emily’s a surgeon now, she was the one who operated on me, and she still wears that pendant round her neck. Well I’ll be. Dad your words came true, I’m going to see her. Twenty seven years isn’t too old to start life with the one you love.