Page 92 of One Sweet Day I Found You

“Don’t quit on me now, Victoria,” she said softly, trying not to let the dripping rain from her hair soak the poor woman. “Help is on the way. I’m here for you.” Courtney pulled out her phone to call back the 911 operator.

But the siren was extremely loud now. She stood up to peer out a front window and put the phone back in her pocket.They’re here.

“I’ll be right back, Victoria.” She hurried to the front, turned the lock, and opened the heavy door wide. An ambulance had parked outside the house. She let the team of first responders in and they quickly went about assessing the situation.

A police car showed up next, lights and sirens blaring until it parked outside the house.

Courtney moved out of the way and shut off the noisy television. From a distance, she watched as they administered oxygen to Victoria, checked her vitals, and turned her onto her left side to keep her airways open. Within moments, the old woman seemed to stir. Courtney relaxed briefly.

She checked outside. A folded stretcher with legs and a narrow mattress was being carried up the stairs, protected by a tarp to keep the pouring rain from soaking it. Under the covered porch, it was unfolded and wheeled inside the house.

A medic asked Courtney a few questions about Victoria—name, age, emergency contacts. Courtney answered as best she could. She really didn’t know exactly how old Victoria was. She would have to find Josie’s number as soon as possible. Maybe it was in the kitchen with Victoria’s bills and mail? Nick might have more information for them when he got there.

She went into the kitchen, dug around, and came up with some emergency cards that Victoria and Josie kept in an all-purpose drawer, probably for an unfortunate occasion like this. One of the medics thanked her and took it. The sheriff’s deputy had a few more questions for Courtney.

Dear, sweet, spunky Victoria was going to be all right, wasn’t she? She had to be. Courtney hung her head and offered up a silent prayer.

Moments later, Nick’s Jeep sped down the driveway.

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