Page 101 of Winter's End
Zoe followed her gaze. “Tulips!” she gasped. “There are tulips!”
It was early for even the first of the tulips – not yet the first of March. Evi sighed, recalling the nights when the half-frozen tulip bulbs Mam brought home in the barge were all that had saved them from starvation.
And yet, there they were, pushing through the soil, tulips, proud and defiant,
She squeezed Zoe’s hand.
Zoe squeezed back.
Perhaps there was hope, after all…
...
Haarlem was awakening when they stepped off the train, Evi leaning hard against her friend.
A few hardy workmen in heavy peacoats traversed the quiet streets. A bundled-up old man moved morning newspapers from a wagon into a corner kiosk. A pale sun cast long shadows on the cobblestones.
“Let me take you to thekliniek,” Zoe told her. “It is too early to find a medical doctor, and I can get a better view of your wound.”
Evi debated. “It hurts a bit less, Zoe, and I want to get back to the farm. Jacob and the Beekhofs will be worried.”
“I know, Evi. But an untreated bullet wound can cause all sorts of damage, and there is always a risk of infection. At least let me have a better look at it.”
Evi considered – and nodded.
“Anyway, it is a short walk. Here, lean on me.
ZOE
It was not much warmer inside thekliniekthan it had been on the street, but the power was on, and Zoe was able to turn on the surgical lamp over the examination table.
“Hop up here if you can, Evi.”
Using her good arm, Evi hoisted herself up, grimacing slightly as she sat.
Zoe shed her coat, then freed Evi’s arm from the makeshift sling and bandage. “The bleeding has mostly stopped, Evi,” she said, gently palpating the deltoid muscle area around the wound. “And yes, I think the bullet must have entered and exited the soft flesh I do not see any evidence of it.”
Evi groaned at her touch.
“It would take an X-ray to know for sure if there are any bullet fragments left inside,” Zoe said. “But X-ray supplies these days are mostly reserved for the war-wounded. I do not have any slides just now. Perhaps you should see a doctor.”
There were Resistance doctors who would not question the source of the wound. But Evi was eager to get to the farm.
“It is not hurting as much anymore. Just a few shooting pains now and then. I can manage.”
Zoe felt carefully around the shoulder bone. “Does this hurt?”
Evi swallowed the pain. “Not…so much.”
Zoe fingered the joint. “This?”
“Mmm…a little.”
“What about your range of motion, Evi? Are you able to raise your arm – or move it in a circular motion?”
Evi tried. “Ouch!”
She paused for aa moment, then tried again, pressing her lips together to contain the yelp as she raised her am not-quite shoulder high.
