Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Light at the End of the Tunnel (01/23/14)
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TITLE: Going Home (ii) | Previous Challenge Entry
By Steve McClure
01/29/14 -
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“Looks like a semi’s run over a small vehicle, Chief. Rolled it up like a wad of paper. The guy inside is still alive…for now.”
Siren blazing, the fire chief’s SUV rushed along the shoulder, through the building snow, past the lines of backed-up traffic. The chief could see flashing lights far ahead. “Can you get him out?”
“He’s pinned in there pretty good. We’ll have to cut some metal away. Medics can’t reach him. And the semi’s sitting on top of what’s left of the car.”
The chief shook his head. Hate this part of the job, he thought. Dark…snow…holiday traffic – always a recipe for disaster. “You call for a crane?”
“Yeah, it’s on the way. Called for the Medevac, too. Medics say if we can get him out in time, he’ll need serious attention fast.”
“OK. I’ll be there in about 15.”
As the chief pulled up, he could just make out the large tractor-trailer through the dense snowfall. The trailer was on its side, straddling both eastbound lanes. The conventional tractor’s rear tandem wheels dangled in mid air, held there by the small, crumpled mass beneath.
“Those torches ready?” the chief hollered, climbing out of the SUV.
“Yeah, they’re right here. But we can’t start until we get that rig off him.”
“Where’s the crane?”
“Still 10 to 15 away. It’s coming down the westbound.”
“Who’s this?” The chief motioned to a non-uniformed, younger man standing nearby.
“Oh, this is a reverend. What’s your name again?”
“Davies. Pastor Jim Davies.”
“The reverend, here, was asking about the car’s occupant.”
“You know the man?” the chief inquired.
“Not likely. I just wondered whether I might be of assistance since you can’t get him out.”
“Well, we’re working on that. The medics are with him.”
“Do you think I might be able to see him…to talk with him – if he’s able?”
“Is he conscious?” the chief asked his assistant.
“He was….” The assistant called one of the medics over.
“Is he still conscious?”
“Yes. He’s even lucid. But he’s hurt…hurt bad.”
“The reverend, here, wants to talk to him,” the chief said.
“That might be a good idea. He’s slipping away.”
“How stable is that rig?” the chief asked.
“It’s on there,” responded the assistant. “We couldn’t budge it.”
“OK, Reverend. We’ll give you a few minutes…until the crane arrives, then we’ll have to get everybody back.”
“Thank you.”
“Follow me,” the medic directed. “Charlie, we’ve got a visitor,” he called to the other medic. “Duck your head, Reverend.”
Pastor Davies crawled around the huge tandem wheels, up to the crushed frame of the driver’s-side window. A lamp shined through the narrow opening, outlining a head and upper torso wedged hard between the dashboard and seat.
“I’m Pastor Davies. Call me Jim.”
“Hi, Jim,” breathed a raspy voice from within. “Call me Dan. Retired physician – if there is such a thing.”
“I’m sure they’ve told you help is on the way.”
“Yes…. Got myself into quite a jam, haven’t I?”
“Indeed. Are you a church-goer, Dan?”
“I’ve been a little negligent of late. But, yes.”
“You’ll have plenty of time to remedy that after they get you out of here.”
“We’ll, Jim, I’ve had time to assess the situation. Seems I’ve got a few things sticking in me that don’t belong. The good Lord graciously is holding the pain at bay, but I’m likely to bleed out before they can untangle this mess.”
“I see.” The pastor turned to the medics. They both shook their heads.
“You have family, Dan?”
“They’re a couple of counties away.” Dan’s voice grew heavier and raspier.
“What can I do for you right now?”
“Pray for my family. They’ll be upset.”
“And you?”
“I pretty much know where I’m headed. I’ve been a believer a long time.”
“You sound settled.”
“Yeah. I’ve anticipated this day. Kind of like a light at the end of life’s long tunnel.”
“Everybody back,” barked the chief as the crane sloshed across the median.
“Have to leave you, Dan,” said the pastor.
“Thanks for stopping by, Jim. It’s been a comfort.”
“I pray I have your peace when my day comes.”
Pastor Davies stood in the cold snowy night, praying for Dan and his family. The crane removed the big rig while the Medevac stood by, blades turning, ready to take off at a moment’s notice. Torches cut into the metal, clearing the way for the medics. Dan didn’t make it.
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Thanks for sharing.
God bless~