Treading Water

Holding On

"AMY" Joni screamed. Amy swayed, then toppled to the floor…

Meanwhile, Ty was busy mucking out the stables. He was walking across the yard carrying empty buckets, when he heard Joni's scream. He dropped the buckets, frightening the nearby horses, and ran across the yard in the direction of the commotion.

"What's up Jo…?" Ty asked, not finishing. He started breathing quickly. "Oh my god…"Ty breathed, looking at the blood pouring from Amy's forehead.

"Call an ambulance" Ty said, tacking charge. "Ill get Lou and the others". He set of at a run towards the house. Joni dialled the number.

"Hello" a calm voice answered.

"My friend… Bleeding…" Joni rushed.

"Take it easy – I cant understand you" The voice replied. "What's your name? Where are you? What wrong?"

"I'm Joni. We are in the far field at Heartland. She is bleeding. She was hit my a horse's hooves on the head. She's breathing – just. She passed out…"

"We will be with you as soon as we can". The voice rang off.

Joni was joined by Lou, Jack and Ty 5 mins later. They were shortly followed by an ambulance, which screeched to a halt next to the waiting group.

"Get her onto the stretcher," The paramedic said, clipping an oxygen mask onto her face. Amy was soon lifted into the back of the vehicle, and was being rushed into hospital. The others were soon in Ty's pickup, and were following the ambulance.

"Were did she go?" Ty asked the receptionist, worried.

"Patients name?"

"Amy Fleming"

"Im sorry, but she cannot see any visitors right now"

"But…"

"Im sorry, but you will have to leave – she may not be ready for a few days…"

"But how is she?"

"She is in a coma…"