Calypso sighed and stood up from the chair she was sitting in. It was now three days after she found Mackenzie in the hospital. Six days after the car crash. For the last three days she spent some hours with him after work with the hope he would wake up. So that there would be a familiar face he would see and not a stranger who would blunty tell him what happened without any emotion. It was already midnight and tomorrow she had to go back to work. He still hadn't woken up, but she kept hope.
When she left the room and left Mackenzie alone, something started to happening. For the first time in five days the pup was showing a sign of life. He started to twitch his right leg first. It didn't take long and soon after it stopped. Then after five more minutes his body started to shake a little bit. Then he started to growl softly. It then changed into a sad whimpering before he went quiet again.
He kept lying still in bed for ten more minutes. Then suddenly without a warning his eyes sprung open and he let out a big gasp! His chest rose and fell sharply as he began to breathe heavily. He began to look around him but wherever he was, it was just as dark as his dreams the last couple of days were, except for the few green and red lights, a exit sign and something that looked like a curtain hanging from a ceiling . He tried to move, but he couldn't move his arms or legs. His heart monitor began to make a awful lot of sound as his heart beating was getting higher and higher from the panic he felt. As he didn't reconsige the sound his fear became bigger. Mackenzie struggled hard to move his arms or legs. He then managed to sit straight up and have a better look at his surroundings. When he looked around he saw some medical equipment and a drip in his hand. Mackenzie thought he was being kidnapped and held hostage as he couldn't make up what was going on. Tears were starting to pour out of his eyes and out of total fear of panic he started to scream loud and angry.
Mandy the nurse meanwhile was walking around in the hallway. She was doing her last round on checking up on patients before her shift was done. While she walking to a room she froze in the middle of the hallway. She heard a loud, unfamiliar scream coming from one of the rooms at the end of the very same hallway she was walking. She turned around and whispered to herself: ''It can't be..''
She run towards where the screaming came from and opened the door. While the curtains were closed around Mackenzie's bed she could see his shadow shining through them due the moonlight that was coming in through the windows. She saw him sitting up right in bed. She then saw his arm pulling something out of his other arm and then the shadow of a tube flying away. She realised the pulled his drip out and run towards him and opened the curtains.
Mackenzie pulled it out of fear and he was still trying to understand where he was and what was happening. Suddenly the curtains opened and a strange dog in a nurse outfit was looking straight at him. He went silent for a second, his eyes big of fear. The only thing he could do now was screaming again and now even louder. Mandy came up to him and tried to calm him down. The border collie pup meanwhile got some his strength back and tried to jump out of the bed. Mandy stopped him and hold him tight so he could not escape. He was struggling really hard to get out of her grip.
''Let me go! Let me go!'' cried Mackenzie. ''Why are you holding me. I don't belong here. I want to see my Mum!, Where's my dad?, let me go you hounddog!'' he cursed at her.
''Keep calm Mackenzie, you're in good hands. There is nothing to be worried about.'' Mandy said as she was still wrestling with him to keep him in bed.
''No! You can't keep me here kidnapped!''
''You are not kidnapped, you're in a hospi..''
''HELP! HELP! SOMEONE HELP ME! POLICE, SECURITY, THE PRESIDENT, MUM, DAD WHERE ARE YOU?!'' Yelled Mackenzie loudly.
Mandy quickly reached for the drawer in the nightstand next to the bed. She took out some chloroform, opend the bottle and placed it under Mackenzie's nose. She felt his struggling become weak and then he felt flat. He was passed out.
Mandy sat down on the chair next to bed, trying to catch her breath. ''That is one strong kid''.. she mumbled. She took out her phone and looked in her contacts. She found Calypso's number and sent her one short message: ''He's awake''.
Calypso was back home at this point. She just came out of the shower and heard a notification alert on her phone. But she didn't bother to look now. It was probably a notification from the news app or a another spam email claiming she had won 10.0000 dollars in a heritage from some prince. She dried herself up and went to her caugh to watch some television. She spent the next fifteen minutes looking for something to watch. Frustrated she couldn't find anything enjoyable she decided to go to bed instead.
She walked up the stairs and got into bed. Just before she felt in to a nice slumber, she realised she had to wake up early in the morning for work. She growled a little and took her phone from her nightstand. She opend her phone to set her alarm clock. At least, that was what she wanted to do. When she unlocks her phone the first pop up she saw was a message from 'Mandy, Bris. Hospital'. Her eyes widened and she jumped out of bed. She run downstairs, almsot falling, grabbed and wrapped her blue scarf around her neck and started to look for her çar keys. After a lot of cursing and looking around she found the keys next tot he fruit bowl, a place where she normally not would leave her keys, and run out of the house to her car.
She probably broke some speed rules and ignored a couple of red lights on her way but she didn't care less about it. She cared for her pupils and if one of them needed her, she would be there for them. And now one of her pupils needed help more then ever.
She parked her Ford AU Falcon on the almost empty parking area and run inside. Mandy saw her as she was looking out of the window that looked over that parking area and walked towards the elevators to wait for her. Mandy was surprised that not the elevator doors open but the door next to it leading towards the staircase. Calpyso had run 10 stairs in under five minutes.
''Girl, you look exhausted'' she laughed.
''No shit'' Calypso murmured underneath her breathing.
When she did catch her breath the two walked to Mackenzie's room. He was still unconscious lying on the bed. Mandy did reattached his drip but for the rest he was still lying on his side, a bit curled up.
''I thought you said he woke up?'' said Calypso surprised.
''He did'' Mandy started to explain. ''I was walking in the hallway on my way to mr. Weiler and.. oh i still have to go to him. Forgot all about him''.
''Please continue'' Calpyso said annoyed.
''Well, then i heard such a awful lot of screaming. I was shocked! I didn't know where it came from until i realised it came out of this room! So, you know, i went up here and there he was''
as she pointed at Mackenzie. ''He was sitting up in bed, screaming his lungs out and he managed to pull out his drip. When he saw me he tried to escape. Screaming that i had took him hostage and starting to scream for help, the police and his…'' Mandy cleared her throat..''parents.''
Calpyso looked at her with a sorry face. ''Well, the only thing that i thought of to do was to use that bottle of chloroform to calm him down. And so i did. I held it under his nose untill he passed out. ''
''Will he be out for long?'' Calpyso asked.
''No, he will wake up any minute now'' Mandy replied. ''You can stay here if you want. Maybe he will stay a bit calmer when he sees you instead of me. But i won't leave you alone just in case he snaps. I will stand behind the curtains''.
Calypso nodded as she also thought that was for the best. She hoped Mackenzie would stay a bit calmer if he saw someone familiar. She grabbed the chair, sat down next to him and looked worriedly at him. After a couple of minutes she noticed that he started to move and grumble a bit. He was waking up.
''Mackenzie. Do you hear me?'' she said softly.
Mackenzie opened his eyes. He did not know what happend. The last thing he could remember was a dog in a nurse outift keeping him down on a bed in a strange place. Then his eyes shot open. He remembered it, he was being held in a strange place. Panic started to rise again inside him and he sat up straight again. Suddenly he felt that someone grabbed his paw and he wanted to scream. But he felt a thumb rubbing on the backside of his paw. It felt soft and lovingly, not scary. He didn't dare to look until he heard a familiar voice saying his name.
''Mackenzie, it's alright. There is nothing to worry about. I'm here for you''.
He slowly turned around and to his suprise he looked straight at Calypso's face. She looked at him with a faint smile. She was worried but tried to hide that for him.
''Cal..cal..calypso? what are you doing here? Where are we?'' he stumbled over his words.
Calypso stood up from her chair and sat down on the bed next to him. ''Hi Mackenzie. Please don't be frightened but you're in the hospital'. Mackenzie looked at her questionably until it hit him and her words settled in his mind. ''What…how.. why?''
Calypso sighed. She took both of his paws and hold them. She knew she had to tell him what happened, but now wasn't the right moment. He just got up and needed some rest first before he would learn the truth. She choose her words carefully before she continued. ''You had a big accident and went in to a coma, a sort of big long sleep. That how he landed up here. But there is nothing to worry about. The doctors and nurses have taken good care of you''.
''A.. coma. When did this accident happened and how long was i out?'' Mackenzie asked not entirely sure how to progress what he just heard. He looked a bit dumbfounded.
''Don't be alarmed, but that was six days ago'' Calypso answered.
''SIX DAYS! I was asleep for six days!'' Mackenzie yellped out while looking Calpyso straight in the eyes.. ''Then why am i still feeling tired?''
Calypso gave him a small smile. ''That's because your body is still recovering. You have to be careful and rest. You have broken some ribs and your arm is bruised. But those will heal in time''.
''But.. but how did it happend. And why are you here?''
''Well i work here as a volunteer. And three days ago i found out that you were admitted here. So since then i kept a eye on you to make sure that you were alright''.
For the first time Mackenzie gave a small smile. ''Oh. Thank you for that. That's nice to know. I'm actually really glad i see you here instead of that scary nurse i saw earlier.'' Mandy heard it and looked offended.
''No problem. Now tell you what Mackenzie. Let get some rest, go to sleep and tomorrow i will visit again and tell you what happend''.
Mackenzie still wanted to know what happend. He asked for it twice but did not get a straight answer but because he felt tired he decided to ask it again tomorrow. So he nodded. ''Alright then. So i see you again tomorrow? You promise?''
''Yes. Now get some rest''. She lay him down and covered him with the blankets.
''Good night Mackenzie. I'm glad that you can speak again and don't worry. I'm here for you now''.
Mackenzie didn't understand why she was saying that, but because he was too tired he didn't thought anymore of it and soon he was back asleep.
Calypso stood up and walked around the curtains.
''Well, that did go well'' Mandy said.
''Yes.. but tomorrow..'' Calypso looked worriedly. ''Tomorrow i have to tell him the truth and i don't know how to that or IF i can do that''.
''Don't worry dear. I'm sure of all the dogs out there, you are the one that can do it'' Mandy tried cheering Calypso up.
Calypso looked at the clock on the wall. It was already 05:00pm. It was going to be a short night sleep for her meaning that she wouldn't be rested at work. She just hoped it wouldn't be to obvious for people.
-
The next day at the school after just some two and a half hours of sleep, Calypso looked like a wreck. Her eyes were blood-eyed red, her fur was kind of a mess, her scarf wasn't straight and altough she sounded happy and cheerfull, if you listend good you could hear that she was very tired.
She tried to tell a story but kept drifting away from it and just started mumbling. Then she tried to teach maths but kept making mistakes in her own work. After two hours she gave up and gave the children, much to their delight an extra long break until lunch. She sat outside watching the kids play and it didn't take long for her to fall asleep.
After a while she woke up. She stretched and felt better. That short nap was what she needed and she now was well rested. ''It just takes five minutes to recharge myself, that's nice to know'' she said happily to herself. But then as she looked at the clock on the wall her good mood dropped and her eyes widened. She almost fell out of her chair of fright. She had been sleeping for almost two hours straight! It was now 1 pm.
She looked around to see if everyone was still outside. To her relief she saw that all the kids were still hapilly playing and all had the time of their lifes being outside for this long. Most of them even never noticed that they were outside for that long as they were enjoying themselves playing all sort of games. They didn't even noticed that Calypso felt asleep.
She quickly began to count every kid to make sure everyone was still there. She counted and realised two were missing. She became worried and counted again. She was still missing two. Then she reminded herself that Mackenzie was in hospital so that left only one child missing. She quickly scanned all faces to see who it was and then realised Bluey wasn't at the playground anymore.
''Bluey.. where is Bluey?'' she said worriedly as he stood up from her chair. She looked around her and scanned the area. She began to tremble untill she suddenly heard a famillair voice coming next from her. ''I'm right here Calypso''.
Calypso looked down and saw Bluey who was sitting on the ground next to her chair. Bluey put away the book she was reading. She never noticed the blue heeler sitting there. ''Oh dear… oh thank Balto you're still here. You scared me darling. I thought you were away''. She sighed from relief.
Bluey shook her head. ''Nope. I was playing with Coco and Chloe when i saw you sitting and not moving in your chair and i was worried.'' Bluey answered. Calypso felt bad but Bluey continued. ''So, i decided to come here to make sure you were alright and when i saw that you were just sleeping i thought i keep you company and sit here. Also just making sure the other kids wouldn't disturb you. You looked like you needed that nap.''
''Whas it that noticble?'' Calpyso said nervously.
''Yes. One time my cousing Muffin stayed over at our house and she didn't sleep all day. She was so tired. And you reminded me of her how she looked that day. You both have the same tired expression so i know you did not sleep either. I hope you are not getting sick or that something bad happend to you. Are you alright?''. Bluey said.
Calypso looked ashamed. She never wanted to make a bad expression on her pupils and now she did. She fell asleep on the job, made a pupil worried for her and did not keep track of the others. Anything could have happened and she would be responsible. If the parents, other teachers, the headmaster or even the national child safety services council found out she could be fired and even be prosecuted for negligence.
She looked at Bluey who looked worried for her. She smiled and went on one knee to be at her level. ''Nothing to worry dear. I just had a really long, difficult night. I was indeed tired, but not anymore. I will make sure it won't happen ever again''.
''I don't mind you sleeping'' Bluey said. ''As long if you just don't suffer or have a very bad time in your life. That makes me feel worried''.
Calypso smiled and was thankful that one of her pupils cared this much about her health. ''Thank you Bluey, that's nice to say. But you really don't have to worry about me. I just watched to much television last night. I should not have done that.'' She lied. ''Now go play with the others, in fifteen minutes i will restart with todays lessons again''.
Bluey smiled at her before she run off. But in her mind she knew her teacher wasn't telling the truth.
After school was over the kids were waiting outside on their parents. Bandit was one of the first to arrive to pick up Bluey. He greeted her and they talked for a long time. But what Calypso didn't notice was that Bandit eventually was also one of the last parents to leave. Bandit dropped Bluey off at their home and then made a excuse that he had to go to the store to get something. But he wasn't going to the store. He was driving right back to the school.
Calypso just finished putting everything away and tidying up. She was about to get her own personal items and return home for some rest before she would drive to the hospital with a heavy hearth. Suddenly a knock was heard on the door.
Calypso was a bit suprised about this. Who could be knocking on the door at this moment on a Friday? ''Come in'' she said friendly.
Bandit walked in with a soft smile on his face.
''Good afternoon miss Shepherd'' he said friendly.
''Oh, Mr. Heeler. Good afternoon. What can i do for you?''.
''Well, i was wondering if i could talk with you for a moment?''.
''Oh, yeah sure. Please sit down''. She grabbed a chair for him. He took it and sat down it.
''Anything i could get for you? A coffee, tea, glass of water?'' she asked before sitting down next to him.
''No no, thank you''.
''What can i do for you Mr. Heeler? Is it about Bluey? There are no problems with her in class as far as i know off and like i told last week her results are excellent.''
Bandit looked with some concern on his face at Calypso. ''Look, this is maybe a bit strange but i'm not here to talk about Bluey.'' This surprised her as she looked a bit intrigued in what the blue heeler had to say then.
''I just wanted to ask how you are.'' Bandit said a bit sheepisly.
Calypso was a bit taken away by that. ''Uh, i don't know what you mean? I'm doing just fine'' she tried to lie.
Bandit shook his head. 'Miss. Shepperd, i have been noticing for the last couple of days that you look very, very tired. Not your usual self. And maybe i'm going to far with this, but i worry about you. You have been my daughters teacher for almost three years since she was six. She cares about you and she is worried. She told me that you felt asleep for almost two hours today?''
Calypso turned red and she buried her head in her paws. She should have told the kids not to tell their parents. She felt a big burden on her shoulder, like her whole world was going to collapse.
''Please mr. Heeler, i'm so sorry. I realise how bad that sounded like and it was. I won't deny it. It was irresponsible and it shouldn't have happened.''
Bandit looked at her with pity. ''Miss Shepherd, i know you did not do that on purpose. And yes it was irresponsible and you should not have done that. To be honest i wasn't happy when Bluey told me that. But… i'm not here because i'm angry at you and i'm not here because i want to get you in trouble.'' Bandit took a short break before continuing. Calypso looked at him with a very sad face.
''I won't tell anyone else about it. I even told Bluey to keep it for herself. I won't complain to the headmaster. I'm just here, like i said, because i worry about you. You are a great person, a wonderful teacher. And seeing you this sad and tired for the last few days worries me. It worries Bluey and the other pupils and parents. It's not like you. We don't want you to get sick or getting a burn-out. Let me and others help you with whatever you struggling with. I f you want, I won't pressure you, but i know ho wit feels. I had a burn-out two years ago. It's no fun at all. I don't want you to get one.''
The kind words of the big blue heeler warmed Calypso's heart. She looked at him and his genuinely concerned face. She gave a slight smile.
''Thank you so much for your kind words and concern Mr. Heeler. But really, i'm not having a burn out. It's…well something personal. Someone i care about is in hospital i found out and he was in very bad shape. I took care of him as he lost everything and..well. There is more bad news for him coming and i have to tell him that'' a tear dropped out of her eye. ''And… and i just don't know how to tell him that yet.''.
Bandit looked at her and was grateful for her honesty. ''Well.. i'm sure that if anyone can do it, you would be the right person to do so. And if you need any help, please ask me. I would be happy to help if you want.''
Calypso smiled at him. ''Thank you so much again. Right now i just want to get home and think about how to handle this''. Bandit stood up and nodded. ''I understand, no problem at all''.
The both shook hands. ''Thank you again, if i need your help, i will make sure to give you a call and i promise to take better care for myself for the sake of the pupils''.
''No problem at all, i just hope you know that there are people out there who want to help you, just like you always help others'' Bandit said. He walked towards the door and was just about to leave when he rememberd something and turned around. ''Oh, before i forget. Can i ask just one more question?''
''Sure'' said Calypso.
''Well, Bluey is very concerend about her friend Mackenzie. She told us that he hasn't showed up this whole week and she could not make contact with him''.
Calypso froze where she stood as Bandit continued.
''I'm also a good friend of his dad and i cannot reach him. They weren't home yesterday when i drove by and he won't return my calls. Making me worried too. You know, me and my wife have Mackenzie sometimes over to look after him. But do you know if they are perhaps back to New-Zealand for like a family emergency or where they are?''
Calypso was standing near Bandit. She looked into his direction but not at him. The tear came back in her eye.
''Calypso? Are you alright?'' Bandit asked getting away from the door and getting closer to Calypso getting worried.
''Mr. Heeler, i'm…i…just… i can''t… i'' she began to stammer. She took a deep breath and then her tears starting to roll down as she whimpered.
''I'm so sorry mr. Heeler. What i just said…about what i'm struggling with is this. Mackenzie is the one in the hospital and….and…god…his parents are dead. I don't know how to tell you otherwise. That is what's going on. I'm sorry.''
She again buried her face in her paws. Bandit was shocked and did not know what to say. He stepped forward and just embraced Calypso, comforting her as a tear for the loss of his friend formed in his own eye.
They stood there for a while comforting each other. The only sounds in the classroom where the sniffles, tears and ticking of the clock on the wall.