FLOOD 

By Tessa Harvey

    Before her work at the school, Sylvia had had to do a first aid course, but she knew there was no way air could be forced into waterlogged lungs.
    With her last strength, she wedged Hazel over the arm of the couch and pushed at her back. Water poured from the older woman's mouth. She gasped, then tried to suck in air. Sylvia felt immense relief.
    This lady had suffered so much because of her son's evil. She still could not discuss the court appearance with anyone. "It was too traumatic," she had said, shaking her head. "One day........"
    The two women managed to pull some of the couch covers over them, pulling off most of their sodden garments.
    They huddled together, noting the water level receding, concerned about the others, but too exhausted to move. Despite everything, they dozed with the cat between them, utterly exhausted, grateful to be alive - trusting Theo and Eliza to be safe.

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