Simi struggles to understand the request, and when at last she does, she lifts her hand slowly towards the doctor. The effort throbs, and the pain beats in the knowledge that infection has set in.

“Thank you,” says Dr Miriam, taking the hand gently.

Simi does not register much over the next few minutes, apart from understanding that others are trying to help her. Propped up by cushions, she sits with her eyes closed, trying to stay awake, and to make sense of the voices that come and go. She hears Marybelle’s threading through them all like the chorus of a song, with Dr Miriam’s drifting in and out to either side. In front of her somewhere she can hear the deep voice of Dr Jabu Ndlovu.

“When’s this helicopter coming?”

She opens her eyes and sees the doctor is talking to Katania. Beside him, bulky and deeper in the shadows is Dr Jonathan Hove. Katania, still seated, is looking up at them both and telling them that her helicopter will arrive in the morning – first thing.

“That so? Douglas here tried to find another helicopter for us in Mutare but couldn’t,” says Dr Jabu Ndlovu.

“What a shame. This one belongs to a friend of Jean Jacques. Perhaps I could take a report or news with me?”

 “Yes. That is essential. Plus a list of supplies for the helicopter to bring back. And this lady must go with you. Her condition is deteriorating.”

Simi sees Katania peer across at her, then, golden hairclip shining, she stands up. “I’ll see what I can do.” She is about to leave when Dr Miriam steps past Simi to speak to her.

“Excuse me. I shall need to travel with this guest, to monitor her condition.”

“Well, I’m not sure …”

“It is extremely urgent.”

 “And what about us?” says Aneke, as she gets up off the sofa, arms folded.

“You?” Dr Miriam asks.

“Best thing for you is to walk to Mutare with the others tomorrow,” says Dr Jabu Ndlovu.

“What? Walk?”

“Yes. Your embassy can come and get you from there.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“Too right,” says Ruan.

“Come on Ruan. We’re wasting our time here.” The pale fuschia of Aneke blurs through the dark past Simi, with Ruan hurrying to keep up behind her.

Simi feels a touch on her arm, and turns to see Marybelle. “You need to rest Simi. We’ll get you back to your room.” Eyes dizzy, Simi tries to get to her feet, but a surge of nausea forces her back. “Don’t rush. We’ll wait for Dr Miriam.” Simi nods. Grateful to be still, she waits.

Then Dr Miriam is beside her, asking if she can stand. She tries to, but as she does so, her thumb knocks the edge of the table, sending a slash of pain down into her wrist. She cries out, and thumps back on to the sofa.

“Simi!”

She feels arms rush in to support her. They lift her upright and half carry her through the dark reception area and down towards the bedrooms.

Copyright Georgie Knaggs & The Phraser 2023