THE STORK HAS BEEN BUSY
This Christmas has, apparently, been a rare one for babies. I chanced upon an old friend somewhere in the Christmas week who seemed to be, among other things, more than usually lightheaded. Her hat was at a rakish angle. She carried what I mistook-rather badly-for a fishing bag. Her stockings were wrinkled and distinctly twisted. Her gaze was both vague and wild. "Where’re you going?" I asked, gripping her arm. "TI don’t know," she replied, and I was alarmed that her tone sounded really convincing. "T want to go to sleep," she added. "No can do!" I ejaculated, jerking her up sharply. "Not here. Too much traffic. Better get home." . "Can’t go home," she replied dreamily. "Another baby to-night. What’s the time?" And then the light dawned. Since I'd seen her three years ago, she’d added a maternity course to her nursing training. "Look here," I said roughly, in the hope of a rational reply. "How long have you been in this stupor?"
"Haverft slept for thirty-six hours," she said. "Three babies. Two on Christmas Day. Fourth one to-night. Got to hurry." "Good heavens-are the doctors as busy as you?" I asked. "Busy? They’re busy. But they put on their hats and go home. I gotta stay and clear up ... There’s my car." She tore herself out of my grasp and went reeling in the wake of a jangling tram. "Merry Christmas" I called after her. She steadied herself on the back platform and stared stupidly down at me. "What? O yes. Yes, of course." And a sudden jolt shot her inside.
Ann
Slade
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 2, Issue 30, 19 January 1940, Page 43
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269THE STORK HAS BEEN BUSY New Zealand Listener, Volume 2, Issue 30, 19 January 1940, Page 43
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