Everyone wished them a safe trip and threw in last bits of advice as the bus rolled out of the school’s premises for the week-long camping trip. Just when the teachers were getting used to the fact that the dreaded JSS3 was gone for a week, screams could be heard from different parts of the school compound. Coming out, it was discovered that a number of teachers had been called and told the kids had been involved in a ghastly accident which had claimed every life on board.
Only later was it discovered that Helen, the diminutive daughter of the parish priest had survived but had to go in for surgery. The doctors narrowly managed to save her legs, but she had to be on wheelchairs for a couple of months. A week later she was dismissed from the hospital.
Despite being told not to use her legs at all, Helen went on her knees when she got to church, as different emotions rioted through her. Sorrow at the unfathomable loss of her friends, joy at being alive at all. On bent knees,she wept profusely.
RE: STACH Short Story Contest #29: 199 words, 5 winners, 15SB prize pool!