Old Lovers Don't Die by Paul G Anderson Read Free Book Online Page B

centred on primarily the exotic minerals in the Eastern Congo. You need to have awareness about what’s going on and always have at the back of your mind a plan for a quick exit.”
    “Not something I suspect my mother would like to hear.”
    “Christian, I think walking across the road is a danger in itself, but that danger can be minimised by an awareness of what may happen to you. The potential to learn in a situation, such as you want to go into, is significant even at your stage of medicine. Not only did that experience contribute significantly to my medical knowledge, it impacted the rest of my life. I subsequently have done a Master’s degree in tropical medicine and I’m looking at joining Specialists without Borders, who teach doctors in developing countries.”
    “Thanks,” said Christian. “I have also heard about that organisation, and it sounds like it’s a fantastic way to be able to give back.”
    “Yes, it is an amazing concept, analogous to teaching people how to fish so that they may therefore supply their own needs, rather than just going in for a short period and doing everything medically for them. I had thought about Medicines Sans Frontiere ; however, they generally need you for longer periods than I could afford. Now Doctor, have you decided you want all the vaccinations in one injection or do you want to come and see me again?”
    “It has been amazing to chat with you and thank you for your encouragement and much as I would like to hear more from you, I think I’d rather get them all over and done with at once.”
    “Very brave. Do you realise having eight vaccinations at once you may not feel well in the next twenty-four to thirty-six hours?”
    “Yes, one of my friends had all the vaccinations together and felt totally washed out for three days. But I figure that it’s better to get that over with rather than the possibility of having two lots of three days feeling terrible.”
    “Okay, take your shirt off and let’s get started.”

Chapter 4
     
     
     
     
     
    Christian knelt at the side of toilet. It was three o’clock in the morning and he had been throwing up for an hour.
    “Are you okay, Christian?”
    Renata’s voice appeared from somewhere behind him as Tia the golden retriever pushed her nose into the bathroom, concerned about the unusual noise.
    He was just about to answer Renata when he vomited again. As he pushed back from the toilet bowl, he felt his mother reach forward and wipe his mouth clean.
    “I have some Stemetil in the medicine cabinet. Let me give you an injection and that should stop vomiting.”
    Christian kneeling, half turned to see his mother standing in the bathroom doorway. Renata had switched on the kitchen light so he could see her outline: dressing gown pulled tight round her waist, sleeves rolled up, and a towel in one hand. In her inimitable doctor way, she had taken control of the situation. On many occasions, he had had to fight to be able to determine his own direction; in this instance he was pleased he could trust her to take over and make him feel better.
    “Just stay as you are. Christian, keep your head over the toilet bowl in case you want to vomit again.”
    Christian watched as she swabbed his shoulder with an alcohol swab and then he felt the sharp jab of the needle. The anti-emetic she injected quickly; he was tempted to try to smile a thank you but did not trust himself to turn away completely from the toilet bowl to look at her.
    “That will take about five minutes and the nausea and vomiting should settle.”
    Christian nodded his agreement, knowing that it would take that long for the Stemetil to be absorbed but hoping that it would be shorter. Tia, as if sensing it was safe left Renata’s side, pushed her head in beside him, tail wagging. Within three minutes, he was feeling better and able to stand up although not without threatening to fall over. Renata held onto him for a moment to steady him.
    “I know mum, don’t