The fluorescent light was too harsh
the plastic cloth too bright,
even the tea was grey and cold
my only thought was the bag
that lay beside me on the chair
my means of escape, my salvation.
A voice broke through,
how long he’d sat there, I don’t know
but he was talking to me.
I didn’t raise my head
but I became aware of his hands,
he had beautiful hands,
he lifted my cup and moved away.
I opened the bag -
bottles, water and pills
I clutched it to me
those hands reappeared
and placed a cup before me,
hot, steaming tea, the cure all
his hand reached for the bag,
at first I gripped it tighter
but I couldn’t resist his touch
and released my hold,
he took it and laid it on the table.
It was late, there were things I had to do.
The window was streaked with rain
I saw his reflection in the glass
but couldn’t distinguish any features,
it was mesmerising.
He continued to talk, I heard nothing.
His hand covered mine and squeezed...
"You’ll be fine now", his voice was soft and gentle.
"Go home to your family, they need you
and I think you need them".
My gaze shifted from his reflection to mine.
Tears stained my cheeks, but I felt nothing
I turned to look at my orator
but I was alone and crying,
my suicide kit had disappeared
but it didn’t seem to matter
at that moment I knew
I had to get home
how long I had been there?
who he was?
what had he said?
were all questions that would remain
unanswered,
but I do know...
someone saved my life tonight...
Silver trophy winner
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