Page 78 of In Sheets of Rain

“Last shift in the Service and you spend it in Comms,” Gregg said, sounding amused.

“I don’t mind spending it in here,” I said. “Comms has been good to me.”

He smiled. It looked sad.

“You’re gonna be missed, Ky,” he said.

I realised I would miss this.

“A 1-8. Ambulance,” my headset said.

“Ambulance. A 1-8. Go ahead,” I replied.

“Permission to swing by and say our farewells?”

I blinked at the dispatcher’s console and tried not to burst into tears.

“Sure thing, 1-8. See you soon.”

“LSU 5-6. Ambulance.”

“Ambulance. LSU 5-6. Go ahead.”

“Permission to swing by and say our farewells, too?”

I laughed.

“Negative. Head back.”

Static sounded out over the radio. Followed by more and then more and then more of it. I could picture those ambos on the road right then, all grabbing their handsets and running them up and down their thighs with the comm button depressed.

I smiled. It was sad.

“Delta 10. Ambulance.”

“Go ahead, Delta 10.”

“Tell them all to pipe down.”

“Roger that.”

* * *

Isat in the reception area of my new place of employment and watched the receptionist answering the phone. She had a high pitched voice and a nervous disposition. But seemed to be enjoying herself.

I looked down at the brown trouser suit I was wearing. Then readjusted the blouse without it looking too obvious.

My boss was late.

I studied the paintings on the wall. They looked beautiful. Expertly rendered impressions of New Zealand landscapes. Lush greens and deep blues and lots of sheep.

The couch made it difficult to sit upright. It kept trying to make me lie back as though I was playing Crash Bandicoot in my pyjamas. It was made of leather.

People were filling up the customer services area behind the reception. Several looked out of the glass wall and peered at me. Some smiled.

I shifted in my seat.

“Would you like a cup of tea while you wait?” the receptionist asked.