Part Two

Water stains covered the ceiling over my bed at the emergency room.

One of the spots looked like an elephant standing beside a smaller one.
For some reason it comforted me..

Tabitha sat by me and held my hand. It should have felt weird having a perfect stranger hold my hand in the emergency room, but it didn't. There was something so pure about Tabitha that I felt at ease.

We had exchanged names in her old white station wagon on the way to the hospital.

When I told her my name was Rosemarie she said she had always loved that name because that was her Ma Maw's first name.

I glanced at the clanking jars in the back seat on our way to the hospital. They were set neatly in card board boxes. The jars were so pretty. They had gingham fabric under the lids of each jar. And hand made labels were pasted on the jars detailing the contents of each one.

Tabitha explained that she made homemade jellies and jams that she sold at the Farmer's Market each Saturday.

She also made homemade soaps and lotions that she sold at the local stores and over the Internet. Her soap and lotion business made it possible for her to have a comfortable living. It was hard work she said but very fulfilling.

As I was thinking back on those things a policeman came in to ask me questions about the rape. I told him I could not remember anything about the attack. But I did know my name and where I was from. He told me he would stay in touch because he had more questions.

And as I layed there bruised and bledding the lady from billing came in. She had her portable computer and wanted to know: My Name, My Address, What type of Insurance did I have?

Tabitha asked her if she could please come back after I had been examined.

But the lady had told her no, it was hospital policy to register everyone before they received treatment.

After she left the doctor finally came in 30 minutes later.He examined me and stitched my wounds and had x-rays ordered. He also swabbed me so they could find DNA evidence to find my attacker. I was admitted to the hospital for overnight observation.

Tabitha never left me.

to be continued.....

by Nita Barrow- Zimmerman

Tonight's song, Out of the Woods by Nickel Creek
2nd video, pick a clip


one of my favorite songs.. I hope you have a chance to listen..