PADS 7

Ignoring another question from Elms, Wyse performed the yoga meditation breathing technique he had learnt many years ago. Remaining perfectly still he absorbed every detail and immersed himself within the investigative trance.


In the gloom it was difficult to ascertain exactly where the rest of the body lay but a tangle of unidentified shadows next to the bed seemed to indicate a probable resting place. He continued to stare at the visible body parts on the floor until he felt Elms sidling next to him and from the concerned look on Elms face, why he had apparently stopped breathing.

‘Is the leg attached to anything?’ asked Elms again.

‘Yes of course it is, now don’t look so worried.’

‘I’m not worried. You just went still and weren’t saying anything.’

‘That, is what thinking is all about,’ said Wyse.

Silencing Elms with a wave of his hand he took stock of the situation. Turning and from a respectably safe distance, Wyse softly spoke to the prostrate friend,

‘Please, accept our sincerest condolences at this time. I’m afraid my colleague is still somewhat inexperienced and was merely taken aback by the situation and apologises for the unfortunate noise he made. Could I ask to see your friend’s medication if at all possible and would you also be able to find details of his doctor? I believe they may well be in the Kitchen as that is where they are normally kept.’

Before Elms could interrupt the friend gradually rose to his impressive full height. Drying his eyes and calming his breathing, he continued to stare at Elms intently before disappearing down the stairs. Wyse noticed Elms was in turn intently staring at him.

‘No thanks needed Elms,’ said Wyse nodding, he had after all transformed the lost friend into a man of purpose.

‘I didn’t scream,’ said Elms.

‘Really Elms, the poor man has lost his friend to blame him for the noise is most ungracious.’

‘I’m not blaming him’

‘Excellent well done, acceptance is the first step in learning,’ said Wyse, knowing Elms had probably found this display awe inspiring, ‘the friend though I am afraid, will find things more difficult to accept. It is once he has completed the required bureaucracy when the real out pouring of grief will commence, one that will not be so easily stemmed.’