She Was Brave (5th Part)

“…The biggest thing to remember is that most people know they should be taking extra

precautions when it’s hot out. The fact is simply that most people do not use their knowledge

and follow through. It’s simple enough to prevent but, once you’ve passed the heat exhaustion

stage a stroke is imminent and requires immediate medical attention as it can result in death.

“Heat cramps, Heat exhaustion, and Heat stroke…I want a six page paper on the hows, the

whys, and the best course of action for each. If you wish, you can create a scenario as long as

you meet all of the guide lines I’ve listed on the hand out. It’s due in two weeks. We are having

the test next week and I’ll give the review when we meet next. The only bonus I will give,

before any of you ask, is a ten point bonus for turning in your paper on test day instead of the

week after. Any questions?...

“Okay, I’ll see you day after tomorrow.”

Traci was glad to see them all go. She was also very glad that they had not asked any

questions. Her mind had been so distracted all day and while it was easy to recite a lecture,

answering questions required her total concentration. Especially with some of the brilliant ones

in her class and she used that word loosely. She just hoped that she’d never have one of them

trying to administer first aid on her. It crossed her mind that she would have better luck just

waiting for the ambulance to arrive than to chance it with these future medics. Traci was going

to have to really drill it into their heads if they were going to pass. So far only a hand full of her

students could properly perform CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. It would be better if she

had them for more than twice a week but, that was what college was all about. The work must

come from the student. Professors only had to present the information in an understandable

way.

As she began to grade her morning class’s pop quiz, Traci heard her cell phone ring. The

thought crossed her mind to just turn the damn thing off but, she knew who was calling. All the

more reason to ignore it, you twit.

“Hello.”

“Are you planning on coming home at a reasonable hour tonight?”

“What, no ‘I love you, dear’ or ‘how are things going’?” Oh yeah, this was going to be one hell

of a fight. Why did she always have to make it worse?

“Look, I got a call from the school to come pick up the kids…”

“Oh, no! Wait right there buddy. This is your day to pick them up. You know that. This is

my late class and I won’t be home for another hour. Don’t blame your forgetfulness on me. I

do what is required.” Shit, let’s just dig a deeper hole while we’re at it. Traci’s mouth was

going

to get her killed one day.

“…You know I don’t have time to take off for that kind of thing and..”

“That kind of thing! That thing would be your children. I didn’t make them by myself and

you

will make time for them. So, go pick them up! You can yell at me all you want to later but, I

am

at work and I will not…will not be spoken to like this. I’ve had this job for a couple of years now

and this has always been my late night so there is really no excuse for you’re forgetting about

your children! Good-bye.”

Oh yeah, it was going to be a fun night. Dena and Antwan were right. Don is just picking fights

now. This was totally absurd and Traci couldn’t put up with it any longer. New job or not she

was going to lay it out on the line…Tonight. She couldn’t live with a man like him any longer,

the man he had become. Screw it! I can grade this shit at home later but, right now…I’m going

out for a drink. The bastard! Those are his children too and it’s the only time they get to see

him really. He doesn’t fucking care. Well, it’ll be the last time he has to be put out by “spending

the evening” with them. He’ll be spending the evening elsewhere.