by Siobhan

Created on: May 26, 2009   Last Updated: May 30, 2009

The Gesture

David and Leanne:

The phone rang. It was loud and insistent, as was their argument.

The bills had been piling up on the mahogany desk in the study.

He knew they were there but needed to forget their presence.

Life had become too complicated. What had happened to a wife, two kids and the American dream home?

David knew he was a hard worker.

Surviving in the financial world was never easy - you were as good as your last trade as everyone knew.

One day you are a hero the next you're gone.

Clients love you or hate you depending on the swing of the trade. That's how it was - and right now - they hated him.

The crash had come.

David had felt its approach and had tried so hard to warn his clients.

Who would listen?

The market had been booming for six years.

Young brokers were becoming millionaires: buying luxurious homes, having children, joining golf clubs, working out with personal trainers, making trades and lots of money....and then losing it.

Trades go up. Trades go down.

Today the trade went south and refused to return.

Friends, family and clients - their money was lost. Hopes, dreams, retirement plans - all left the table.

The world had turned around and stockbrokers were certainly not supporting the axle.

"Why won't you answer the phone?"

"Just pick it up and say goodbye and we can go on talking!"

David slowly moved towards the phone but it was too late.

The ringing ceased.

Thank God.

Just one more client looking for money.

He exhaled. Another confrontation avoided.

No need to explain to Leanne. The ringing had stopped.

David poured a glass of merlot... blew out the vanilla candles.

Turned off the gas fireplace, and said goodnight.

Please leave a message after the beep...

HOSPITAL:

Karen knew that the pickings were slim.

Hospital terminology was so hard to comprehend - but she was quickly learning.

She had to.

Engineer your own survival.

Ask questions.

Listen to answers.

Use your options.

Blood clots were quite unfamiliar to her.

She knew Brian had been unwell.

Since his surgery he had not been the same.

She had been assured that the operation would go well.

One day - in and out - it seemed to be so easy.

So simple.

No one had explained the risks involved.

What risks?

Torn tendon.

Surgery

Repair.

What risks?

Embolisms were unknown to Karen.

What risks?

Life was hanging on by an over processed hair.

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