Page 47 of Return to the Waratah Inn

She inhaled a slow breath. “No, Jack. I’m not. But I will say, the past has a way of coming back to haunt us when we least expect it. And sometimes, I’m not sure I can face it. Do you know what I mean?”

He arched an eyebrow. “Do I? Yeah… I think I have a pretty solid grasp on that particular dilemma.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

November 1953

Marrickville

One week later, the dormitories were quiet. The maternity ward was packed full, and all of the staff were busy taking care of the married women and single mothers giving birth. A full moon shone outside the dorm window, bathing the entire space in a haunting bluish light. Mima leaned against the window frame, staring out into the still night. Trees stood tall and black near the road. The occasional street lamp glowed in the distance. An owl hooted as it flew by, making Mima’s skin prickle.

“I don’t feel good,” Fran said from where she lay on top of her bed covers.

Mima pulled the curtains shut and walked over to sit beside her friend, holding a hand to her forehead. “You don’t have a fever. What’s going on?”

“I don’t know. I can’t tell if I’m sick or hungry.”

“I can make you a sandwich, if you like. Mrs Thompson and the others won’t notice. They’re run off their feet catching babies.” Mima offered, while masking concern. Fran looked gaunt, and the dim bluish light that stole around the edges of the curtain gave her an eerie look.

“No, I don’t…Ugh.” She clenched her eyes shut and gritted her teeth.

“What is it?” Mima asked.

“I’m in labour,” Fran finally said after she released a breath.

Mima stood to her feet. “I’ll get Mrs Thompson.”

“No!” Fran reached up and grabbed Mima’s arm. “You’re a midwife, right?”

Mima nodded. “But I don’t have any equipment, and we’re not supposed to…”

“I want you to deliver her.”

“We’ll be in trouble. And what if something goes wrong?” Mima asked as she glanced out at the hallway. They’d hear them for sure. There’d be no hiding it once things got going.

“What’s going on in here?” Dot asked, padding into the room with a gigantic yawn. “Why aren’t you asleep yet?”

“Nothing. We’re fine,” Mima said, hurrying to usher Dot from the room.

Fran groaned. Dot looked at her, a frown marring her pretty face. “No, you’re not fine. She’s having a baby.”

“Please don’t tell,” Fran whispered as she gasped for breath. “They’ll take her.”

“Take her?” Dot asked the question and then looked at Mima with eyebrows arched.

Mima shook her head and shrugged. “What’d you mean, love?”

Fran half sat up with an elbow propping her up, so she could face them. Her eyes were wild, the whites showing against the darkness. Her face was drawn. “They took my others. All three of them. Took ’em away from me. Said they’d have a better life. The dad is like you, a white fella. They took my babies, but I can’t let them have this one too. Don’t let them know I’m in labour. You can help me, Mima. You know what to do.”

Mima and Dot exchanged a shocked look. Mima spoke first. “Of course I’ll help you, Franny. Don’t you worry about that. I’ll get some towels.”

“I’ll get water,” Dot added.

They both rushed off. Mima walked as quickly and quietly as she could manage. She found the linen closet and filled up a basket with supplies. There were instruments in the medical closet, and thankfully every staff member was fully occupied elsewhere, so she managed to grab an armful of towels. When she returned to the dorm, Dot was seated on the edge of the bed, wiping a warm, wet cloth over Fran’s forehead.

She glanced up with relief when she saw Mima. “There you are. I can’t stay much longer. They’ll be doing the bed count soon.”

“Thanks, Dot. I’ll call you if I need you,” Mima replied. “Only… distract them if you can.”