Search for Safety

A Story by J. Lorna Strayor

The music wakened her. A repetitious wail of saxophones and clarinets accelerated by the primitive rhythm of a drum. A door slammed, silencing the music as completely as though the entire world were in a state of suspension.

Miss Grant squinted at the clock. One P. M. Four hours in bed with about one hour of sleep. She rolled over, drew up her knees, and tried to slide back into oblivion. She reflected on her position for a moment, considered its possible significance, and deliberately straightened herself. The grind of a heavy motor grew until the window pare took on the sound of tinkling glass, diminished and joined the silence.

Sleeping in the daytime was difficult even under the best of conditions, she thought, then remembered. It didn't really matter if she slept today. She had the night off.

Rolling on her back, Miss Grant realized that she had been dreaming and with that realization a wave of warmth settled over her so that she partially rose on one elbow and threw back the blanket, settled back and surrendered to reflection. She was on duty at the hospital and helping Mrs. Layton out of bed for the first time. Mrs. Layton slid her feet to the floor, wavered uncertainly and squealed, "Granty," at the same time reaching out for support. Miss Grant caught Mrs. Layten and held her while she struggled for balance.

Mrs. Layton smiled at her and said, "Wo look like a couple of lovers."

That was all. In a moment, Mrs. In a moment, Mrs. Layton felt stronger and they walked about the room, each with an arm about the other's waist.

Miss Grant closed her eyes and tossed her head, trying to erase the memory of that moment when Mrs. Layton's body pushed softly against her and those lips smiled as an offering. The memory persisted and was replaced by others equally disturbing. A hand that reached out for her, but

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