Chapter 1

 

Jade opened her eyes, but she was still in a daze, unsure of what had just happened or where she was.

'Are you ok?'

She turned over to see a man. He was crouching down to where she was lying on the bare ground. She couldn't see his features clearly, and so she stared at him, not uttering a sound.

'Are you alright?' he repeated. 'Do you want me to ring for an ambulance?'

'No please, please don't,' she replied, finding her voice. 'I'm fine.'

She made an attempt to stand up, but only stumbled into him, her legs refusing to support her.

'I can see that,' came the sarcastic reply. 'Look, I can take you the nearest hospital if you prefer?'

'No really, I am much better now,' she said, in a determined tone, 'you have been very kind; please don't worry about me. It must be the hot weather making me dehydrated, I will feel much better once I've drunk a bottle of water.'

He gave her a look that showed her that he was not under any illusion and he doubted the truth of what she was saying - after all, it was a very mild summer day. He was just about to say something, but clearly thought better of it.

'OK, glad you are feeling better, I will say goodbye then.'