There’s Always Tomorrow – Episode 34
There's Always Tomorrow by Mark Neilson
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- 1. There’s Always Tomorrow – Episode 34
“The champion watched and said, ‘Keep that left arm rigid. That’s the lever that gives the hammer greater speed’,” Larry went on.
“The boy made a mess of it. He kept trying until his hands were raw. The champion demonstrated what the boy should do.
“When he did, he grunted and put his hands to the small of his back, but barely noticed, so focused was he on helping the boy.
“For months they worked together. The champion got the lad lifting boulders to build the muscles in his back and legs.
“Finally, the lad made his best-ever throw, which was long enough to win a tournament. The ex-champion smiled when the lad brought the hammer back.”
Larry took a sip of tea before continuing.
“Without thinking, the older man took the hammer. He swung his arms back and forwards, building momentum, then taking the hammer round his head, and hurled it with all his might.
“As the hammer soared into the sky, the champion fell to the ground. He rose slowly, a frown on his face.
“He looked at the lad and said, ‘The pain has gone’.”
“Wonderful!” Helen cried, clapping her hands. “The displaced disc must have slipped back into place.”
Larry smiled.
“When they went to pick up the hammer, the champion had out-thrown the lad by a yard, but he never competed again. He became the lad’s coach and the boy went on to throw for Scotland.”
“What a wonderful story!” Helen exclaimed.
“My grandad always said that by helping others, the champion became a whole man again. A gentle giant at peace with the world and himself.”
Helen stared at him.
“So, why that particular story?”
“It has a parallel. You helped me and gave me hope. You were the bridge that brought me back from where I was hiding into the world again. I think I could do the same for others.”
“How?” she asked.
“The world is full of soldiers with PTSD,” Larry explained. “People who feel that their future has been torn from them. Charities have sprung up, using trained volunteers to listen and help.
“We know what it’s like because we’ve been there. We understand better than any counsellor what these people are going through.”
He looked up.
“You have no idea how powerful a cure simply listening and talking can be. You brought me back and I want to do the same for others.
“I’m going to sign up for a charity as a volunteer. Maybe by helping others, I can fully heal myself.”
“Bravo,” Helen said, still holding the hand that had pulled her to her feet.
But in her heart, she thought sadly, that’s going to take him away from me.
After the last of the women had gone, Lorna sank wearily on to a chair.
“What a day!” she exclaimed. “Did you know that Linda charged me one pound twenty for each cup of tea and a scone?
“In my own shop, financed by my own money, she charged me for teabags I had bought and scones that I’d baked.”
“That’s just it,” Wullie returned. “It’s no longer your shop. It’s everybody’s shop.
“That’s what you wanted. The locals have finally accepted you.”
“Another woman, Fiona, wants to hold a meeting next week, where they can find out how much money’s needed to keep this place going, and to get a rota sorted.”
“Salt o’ the earth,” Wullie said smugly.
“Already, I’ve been given two recipes for scones.” Lorna laughed. “Isa came back with her mother’s recipe for a better cake. I must be a terrible baker.”
“It’s not that,” Wullie assured her. “To any wifie, there’s naebody could bake better cakes than her own mother.”
He pointed at the empty shelves.
“A good day’s work.”
“What will we do with the cash?” she asked.
It was a problem they had never faced before.
“Stock needs replacing. Another of the women gave me the address of a cash and carry where I can get the stuff at half the price.”
She fought down a silly feeling of annoyance at the shop being taken, even partially, out of her hands.