Small Town USA Environment Lost

Julie walked down the long hospital hallway carrying a bouquet of red roses. The place was buzzing with activity as nurses rushed to treat the overload of patients suffering from chemical inhalation. As she passed by the rooms, she could see young and old struggling to breathe under oxygen tents. Fortunately, the wind had blown most of the toxic fumes away from town, but not before many residents inhaled enough corrosive smoke to burn the lining in their lungs.

Now the air in this area was more breathable. Julie stood quietly outside the door of Sean's hospital room, watching as he dressed. His back was to the door, so he didn't notice her standing there. She admired his broad shoulders and long, straight back. He had lost weight in the ordeal and the change was very becoming. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly before she walked in.

"How are you doing, Lad?" she asked Sean, who was now packing his few belongings into a plastic bag.

Sean turned, smiled, looked into Julie's eyes for a moment, and finally said: "Flowers, for me?"

"I think it's better to get them while you're still alive, don't you?"

"What's the news out there?"

"The rains washed all of the chemicals into the streams. The HazMat team is pouring lime along the rivers in an attempt to neutralize the acid waters before they reach the bay. We were fortunate there were no human casualties this time. But in spite of our efforts, half the chemicals stored in the plant were released into the environment. There was one casualty - Sharon's dog Grady."