When Melissa slipped in her cottage garden she was momentarily immobile, unable to get back to her feet she laid among the cabbages she was just spraying to rid the caterpillars.
It was no good yelling for help because the neighbours were at work and her late husband insisted on the high fence all around for privacy, so she could not be seen either.
Her only option was to get to her mobile phone and call for help. But with the weather being warm she'd removed her cardigan and placed it over the back of a garden chair. The mobile was in one of the pockets.
She tried the best as possible to stop the bleeding on her ankle by tying a handkerchief around which seemed to help a little.
But really she knew she had to resist pain in her leg and drag herself to where she could grab the phone.
Although in her early seventies she was still very agile and by taking rest intervals, she was eventually able to reach her phone.
By chance and fortunately for Melissa, Tom, her young gardener turned up, which was unusual on a Tuesday but she was so glad to see him. He said he'd come to ask if he could make it Tuesday instead of Wednesday to call on her. He had become a gem in her life and seeing her dilemma he quickly assisted her back on her feet and had her sit on a garden chair whilst he checked her bleeding ankle.
You don't mind if I role back your dress so you Melissa" the lad asked, so I can check the damage?"
"Well you have been there before you naughty boy."
"Well you don't seem to be too badly hurt, have you any bruises do you think"
"Maybe behind?."
"If you can make it back to the bungalow, I will help you, I can dress that wound and see if you have any serious bruising behind,"
"You are a bit of a nurse too are you Tom as well as my toy boy gardener."
"I have done a first aid course but I can call a doctor if you prefer, Melissa?"
She looked at him admiringly and thanked him for being there in her moment of crisis... And just like the woman she was she said she would reward him especially.
"Any excuse" Tom laughed teasing her. "You seem to enjoy it enough; I have never known a woman like you who can make it so wonderful."
He found some lint and a bandage and strapped her up. "It is only a scrape" he said, "you are very lucky."
"I expect you will want me to take my dress off so you can see my bum eh?"
He smiled and said that he ought to give it a check just in case.
"Any excuse" said Melisa. It was her turn to tease now.