FAIT ACCOMPLI

The Emergency Department. Everyday life-or-death decisions must be made. The pressure rises like a rocket leaving Earth to discover a new Universe, and adrenaline flows through the body at the speed of light. The atmosphere is unimaginably tense, like a rubber band pulled to the extent it's at breaking point - the moment before it snaps. The tension, the heartbreak, the adrenaline... nothing can prepare you for what may come through those doors next. Nothing...

Birds gracefully echo a soothing, alluring tune from the tops of the oak trees. The sun diffuses its heat, pleasuring the souls of all forms of life. The exterior of the hospital glistens like a star as the windows reflect the Sun's burning rays. Even the car park outside the Emergency Department is tranquil.

A lime green car rests peacefully in the car park. Pedestrians share their love for the vehicle through the emotions on their faces. A wide eyed, considered glance and a warm, content smile. But then, the driver's door swings open. And as it does the wind which whispered softly into the ears of everyone grows into a gust. The birds echoes die down, and they fly away swiftly from the branches they rested on. Leaves which lay dormant on the floor begin swirling before creating a small tornado. A pair of black, expensive high heels carefully and elegantly place themselves on the floor.

A woman lifts herself up off the leather seat and poses like a model at the end of a catwalk during a fashion show. The driver's door slams carelessly. Eyes of pedestrians turn to the Ice Queen herself - Ms Connie Beauchamp.

After a few seconds in the spotlight, Connie struts over to the entrance of the hospital. Her lips are pursed and her hips sway with perfection. As she enters, she is greeted to utter chaos. Nurses, doctors and consultants rush around like ants on an anthill, while injured parties slouch in the uncomfortable metal chairs provided.

"Louise, Noel, what the hell is going on in here?" Asks Connie, whilst giving the pair an icy cold stare.

"We're short staffed, Ms Beauchamp. Perhaps if some of our doctors and nurses arrived on time we wouldn't be in this situation?." Responds Louise bluntly.

"And where's Robyn? I'd have expected you to have called her and asked her to attend by now."

"Robyn's currently getting a tram back from Manchester. I'll call around, see if anyone else is free."

"Yes, do. And phone Robyn anyway, tell her as soon as she gets back I expect to see her here. We need all the staff we can get, ASAP."