Acajatuba Jungle Lodge, screen capture of photo by Marc Crandall via Google Maps
Tuesday morning, she left the hospital for good. Turned away from their protests and waited wordlessly as they taped the incision, removed the IV, and wound a bright blue bandage around her arm.
“You’re going to die out there,” Brian had said. Yelled it at her, actually, as she walked to her gate with only one small carry on.
Three connections and thirty-six hours later, she was on the boat, feeling the moist jungle air upon her like a salve.
Pacon piloted the craft up the curling vein of the Amazon without looking. Overhead, the skies were untroubled and everywhere around she heard the twitter, squawk and song of undiscovered birds. Maybe she would die out here. It was not such a bad place.
As if he had heard her, Pacon spoke. “You make better soon,” he said, gesturing upriver. “Kachiri she bring the best tea.”
She felt better already.
—
150 words
This has been an edition of What Pegman Saw. To read more stories inspired by the prompt or to submit your own, click the blue button.
k. Rawson 
The miracle of healing! Wonderful story, deeply evocative. I especially how you use a few details to convey the overall feeling of the jungle. Masterful.
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Aw thanks for your kind words. Glad you liked it J Hardy.
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Dear Karen,
What a wonderful take on the prompt. I, too, feel better already. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle 🙂
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Beautifully written! Love it.
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Thanks Debra 🙂
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Although this piece starts with conflict and a hospital tale, in the end, it is soothing as a good cup of tea. Nicely done.
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Thanks Alicia & thanks for reading.
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I wonder what is in the tea, and if it can be replicated around the world!? Nice story.
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If legends are to be believed, Ayahuasca tea is a cure for the cancer, but as it also has hallucinogenic properties, and isn’t legal in the States, I really can’t say.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
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That’s just lovely, Karen. Even if she isn’t cured, she’s in the right place, the place that makes her calm and happy. It has to be better than dying scared strapped to a sterile hospital bed. A great tale
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I think so too. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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My pleasure 🙂
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Actually, any protracted stay in the hospital increases your risk of infection. Lots of germs in those places.
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For sure. Thanks for reading!
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Rawson, this was a feel good tale well told. Just one nitpick. Is the name Pacon? Pacan?
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Haha, I guess I keep the reader guessing on that name, don’t I? Now I can’t remember which it was supposed to be. I guess I should make up my mind. Thanks for reading Neel!
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I loved this story
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Thanks so much!
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When the time is right, will you buy me a ticket and put me on the plane? Mom
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