The fire call-a close shave

Darkness was ensuing, the stillness of the night was stealing in on us, all things visible in daylight were putting on a darkened veil, becoming an ambiguity to sight, save those illumined by the man's machination, while things inconspicuous became candid. That which was to our way clear would at varied times dim our perception-the dazzling lights that keep watch of the city. The very luminance that proffered a sense of safety in the dark alleys somehow instilled in us a sense of defenselessness -an easy sighting by night quacks- nightly marauders.

We took each stride with brevity, each step longer and brisker than the former. We fell short of levitating as we maneuvered the ever winding paths. Our lips ware paced, heart racing, yet we gathered courage from our number-a trio of night walkers. We dared not walk in silence too long,for then our untamed imagination would run wild, a perfect recipe for self bred consternation. A continued round of discourse kept all unwarranted thoughts at bay. 

In stroke of luck, or perhaps unnatural intervention, we spotted a minivan/minibus. We waved in concordance. The door of the little 'courier' was slid open way before the 'nightly express' could come to a an auspicious halt for our climb-nothing out of the ordinary, perhaps an old trick of the trade. In sighs of relief, we went aboard. There was not much room in the 'inn' but there was plenty of warmth and safety. We slithered our way to the back cottage as it were (back seat), the least desired in this kind of a 'cell'. 

We started off in the far distance. At ease, we spoke of the day's errands. We were oblivious, perhaps insensate to all the proceedings around us, save to make payment for our ride-hitch. 

As per custom, the the mighty fortress was brought down-the door was slid open as the bus took another steady halt, per adventure to rescue others from nightly fetters of the pedestrian's lot. This time however, the door stayed open far much longer. But we dared not question the competence of the man behind the operation. We waited for the engine's morn. In a moments breathe, or a epiphany as it were, a strange consternation filled all aboard, we were an exception.  All secured themselves towards the door, as if running for dear life's sake. Others feigned for an exit via the windows, but that escape route could not grant passage to anyone within. Men and women disembarked in pairs or trios, a case of  diapedesis indeed, where ordinarily one would be permitted passage. 

We concluded it must be a fire-"The vehicle is on fire!". We soon followed suit, out of the cabin, we dared not brave the flames' incinerating prowess. To our amazement, there was no fire at all, no fumes or flame. We wondered then what had transpired.

We took a second look into the little carrier. The man behind the wheel was still in his seat, as if bolted to it. His head, swung over the neck rest, eyes rolled up, froth emanating from his oral cavity (mouth), with jerky movements, as if suffering a electrocution in a slow paced fashion- a terrifying site to many, yet not unfamiliar to us. We quickly rushed to open the door to the driver's seat, turned off the mini and pulled the man out, lest he stepped on the gas peddle, an outcome we cowered to fathom. He was more than the average man in height and weight-the attempt to free him from his seat took a little more than a few minutes wind before we finally dislodged him. We put him in a left lateral position (recovery position) behind the driver's seat- I took charge of his stability while my two buddies took over the mini. As the engine was started, the little crowd was poised in a dilemma.  Should they remain on the side walk in the dark or get back in the bus that had just been high-jacked on medical grounds? But of course they had little reason to stay out, as they rushed back in. We raved off speedily towards the hospital.
On our way, in a rude escapade, another mini decided to overtake us when no opportunity was provided -making us veer off  the road, but in a Divine interposition, I may add, my colleague regained control off the little machine. The crowd within, now fearing for their lives once again, perhaps in a close call of fate, they hurled curses at the driver of the offending party. Whether that brought relief to their fear-struck hearts was anyone's guess, perhaps a little confessing would follow soon after the dust, or drama settled, as the conscious was granted its rightful seat once more.

We reached the hospital, but just as we were about to rush the convulsing driver to the emergency department, he fully regained consciousness, was no longer frothing  and was able to stand on his two feet. A little cool nightly breeze soon saw him well oriented to time, place and person. Another mini came over. It was the rudely interposing mini. Yet we dared not engage in any squabbling, we simply left the scene. Our part was played, not in perfect picturesque scenes but in perfect timing.  We had a false fire-call, but a close shave it was. We had come to our abode- 'in three pieces'.