Raju Kumar

The room is deserted as Noah steps in, his eyes travelling over the debris of the recently vacated squat. Stepping in before the needles are cleared up isn't wise, but as he steps backwards a black bin bag rustles on the far side and the shape of a tiny hand pushes against the plastic. Noah feels a wave of cold shock and picks his way over the floor, sending a silent prayer for them both. He peels back the plastic and pulls out a newborn, umbilical cord thick and dangling. The baby opens her mouth to cry and and all she can manage is a quite snuffling, her throat dry and sore. Noah holds her close, hand over her back to give her some warmth, and picks his way back over the mess. As they break out into the sunlight he begins to run