Giving to Those in Need

When news had first gone out of about the missing persons, Ellie was frightened. When people started turning up dead it churned her stomach. It was already bad enough, the fear that surrounded the people of Burrowgatory. Ellie was scared walking to the Heavenly Embassy for her time volunteering, nervous even during the daylight. After all, just because most of these things were happening at night didn't mean but they didn't have just as much of a chance of happening during the day, especially when people get brazen.  

 

She avoided being out as much as she could, but when the news about the theft at the local blood bank broke she felt her heart drop. How many buns would be in need? How many poor people would be suffering because of someone else's selfishness? Never mind the fact that apparently there was an underground blood trade going on to require so much blood, something that Ellie was quick to attribute to the mafia. It was something that made her feel a burning fire inside of her. Just because their turf wars weren't going well and they were losing men didn't mean that they had the right to take away the blood life of other buns who were struggling to survive in the hospital. 

 

If it wasn't for that then she didn't even want to think of what it could be used for. 

 

Still, when she noticed her friend on the screen she was surprised. The broadcast showed Primrose taking blood from a bun at the blood bank. Apparently there had been a call to all buns for help to replenish the stocks. She couldn't help but feel a sense of duty watching the other bun working so hard to provide for those in need. She had been working hard with the Cherubuns recently, learning from them and their teachings and wondering about what she could do to be a bit more like them. After all, everyone had something to learn from each other.  Seeing him working so dutifully to take blood made her give pause. She might not be able to do much for people but at the very least she could give this. 

 

So, with the proper preparations and a quick call to work she was off, hurrying down the path to the blood bank where dozes of buns had lined up to give their own blood. She was anxious at first, but seeing the line actually gave her a bit more hope. So many people were terrible but at least these buns were here doing their best to help out. Good people help people and sometimes it's as simple as handing a juice box to a person in need and other times it's something like this. Not every bun may be able to help, but those that could were here. It made her feel more at peace.

 

Ellie braced herself for what was to come and put down the necessary information, a bit nervous but carrying a small box alongside her that she had brought from her apartment. It was silly but she thought that it would be nice. Of course, only Primrose was allowed to see it, it was a surprise. She didn't have to wait too long, less then an hour or so before she was able to be ushered in, of course her friend wasn't the only one working that day but she waited an extra few minutes just to see him. He looked a little bit annoyed at having been held up for someone's request but upon seeing Ellie he sighed and gestured to the table. "I don't see why you had to visit me."

 

"It's nicer and less nerve wracking wracking when it's a friend." He hummed in response, more focused on the task at hand as he prepared. Ellie offered out her arm, the right arm because she couldn't afford the left arm getting sore. "I'm going to feel a weak after right?" She had expected as much. Despite how quickly she had made her decision her walk over was filled with articles of what to expect while donating.

 

"Many do. I recommend eating the snack provided and sitting down for a while before you're ready to go. You did bring someone with you didn't you? Some people are prone to fainting once they get their blood drawn.

 

"No, I didn't bring anyone but I don't mind sitting in the waiting area for a while until I've recovered." Primrose doesn't look too pleased at it but Ellie just smiles. She didn't have anyone to bring, but that didn't mean that was going to stop her. She had to be there for someone else and maybe one of the people she helped could find their way to her in the future. She likes to believe in the butterfly effect in that way. It was comforting.

 

All in all the processes was simple, find the vein, wipe with the alcohol pad, tie the arm, insert the needle, draw the blood, make small talk, press the gauze, and remove. The Band-Aid that was put on over it was simple, a standard color that she was sure the bank used for all donations. It was a little too plain for her liking and as a result she felt pride in presenting the box from her purse to primrose. The box was brightly colored, decorated in flowers and had the words Band-Aid across the top. Primrose gave her questioningly as she spoke. "Just in case some people are a little spooked, it can be a nice little gesture." He seems taken aback for a moment, critical of her for a moment, but he took the box none the less. 

 

As he finished bandaging her, Ellie looked at the bag of blood and felt her face slowly fall. "It'll help right? That's gonna help someone?" He paused and looked at her, face holding an unknown emotion before he nodded. 

 

"Yes, all these donations are going to help people." 

 

"Good." she smiled again nodding to herself as she sipped on the juice box he had provided. More than anything that's all she wanted to do.