#bylines

James Jones, 70, of Swynlake, died unexpectedly this weekend in a tragic boating accident off the coast of Torquay.

According to longtime friend Samuel Smiegel, the two were enjoying a late-summer holiday in the resort town with Jones’ son when tragedy struck.

Swynlakers will remember Jones as a regular presence in their neighborhoods, delivering parcels for the local post office for over two decades. Though he sometimes came across as gruff and no-nonsense, he will be remembered fondly by friends and family.

Controversy erupted this weekend at Swynlake General Hospital when a werewolf child was brought in with a life-threatening condition requiring emergency surgery. Staff did not disclose the exact nature of the condition, but assured the Swynlake Squire that it was highly urgent.

"Everything happened so quickly. We didn't even realize the kid was a werewolf right away," nurse Vixey Chakraborty admitted. "But once we did, things got kind of awkward from there."

Upon this discovery, multiple staff members elected not to participate in the surgery on the basis of the child's status as a werewolf. This action is protected by UK law; healthcare professionals are not required to treat werewolves and may abstain for any reason.

Other staff members stepped in and the child ultimately received treatment, but the moment raised complicated questions for the Swynlake General Hospital staff: are hospital staffers required to compromise their personal safety and comfort for the sake of their patients?

"I just didn't feel comfortable," Ms. Chakraborty added. "You hear about all these attacks and things that happen with werewolves and you can’t help worry it might happen to you."

In December of 2021, a teenage boy was killed by a werewolf in the Forest of Enchantra. However, no arrests were ever made, and the case has gone cold. The same is true of the high-profile attack of local artist Lou Bonfamille by an unknown werewolf back in 2019.

For now, business continues as usual at Swynlake General Hospital.

Isabela Valera Madrigal, 28, was on her way home from a modeling gig when she encountered a horrific sight on the side of the road. "It was horrible," reflects Ms. Madrigal. "I told the Uber driver to stop and I called 999. The Uber driver just left! Can you believe it?"

The accident Ms. Madrigal encountered involved two men, Jonathan Paisley and Nicholas DiLaurentis. While the road to recovery is long for them, and DiLaurentis remains in a coma, it may not have begun at all if not for Ms. Madrigal.

One can imagine it was a terrifying experience for Ms. Madrigal, but she made quick decisions and called the proper authorities right away.

"I just told myself that there were two people who needed help, so I needed to keep my head, you know? When you're in an emergency like that, instinct just takes over. I wanted to make sure they were okay so that became more important than my own feelings," explains Ms. Madrigal.

An unnamed paramedic eventually drove Ms. Madrigal home after Mr. Paisley and Mr. DiLaurentis were rushed to the hospital.

When asked whom she would credit with her heroic actions, Ms. Madrigal thought of her family.

"My family survived the coup because of the kindness of others. And I couldn’t just stand by and let someone else go through their worst day alone. As for training, well, my mother Julieta Madrigal is a kitchen witch who is a very powerful healer, so I suppose I learned a little from her. And my uncle Félix. He’s a certified nurse. I am lucky to live in a house full of healers."

What does Ms. Madrigal think we can learn from this incident? "Definitely be careful. We're a small town, accidents do happen. And, also, we must look out for one another! Our neighbours are our friends and we should all be good friends to our neighbours."