Me and Charley

15. Lights Out

As we headed for the parking lot Mom said, "Trey, take my arm." Being unable to see after previous doctor visits had always terrified me. This time, though, I found myself fascinated with the way I was experiencing the world around me. My field of vision became a lighter shade of green as we got outside and I felt the warmth of the sun, but as always I could distinguish nothing. The noise of traffic seemed louder to me now and the smell of exhaust more pronounced. I heard many footsteps and the occasional tap-tap-tap of ladies' high heels. I got the impression that people were giving us a wide berth. We reached the Suburban and Mom guided me to the right-hand door. I pulled it open and found my way in. As we entered the street and started toward the hospital I drank in the feast of sounds and smells that the city offered. At one point we stopped and I said, "Kids are playing over there, aren't they?"

Mom said, "Yes, they are."

"It's a swimming pool, ain't it, Mom?"

"Yes, it is, and a big one. You're very observant."

"Yeah, not bad for a blind kid, right?"

"Trey, don't say that, please."

"Well I am, today anyhow."

"Just today."

We rode in silence for a while, then Mom said, "Doesn't it bother you that people stare?"

"Why should it, Mom? I don't see them."

"Well, I suppose you have a point there."

"Does it bother you?"

"Yes, it does, but maybe it shouldn't."

"Mom I mean, what can you do about it? Gouge their eyes out?"

"All right, Trey, that's enough." Exasperated, she added, "Boys..."

We had not gone much farther when I heard what I thought was a police whistle, and the traffic stopped.

"What's going on, Mom?" I asked.

"They've stopped traffic at this intersection for some reason." Just then I heard music approaching from our left.

"That's a marching band, Mom, ain't it? But the music is kinda weird."

"I think it's some kind of Catholic religious parade. They're carrying one of their idols. It's all dressed up and it looks like people are pinning money on it as it goes by."

"That's weird."

"Lots of strange things happen in the city." The band music faded to our right. The police whistle tweeted and Mom said, "They've passed now and the police are letting people cross again." Before long the diminishing sound of traffic behind us told me we had reached the hospital parking lot. Mom found a space and shut off the engine. I let myself down onto the pavement and felt around for the cane. Once I got it I shut the door and started along the side of the Suburban.

"Trey, wait for me. It's this way," Mom said.

"Oh," I said, and reversed course toward the sound of Mom's voice. I found her arm and we headed for the entrance. We soon arrived at the clinic site. Mom asked how far along Charley was and Miss Davis said, "He's about done. They should be out shortly." It wasn't five minutes until the sound of Charley's walking gear announced his approach. He said, "Hey, don't you look cool!"

"If you say so."

"No, I mean it. Those are some cool shades. Listen, Mom thought we could all have lunch here."

"Where's your mom?"

"She and your mom are talkin' with Miss Davis," Charley replied. I heard Charley go off somewhere. He soon returned and said, "They said us slowpokes could go to the cafeteria and find a table, they'll be along in a minute. I hadda talk your mom into letting you come with me."