The Problem with Dreams

Chapter 83 - A Family of Six on the Sabbath

Greg made it a point to wrap his alarm clock with a towel before going to bed in an effort to muffle the sound. It worked well enough in that it still woke him up, but didn't initially disturb Susan. She did stir when he had to move the towel long enough to shut it off, but only enough to change positions and go back to sleep.

Moving as carefully and silently as possible, Greg slid out of bed and left their bedroom for the bathroom in order to shower and prepare for services. He was fully dressed when he left, expecting he was the only one up, so he was surprised when Mrs. Abernathy was waiting for him with hot coffee and a breakfast of turkey bacon and fresh sweet rolls.

"Thank you very much," Greg said appreciatively as he dug in after his mealtime prayer.

"You're welcome. Did Susan manage to go back to sleep?" Mrs. Abernathy asked.

"I didn't know she was up," Greg said in surprise.

"She got up just after you did to collect her milk while you were in the shower. I think she was feeling rather full, but she made it a point to go back to bed after putting it in the refrigerator," Mrs. Abernathy said.

"Curious. I didn't hear her," Greg said. "I hope she does sleep longer. It's probably the best thing for her to help her to heal."

"I think that's the thing on all of our minds," Mrs. Abernathy agreed. "I hope you enjoy your services today Greg, and your visit with the rabbi."

"Thank you Mildred. I'm sure I will. I haven't had the opportunity to speak with David since Melody's birth. He's one of my oldest and dearest friends, so I've been delinquent in that for sure," Greg said.

They talked as Greg finished his breakfast, then Mrs. Abernathy took things back to the kitchen to keep them warm for the rest of the family when he left.

c

By the time Greg returned from services, not only had all the family finished their breakfast, some were already having lunch. Susan settled for a late brunch and was just finishing her meal when he arrived.

"You're back!" she said enthusiastically. "I'll be ready to go soon."

"There's no hurry, Susan. Take your time," Greg urged.

"Oh yes there is," Susan told him. "And Melody had better be hungry when we get there. I feel like I'm about to burst."

Greg tried to appear sympathetic but it was relatively difficult as he had absolutely no idea what that must feel like. All he knew was that Susan was uncomfortable and was suddenly in a hurry to go. She was ready much more quickly than he'd come to expect and they were soon in route to the hospital, winding between the hills.

The nursing staff was expecting them when Greg and Susan arrived, and the nurse on duty had Melody wrapped in her blanket and ready to hand to Susan to nurse as soon as she sat down in the rocking chair. Greg watched as she opened her blouse, noting the skin pulled so tight across her breast, her nipple puckered slightly and pulled slightly to one side. He wondered initially if that might be a problem for Melody, but apparently it wasn't. Soon Melody was uttering small sounds of enjoyment and Susan of relief as the tension on her skin relaxed.

"So how is she today?" Susan asked the nurse as they settled into the feeding.

"Her weight is up again. We're at four pounds eleven ounces today," she said.

"That's up three ounces from yesterday," Greg said looking pleased.

"How's her bowel function been?" Susan asked.

"Nothing today," the nurse said.

"So some of that may be waste accumulation, but still it does seem she is gaining weight gradually," Greg said.