new beginnings

Whispers

The next three days were exactly like the first. Wake up, disinfect, re-bandage, medicine, sleep. The rubbing alcohol was the worst. It never felt any better to use. But, the infection on my eye had gone away, according to Denise.

I didn't see many people. The only times I got up were to go to the bathroom. I hadn't showered at all. I didn't even go outside. Dad, Ron, Denise, and Sarah were the only people I had seen. Denise told everyone that they should not visit me because I needed rest. But, today, she said I can go outside and do "light activity". That thrilled me. The musty, humid garage air wasn't exactly something I would miss.

I got up, disinfected and re-bandaged with waterproof tape over the gauze, and went to shower. They brought in a folding chair so I wouldn't have to stand (or possibly fall) in the shower. I had convinced Denise that I could get dressed and everything without help, and I did. Dark blue flannel shirt and tan cargo shorts was today's outfit. I felt clean. I remembered to tilt my hat down so people wouldn't stare at my face. Ron brought me my crutches and we walked outside. The crisp, cool late morning air was so nice to feel. It was a cloudy day.

"Today is your Dad's birthday," Ron said after a few, slow steps.

"I completely forgot. I didn't even wrap the shoebox with anything," I said.

"Luckily, since I have some time on my hands, I put it in a bag I found. It's baby blue, Sarah said I could use it. Okay?" he said and smiled.

"You're an amazingly awesome dude," I said, with a mocking tone in my voice. I was happy he did that for me.

I saw people looking at me through house windows as I trudged along. I didn't really mind, but I didn't know what they were saying about me. They cupped their hands over their mouths and whispered to one another. They didn't know I could see them.

We saw Dad on our house's porch. He smiled. "Happy birthday," I said to him when we got near.

"Thanks. How do you feel?" he said and smiled again.

"Better," I said. The crutches were digging into my armpits. I knew that they would be raw later.

"Everyone in Alexandria decided that we should have a party for my birthday. It's later tonight. Do you think you'd be up for it?" he asked reluctantly.

"I don't want everyone staring at me," I answered, looking down.

"They won't. They all love you Carl. They want to help you. Please, accept help if you need it. Don't let your ego get in the way of healing," he said.

"Okay," I replied shyly.

"I've had so many people ask about you and when they get to see you," he smiled when I looked up at him.

"Carl, I swear, if I hear someone say one bad thing about you, I'll kick their ass," Ron said and smiled. I laughed. "Thanks, Ron," I said.

"Alright. I'll be in the house with Judith," Dad said and snickered at Ron's comment before walking inside. We sat on the porch swing together.

"I'm needing something from you," he said after a while of silence.

"What is it?" I asked, puzzled.

"It's been days since I kissed you," he smirked.

"I can fix that right now," I grinned.

I leaned in and gave him a long, slow kiss. I noticed he wasn't touching my back or anything like usual. He just held my hand. He was probably afraid that he would hurt me.

Hours passed on the porch swing. I didn't get up once. We talked for a while, read some books Ron found, and had a little lunch. Maggie made me some homemade applesauce, and it was really good. But I didn't see her or anyone on the porch. Ron got everything for me.