Wake Up Caroline

(18)

"Hi pumpkin, we're so sorry we couldn't come earlier. We just got back from a trip to Greece. It was wonderful there. You'd enjoy it dearly."

The women pats her hand and looks lovingly at her. "Now Caroline, I understand you were playing around trains and that's the reason you're in here. That's not what a young lady should do."

"Mother please."

"I'm sorry Alex, dear, but she should understand not to do those things."

"Mother, she was having a rough day, please don't make it a bigger deal."

"Alright then. If that's the way you want it."

"Marge, we'll have to come back a little later, the renovators ran into a problem with the plumbing."

"Oh dear, well then we better go. I do hope she wakes up soon Alex, we wouldn't want her to miss any more school."

She kissed her son on the cheek and quickly scampered out of the room, following her husband.

"How're ya' doing bud? Same ole? Yeah I understand. Listen, sweetheart I'm afraid I've got bad news."

He sighs awkwardly and places his head in his hands. "I've got an out of town work meeting next week. So I won't be able to visit. And your mother is going off someplace with Richard, she left a note this morning. Won't be back till next Saturday. But I'll miss you like crazy Care-Bear. And you better miss me too."

He sniffles a little, taking the back of his hand to wipe away a tear. "I honestly hope you're not awake when I get back. I want to be here when you do wake up. Because I know you will. But if you do wake, please, remember to call me?"

He kisses her forehead gently, brushing her hair out of her face.

"Wake up Caroline."