Disclaimer: Again - they are not mine. Just using them for my amusement.
Author's Note: Those of you who've read "Crash Landing" will probably know that I had left off some loose ends. Yep! That was done purposely so I can write this sequel. Perhaps I will tie some loose ends in this one - or not. I've decided to post one or two chapters at a time since I'm not sure of the direction I want to take with this story. Once again, I appreciate all your patience and feedback!! Thanks to all of you who took the time to read/review my stories - you know who you are and I love you all!!! *Grin & Hugs*
Title: Rising From The Ashes
Chapter 1: Breakfast With The Brown's
"Is too!!" Delia argued with eyes glaring.
"Is not!!" Sam yelled back.
"Is TOO!!" Delia raised her voice as she stared at her opponent sitting across from her at the breakfast table.
"Is not!! Is not!!" Sam whined refusing to give up.
"Is too. Is too. Is too!" Delia continued.
"To what pleasure do I owe this delightful display of affection between the two of you on such a pleasant early Sunday morning gathering?" Andy's tired husky voice caught the youngsters' attention as he walked into the dining room.
"Timon." Delia explained.
"Tim-moan? What's that?" Andy scratched his uncombed scruffy hair in wonder.
"Exactly." Delia breathed.
"Huh? I think you lost me kiddo." Andy took his seat and proceeded to pour himself a glass of orange juice from the pitcher on the table. He waited patiently for his hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs, which Nina was busy fixing in the kitchen. He sniffed the air hoping to catch a whiff of the tasty breakfast he was about to devour.
"You know, from the Lion King?" Delia realized she was not refreshing her father's memory at all since he responded with a puzzled stare. "We know Pumba is a warthog, but what's Timon?"
"You can't be serious." Andy shook his head. "You're debating over a cartoon character?!"
"I say Timon is a prairie dog. But Sam here thinks Timon is a squirrel. I don't think Sam's ever seen a squirrel before. Cause if he did, he wouldn't think Timon is one." Delia said. "Timon is not gray and doesn't have a bushy tail. He's a prairie dog."
"Is not! He's a squirrel!" Sam defended himself.
"Oh yea?" Delia shouted making an annoyed face.
"Yea!!" Sam shouted back sticking out his tongue.
"You're both wrong. Timon is a muskrat. It's a brown rat-like rodent found in North America that lives near streams and rivers." A voice said from behind. They turned around and their eyes lit up as they saw Ephram taking slow cautious steps towards them with the help of the wall and nearby furniture. He absolutely refused to use crutches. Not only were crutches unfashionable, they hurt his pride. He'd rather writhe in pain than use crutches. "Encyclopedia Britannica dot com. What else?" He grinned.
"Look who's up and about!" Andy spoke gleefully.
"Ephram!! Come sit next to me!!" Delia insisted. She patted the empty seat next to her.
"No! Ephram, sit next to me!!!" Sam challenged.
"He's NOT sitting next to YOU because he's going to sit next to ME!" Delia contested forgetting their primary argument on Timon's species.
"Oh Lord. Here we go again." Andy sighed. "Before you kids bite each other's heads off, how about this - Ephram will sit here - in between both of you." Andy compromised as he got up to offer his seat to Ephram. The two children finally agreed on the idea and the fuse was extinguished.
Ephram made his way to the table and Andy placed a pillow on the wooden chair for his son's comfort. "Thanks, dad."
"How are you feeling today?" Andy asked watching his son carefully to detect any slight discomfort. Ephram winced as he slowly lowered himself onto the chair.
"You know dad, I was going to go jogging today." Ephram said with an ironic grin. "Actually, I feel like my body's been stuffed into a blender and someone just hit the puree button. I thought my legs were supposed to be getting better. Heck, forget running, I can't even skip. In fact, I'll just be happy if I can master climbing up and down those stairs. Is it just me or does the stairs seen extra long these days?" Ephram laughed while rubbing his knee. "Ha, I guess it's just me."
The tragic bus accident had claimed the lives of five people on that fateful night on Route 5. Ephram was one of the fortunate ones to have survived the incident. He suffered multiple injuries as a result of being thrown about and pinned beneath fallen debris. One of the most severe traumas he sustained was a spinal injury. Ephram was diagnosed with an incomplete spinal contusion effecting L1-L5. For you medical deadheads, it just means a bruise in the lumbar vertebrae section of the spinal cord in his lower back, which controls motor functions of the legs. Such a bruising does not necessarily conclude with the patient's permanent loss of movement and sensation below the injury site. Ephram experienced paralysis in both legs for two days straight. It was the most frightening moment in his life. He was confined to a bed while pain seethed in his lower back with the absence of the slightest feeling in either leg. There were no tingling, no stinging, no pricking, and no signs of innervation at all. His legs felt like dead weight on his body. After the second day, the temporary paraplegia had terminated and he was starting to get sensation back in his legs. He cried tears of joy.
"It just takes time to get the full use of your legs back. It's only been a little over eight weeks. You've got a long way to go. Don't give up." Andy advised.
"Oh, I'm far from giving up. Not when I've got the best personal physical therapist slash neurologist slash psychiatrist and slash anything else sitting conveniently in my own home." He said complimenting his father.
"Hey! I'll drink to that." Andy raised his glass of orange juice for a toast. "Cheers." He added as all their glasses clanked together.
"What's all the excitement about?" Nina entered the dining room with a red and white checker apron tied around her slender waist as she showcased a big platter filled with scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon and sausages. The crisp, greasy aroma of fried bacon circled the air and penetrated each room with force whetting everyone's appetite.
"It's all about how great I am." Andy joked and patted himself on the back.
"What do you want? A medal?" Nina kidded. "Ephram sweetie, how do you feel?" Nina turned to the boy appearing more motherly than neighborly. She set the platter on the table and started distributing portions onto to the plates of the hungry youngsters.
"I'm ok, I guess. Legs are a bit stiff but nothing I can't handle." Ephram replied truthfully. He had a soft spot for Nina's attention.
Nina was like a second mother to him and he longed for her nurturing. He especially liked it when she pitied him. When he was very sick, she allowed him to rest his head on her shoulder while she stroked his cheek with her soft hands in the most soothing and comforting manner imaginable. It was a coincidence that his mother used to do the exact same thing. But with his mother now deceased, no one was there to give him the healing touch when he needed it most. Even when he was running a fever of 102, Nina's gentle stroking of his cheek and back made whatever aches and pain in his body disappear. It was so tranquil and comfortable that he often fell asleep there in her arms. She always knew when not to stop. A mother's touch is capable of such power no medicine can ever remedy. Sometimes he deliberately hinted that he wasn't feeling well just so she can take him under her wing and make a big fuss. Though he wouldn't dare pull one of those stunts when his father was in the room. Being a doctor, Andy can recognize feigning a mile away.
"Tsk, my poor baby! Well then, we got to feed you some more so you'll get stronger." She said with a warm smile. "Would you like me to butter some toast for you?" Ephram nodded.
It was needless to describe the amount of love that burned in their hearts for young Ephram. He was their fallen hero. He fought the biggest battle known to mankind - staying alive under such obstinate circumstances. He's been thru hell and back. They knew he deserved more love than they could ever give. No one thought it possible for him to have such a big impact on those around him. It frightened them to think they were just a heartbeat away from losing him entirely. They were so relieved and thankful he was alive. For the most part, his body gradually healed while his mental health lagged a step behind affecting his loved ones.
Ephram was terrified of riding in motor vehicles, unless it was his father doing the driving. They vividly remembered the incident in Nina's car a few days ago when she offered to pick Andy and Ephram up from therapy. Andy had taken the passenger seat in the front while Ephram sat in the back. Things were fine until they exited onto the road. Andy and Nina were bickering about what cable movie to watch later that night. Nina wanted to see "Catch Me If You Can" on Showtime, but Andy wanted to see "Red Dragon" on HBO. They decided to get Ephram's opinion. After not hearing a response, Andy swung around to see why his son was not answering.
To Andy's consternation, Ephram's face had turned deathly pale with small droplets of sweat trickling down his forehead in neat streams. His skin was slick with cold perspiration. He didn't look up when his name was called. He only sat in complete silence with his head hung down and eyes focused on his knees. Labored breaths caused his whole body to convulse as his fingers clawed forcefully into the seat making nail marks on the soft leather. Even as Nina pulled the car over to the side of the road, Ephram was still petrified with fear. No matter how Andy or Nina tried to talk to him or coax him into coming out of the car, the poor kid just sat there shaking like a leaf and staring at his dusty old sneakers. Andy tugged on Ephram's arm but he wouldn't budge. Moments passed and when he finally did break from his catatonic state, he stepped out of the car in a hurry and didn't walk three steps before falling onto his hands and knees. Clutching his stomach with both arms, he violently threw up causing great alarm in the adults. He stared at the orangy-brown vomit contrasting deeply with the greenness of the grass as he sat on his heels. Every inch of his body trembled. His hands shook so badly that he had to knot them into balls and hide them under his armpits. Looking up at his father, tears formed in the corners of his glossy greenish-gray eyes. Ephram burst out in sobs and choked on apologies until Andy held him in a tight embrace. Andy whispered lovingly, "Don't be sorry, I know you're scared but you'll be alright. I promise." Nina stroked Ephram's cheek in hopes of calming the boy. He cried like that for half an hour. After winning Ephram's trust, Andy offered to drive instead of Nina. Ephram sat in the back holding tightly onto Nina's hand for support as Andy drove home slowly. He was ever so careful not to make any sudden turns or stops that would trigger Ephram's frightening memory again. No more episodes happened the rest of the way back.
Breakfast was quite exciting. Ephram practically inhaled his eggs and potatoes by the forkful. He's never been so hungry. But then again, he was always hungry. Growing boys need their nourishment. It was extra easy for Ephram because Nina was such an awesome cook. She can even make brussel sprouts taste good. Andy and Nina watched Ephram as he wolfed down his food. They silently admired how a stubborn yet precocious kid like Ephram could touch the hearts of so many around him. Ephram gulped down his orange juice as he listened curiously to Delia and Sam arguing about anything and everything. Ephram sometimes thought those two were getting to be more and more like a married couple each day - always had a bone to pick with each other.
"Are we going yet??" Delia exclaimed to Andy in pure excitement.
"Yes, as soon as I help Nina clear the table. Why don't you and Sam go watch cartoons while we do that." He replied.
"Last one to the living room couch is a rotten egg." Delia yelled.
"No fair!! You got a head start!!" Sam complained as the children bounced out of their seats with a bang and stormed out the room.
"And no fighting!!" Andy called hoping they heard him. "Kids." He mumbled.
"Yea. You just gotta love them." Nina laughed as she discarded the scrapings from the dishes.
"I wish I had that much energy." Andy sighed. "Maybe I need to take vitamins or something to keep up with those kids."
"Andy, you're still very agile." Nina said eyeing Ephram, who had remained quiet for sometime now. "So, I see you're still wearing that shirt." She nodded to Ephram referring to his olive t-shirt with the letters S, N, A, F, U imprinted across the front in white stencil.
"Didn't you know? It's his uniform now. That's the only shirt he wears." Andy mocked. "Not to mention it was a gift from his new girlfriend." He teased. "Makes it extra special."
"She's not my girlfriend!! Just a friend." Ephram face turned pink.
"Oh I think she is." Nina winked. "Or you wouldn't be blushing right now."
"I'm not blushing!!" Ephram clapped the palms of his hands over his warm cheeks smiling.
"Yes, you are." Andy said as he stacked the dirty plates on top of each other and carried them to the kitchen sink. He rolled up his sleeves. "Just don't tell your sister what that stands for. I don't need her spewing out profanity just yet. Keeping her nice and innocent - that's my goal."
"Relax! I had her convinced Snafu is a new alternative rock band." Ephram retorted.
Ephram made himself useful and collected the last two glasses from the table and successfully placed them into the sink. Just as he took a step back, his knees buckled. With arms flailing, his effort to grab onto the counter fell short of a few inches. Seeing his son sway out of the corner of his eye, Andy dropped his dishrag and managed to seize Ephram by the armpits with wet soapy hands. He then got a better hold of him by swinging his arms around his son's waist. If it weren't for Andy's quickness, Ephram would've fell over backwards.
"Whoa, hey. Why didn't you just tell me you wanted to dance?" Andy smiled with his arms still around his son's waist. Ephram desperately struggled to gain his footing but he felt like a marionette with someone else pulling his strings.
"Ephram! Are you ok? You didn't have to get up." Nina hurried over to help.
"Weak legs today. I don't think they woke up yet." Ephram said nervously clinging onto his father. He looked at Nina. "I wanted to help. You know, feel useful again."
"You are such a sweetheart and we appreciate your help, but you are in no shape to be doing anything strenuous. Let us take care of you." Nina cooed.
"Bringing over two glasses is hardly strenuous." Ephram said.
"You want to go to the couch?" Andy eyed his son.
"I'm ok now dad. You can let go." Ephram replied. His legs finally found the strength to hold him up.
"You sure?" Andy questioned quizzically. Ephram nodded as Andy slowly released his son.
"See! I'm good." Ephram said as he wiped off the bubbly dishwashing liquid from his shirt with a paper towel. He attempted to walk to the fridge when he realized something wrong with his left leg. It seemed heavier than before. It dragged slightly and made him appear to totter.
"Son? I don't like the looks of that limp." Andy said worriedly. "Maybe we should cancel going to the fair."
"Yea, if you don't feel up to it. I'm sure the kids'll understand." Nina said.
"I'm fine. Really!!! Don't worry about me. Delia and Sam were looking forward to going to the fair ever since it came and I'm not letting them down. Besides, the leg's just stiff." Ephram persuaded. "I don't want to be the one to tell them we ain't going. Let you be the bad guy, not me."
"Ok, but we're bringing the wheelchair." Andy decided. "I'm not going to carry you around if you get too tired to walk."
"No!" Ephram objected. "I don't need a stupid crummy oversized stroller. I can walk."
"We're also bringing the crutches too." Andy added.
"No!" He whined.
"Oh yes." Andy said. "My decision is final."
"How about we take the crutches and leave the wheelchair at home?" Ephram bargained. Seeing the pleading eyes in his boy's face broke his heart. "Please dad? Please?"
"Oh.." Andy thought about it. "Oh, alright. But you let us know the second you feel tired or any pain, ok?" He gave in after a pause.
"Yesss!" Ephram shouted like he just scored a touchdown. "Great! I'm gonna go put on my sneakers." Though it was difficult to walk without that limp, he tried hard to not make it obvious. Andy and Nina watched Ephram like a hawk until he disappeared into the den. Ephram felt the weight of their stares.
On his way to the shoe rack, his left leg acted up again. There was a constant warm feeling in his left leg that he couldn't understand. He never remembered such a feeling at all during recovery and physical therapy. This was definitely something different - something abnormal. He hobbled to the armchair and sat for a few seconds. The tenderness in his left leg was numbing - kind of like the feeling you get after you realize your leg fell asleep but before you get the pins and needles sensation. He massaged his calf to help keep the circulation going. 'Damn leg,' he thought bitterly. Eventually, the numbness in his calf subsided and he was able to proceed with putting on his footwear. He bent over to tie his shoelaces and felt a rush of dizziness overcome him. Thank goodness he was seated or he really would've keeled over and did some major bodily harm. The muscles in his chest tightened while his heart thumped faster and faster. The blood in his veins felt hot like lava. His heart raced as blood pumped rapidly circulating his upper body. It almost felt like fiery ants speed walking across his chest with thousands of tiny burning feet making painful indentations on his skin. Something was wrong. Something was terribly wrong. What was happening?
Ephram felt completely fine since his release from the hospital nine weeks and three days ago. He's been fine ever since. Not one complication. But now, he felt like he'd just run a marathon. His heartbeat thrashed in his chest so fierce, he was sure his heart was going to bounce out of his chest. He grabbed his chest and the felt the deafening pulse in his palm. It gave him twitches of pain. He leaned back on the armchair and breathed deeply in hopes to slow down his heart rate. At one point, Ephram was tempted to call out to his father but that would only lead to one conclusion - trip cancelled. Besides, he was able to deal with the pounding in his chest and the pain wasn't too unbearable. He made a mental note to secretly pop a few Advils before they left.
"Ephram? You ready?" Andy called from the other room. His sudden loud voice gave Ephram a start.
"Y-yea dad. Just t-tying my shoelaces." Ephram stuttered nervously. "Be there in a sec." He ignored the sickly feeling that something terrible was going to happen and headed out the door to join his family.
* end of chapter 1 *
Author's Note: Those of you who've read "Crash Landing" will probably know that I had left off some loose ends. Yep! That was done purposely so I can write this sequel. Perhaps I will tie some loose ends in this one - or not. I've decided to post one or two chapters at a time since I'm not sure of the direction I want to take with this story. Once again, I appreciate all your patience and feedback!! Thanks to all of you who took the time to read/review my stories - you know who you are and I love you all!!! *Grin & Hugs*
Title: Rising From The Ashes
Chapter 1: Breakfast With The Brown's
"Is too!!" Delia argued with eyes glaring.
"Is not!!" Sam yelled back.
"Is TOO!!" Delia raised her voice as she stared at her opponent sitting across from her at the breakfast table.
"Is not!! Is not!!" Sam whined refusing to give up.
"Is too. Is too. Is too!" Delia continued.
"To what pleasure do I owe this delightful display of affection between the two of you on such a pleasant early Sunday morning gathering?" Andy's tired husky voice caught the youngsters' attention as he walked into the dining room.
"Timon." Delia explained.
"Tim-moan? What's that?" Andy scratched his uncombed scruffy hair in wonder.
"Exactly." Delia breathed.
"Huh? I think you lost me kiddo." Andy took his seat and proceeded to pour himself a glass of orange juice from the pitcher on the table. He waited patiently for his hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs, which Nina was busy fixing in the kitchen. He sniffed the air hoping to catch a whiff of the tasty breakfast he was about to devour.
"You know, from the Lion King?" Delia realized she was not refreshing her father's memory at all since he responded with a puzzled stare. "We know Pumba is a warthog, but what's Timon?"
"You can't be serious." Andy shook his head. "You're debating over a cartoon character?!"
"I say Timon is a prairie dog. But Sam here thinks Timon is a squirrel. I don't think Sam's ever seen a squirrel before. Cause if he did, he wouldn't think Timon is one." Delia said. "Timon is not gray and doesn't have a bushy tail. He's a prairie dog."
"Is not! He's a squirrel!" Sam defended himself.
"Oh yea?" Delia shouted making an annoyed face.
"Yea!!" Sam shouted back sticking out his tongue.
"You're both wrong. Timon is a muskrat. It's a brown rat-like rodent found in North America that lives near streams and rivers." A voice said from behind. They turned around and their eyes lit up as they saw Ephram taking slow cautious steps towards them with the help of the wall and nearby furniture. He absolutely refused to use crutches. Not only were crutches unfashionable, they hurt his pride. He'd rather writhe in pain than use crutches. "Encyclopedia Britannica dot com. What else?" He grinned.
"Look who's up and about!" Andy spoke gleefully.
"Ephram!! Come sit next to me!!" Delia insisted. She patted the empty seat next to her.
"No! Ephram, sit next to me!!!" Sam challenged.
"He's NOT sitting next to YOU because he's going to sit next to ME!" Delia contested forgetting their primary argument on Timon's species.
"Oh Lord. Here we go again." Andy sighed. "Before you kids bite each other's heads off, how about this - Ephram will sit here - in between both of you." Andy compromised as he got up to offer his seat to Ephram. The two children finally agreed on the idea and the fuse was extinguished.
Ephram made his way to the table and Andy placed a pillow on the wooden chair for his son's comfort. "Thanks, dad."
"How are you feeling today?" Andy asked watching his son carefully to detect any slight discomfort. Ephram winced as he slowly lowered himself onto the chair.
"You know dad, I was going to go jogging today." Ephram said with an ironic grin. "Actually, I feel like my body's been stuffed into a blender and someone just hit the puree button. I thought my legs were supposed to be getting better. Heck, forget running, I can't even skip. In fact, I'll just be happy if I can master climbing up and down those stairs. Is it just me or does the stairs seen extra long these days?" Ephram laughed while rubbing his knee. "Ha, I guess it's just me."
The tragic bus accident had claimed the lives of five people on that fateful night on Route 5. Ephram was one of the fortunate ones to have survived the incident. He suffered multiple injuries as a result of being thrown about and pinned beneath fallen debris. One of the most severe traumas he sustained was a spinal injury. Ephram was diagnosed with an incomplete spinal contusion effecting L1-L5. For you medical deadheads, it just means a bruise in the lumbar vertebrae section of the spinal cord in his lower back, which controls motor functions of the legs. Such a bruising does not necessarily conclude with the patient's permanent loss of movement and sensation below the injury site. Ephram experienced paralysis in both legs for two days straight. It was the most frightening moment in his life. He was confined to a bed while pain seethed in his lower back with the absence of the slightest feeling in either leg. There were no tingling, no stinging, no pricking, and no signs of innervation at all. His legs felt like dead weight on his body. After the second day, the temporary paraplegia had terminated and he was starting to get sensation back in his legs. He cried tears of joy.
"It just takes time to get the full use of your legs back. It's only been a little over eight weeks. You've got a long way to go. Don't give up." Andy advised.
"Oh, I'm far from giving up. Not when I've got the best personal physical therapist slash neurologist slash psychiatrist and slash anything else sitting conveniently in my own home." He said complimenting his father.
"Hey! I'll drink to that." Andy raised his glass of orange juice for a toast. "Cheers." He added as all their glasses clanked together.
"What's all the excitement about?" Nina entered the dining room with a red and white checker apron tied around her slender waist as she showcased a big platter filled with scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon and sausages. The crisp, greasy aroma of fried bacon circled the air and penetrated each room with force whetting everyone's appetite.
"It's all about how great I am." Andy joked and patted himself on the back.
"What do you want? A medal?" Nina kidded. "Ephram sweetie, how do you feel?" Nina turned to the boy appearing more motherly than neighborly. She set the platter on the table and started distributing portions onto to the plates of the hungry youngsters.
"I'm ok, I guess. Legs are a bit stiff but nothing I can't handle." Ephram replied truthfully. He had a soft spot for Nina's attention.
Nina was like a second mother to him and he longed for her nurturing. He especially liked it when she pitied him. When he was very sick, she allowed him to rest his head on her shoulder while she stroked his cheek with her soft hands in the most soothing and comforting manner imaginable. It was a coincidence that his mother used to do the exact same thing. But with his mother now deceased, no one was there to give him the healing touch when he needed it most. Even when he was running a fever of 102, Nina's gentle stroking of his cheek and back made whatever aches and pain in his body disappear. It was so tranquil and comfortable that he often fell asleep there in her arms. She always knew when not to stop. A mother's touch is capable of such power no medicine can ever remedy. Sometimes he deliberately hinted that he wasn't feeling well just so she can take him under her wing and make a big fuss. Though he wouldn't dare pull one of those stunts when his father was in the room. Being a doctor, Andy can recognize feigning a mile away.
"Tsk, my poor baby! Well then, we got to feed you some more so you'll get stronger." She said with a warm smile. "Would you like me to butter some toast for you?" Ephram nodded.
It was needless to describe the amount of love that burned in their hearts for young Ephram. He was their fallen hero. He fought the biggest battle known to mankind - staying alive under such obstinate circumstances. He's been thru hell and back. They knew he deserved more love than they could ever give. No one thought it possible for him to have such a big impact on those around him. It frightened them to think they were just a heartbeat away from losing him entirely. They were so relieved and thankful he was alive. For the most part, his body gradually healed while his mental health lagged a step behind affecting his loved ones.
Ephram was terrified of riding in motor vehicles, unless it was his father doing the driving. They vividly remembered the incident in Nina's car a few days ago when she offered to pick Andy and Ephram up from therapy. Andy had taken the passenger seat in the front while Ephram sat in the back. Things were fine until they exited onto the road. Andy and Nina were bickering about what cable movie to watch later that night. Nina wanted to see "Catch Me If You Can" on Showtime, but Andy wanted to see "Red Dragon" on HBO. They decided to get Ephram's opinion. After not hearing a response, Andy swung around to see why his son was not answering.
To Andy's consternation, Ephram's face had turned deathly pale with small droplets of sweat trickling down his forehead in neat streams. His skin was slick with cold perspiration. He didn't look up when his name was called. He only sat in complete silence with his head hung down and eyes focused on his knees. Labored breaths caused his whole body to convulse as his fingers clawed forcefully into the seat making nail marks on the soft leather. Even as Nina pulled the car over to the side of the road, Ephram was still petrified with fear. No matter how Andy or Nina tried to talk to him or coax him into coming out of the car, the poor kid just sat there shaking like a leaf and staring at his dusty old sneakers. Andy tugged on Ephram's arm but he wouldn't budge. Moments passed and when he finally did break from his catatonic state, he stepped out of the car in a hurry and didn't walk three steps before falling onto his hands and knees. Clutching his stomach with both arms, he violently threw up causing great alarm in the adults. He stared at the orangy-brown vomit contrasting deeply with the greenness of the grass as he sat on his heels. Every inch of his body trembled. His hands shook so badly that he had to knot them into balls and hide them under his armpits. Looking up at his father, tears formed in the corners of his glossy greenish-gray eyes. Ephram burst out in sobs and choked on apologies until Andy held him in a tight embrace. Andy whispered lovingly, "Don't be sorry, I know you're scared but you'll be alright. I promise." Nina stroked Ephram's cheek in hopes of calming the boy. He cried like that for half an hour. After winning Ephram's trust, Andy offered to drive instead of Nina. Ephram sat in the back holding tightly onto Nina's hand for support as Andy drove home slowly. He was ever so careful not to make any sudden turns or stops that would trigger Ephram's frightening memory again. No more episodes happened the rest of the way back.
Breakfast was quite exciting. Ephram practically inhaled his eggs and potatoes by the forkful. He's never been so hungry. But then again, he was always hungry. Growing boys need their nourishment. It was extra easy for Ephram because Nina was such an awesome cook. She can even make brussel sprouts taste good. Andy and Nina watched Ephram as he wolfed down his food. They silently admired how a stubborn yet precocious kid like Ephram could touch the hearts of so many around him. Ephram gulped down his orange juice as he listened curiously to Delia and Sam arguing about anything and everything. Ephram sometimes thought those two were getting to be more and more like a married couple each day - always had a bone to pick with each other.
"Are we going yet??" Delia exclaimed to Andy in pure excitement.
"Yes, as soon as I help Nina clear the table. Why don't you and Sam go watch cartoons while we do that." He replied.
"Last one to the living room couch is a rotten egg." Delia yelled.
"No fair!! You got a head start!!" Sam complained as the children bounced out of their seats with a bang and stormed out the room.
"And no fighting!!" Andy called hoping they heard him. "Kids." He mumbled.
"Yea. You just gotta love them." Nina laughed as she discarded the scrapings from the dishes.
"I wish I had that much energy." Andy sighed. "Maybe I need to take vitamins or something to keep up with those kids."
"Andy, you're still very agile." Nina said eyeing Ephram, who had remained quiet for sometime now. "So, I see you're still wearing that shirt." She nodded to Ephram referring to his olive t-shirt with the letters S, N, A, F, U imprinted across the front in white stencil.
"Didn't you know? It's his uniform now. That's the only shirt he wears." Andy mocked. "Not to mention it was a gift from his new girlfriend." He teased. "Makes it extra special."
"She's not my girlfriend!! Just a friend." Ephram face turned pink.
"Oh I think she is." Nina winked. "Or you wouldn't be blushing right now."
"I'm not blushing!!" Ephram clapped the palms of his hands over his warm cheeks smiling.
"Yes, you are." Andy said as he stacked the dirty plates on top of each other and carried them to the kitchen sink. He rolled up his sleeves. "Just don't tell your sister what that stands for. I don't need her spewing out profanity just yet. Keeping her nice and innocent - that's my goal."
"Relax! I had her convinced Snafu is a new alternative rock band." Ephram retorted.
Ephram made himself useful and collected the last two glasses from the table and successfully placed them into the sink. Just as he took a step back, his knees buckled. With arms flailing, his effort to grab onto the counter fell short of a few inches. Seeing his son sway out of the corner of his eye, Andy dropped his dishrag and managed to seize Ephram by the armpits with wet soapy hands. He then got a better hold of him by swinging his arms around his son's waist. If it weren't for Andy's quickness, Ephram would've fell over backwards.
"Whoa, hey. Why didn't you just tell me you wanted to dance?" Andy smiled with his arms still around his son's waist. Ephram desperately struggled to gain his footing but he felt like a marionette with someone else pulling his strings.
"Ephram! Are you ok? You didn't have to get up." Nina hurried over to help.
"Weak legs today. I don't think they woke up yet." Ephram said nervously clinging onto his father. He looked at Nina. "I wanted to help. You know, feel useful again."
"You are such a sweetheart and we appreciate your help, but you are in no shape to be doing anything strenuous. Let us take care of you." Nina cooed.
"Bringing over two glasses is hardly strenuous." Ephram said.
"You want to go to the couch?" Andy eyed his son.
"I'm ok now dad. You can let go." Ephram replied. His legs finally found the strength to hold him up.
"You sure?" Andy questioned quizzically. Ephram nodded as Andy slowly released his son.
"See! I'm good." Ephram said as he wiped off the bubbly dishwashing liquid from his shirt with a paper towel. He attempted to walk to the fridge when he realized something wrong with his left leg. It seemed heavier than before. It dragged slightly and made him appear to totter.
"Son? I don't like the looks of that limp." Andy said worriedly. "Maybe we should cancel going to the fair."
"Yea, if you don't feel up to it. I'm sure the kids'll understand." Nina said.
"I'm fine. Really!!! Don't worry about me. Delia and Sam were looking forward to going to the fair ever since it came and I'm not letting them down. Besides, the leg's just stiff." Ephram persuaded. "I don't want to be the one to tell them we ain't going. Let you be the bad guy, not me."
"Ok, but we're bringing the wheelchair." Andy decided. "I'm not going to carry you around if you get too tired to walk."
"No!" Ephram objected. "I don't need a stupid crummy oversized stroller. I can walk."
"We're also bringing the crutches too." Andy added.
"No!" He whined.
"Oh yes." Andy said. "My decision is final."
"How about we take the crutches and leave the wheelchair at home?" Ephram bargained. Seeing the pleading eyes in his boy's face broke his heart. "Please dad? Please?"
"Oh.." Andy thought about it. "Oh, alright. But you let us know the second you feel tired or any pain, ok?" He gave in after a pause.
"Yesss!" Ephram shouted like he just scored a touchdown. "Great! I'm gonna go put on my sneakers." Though it was difficult to walk without that limp, he tried hard to not make it obvious. Andy and Nina watched Ephram like a hawk until he disappeared into the den. Ephram felt the weight of their stares.
On his way to the shoe rack, his left leg acted up again. There was a constant warm feeling in his left leg that he couldn't understand. He never remembered such a feeling at all during recovery and physical therapy. This was definitely something different - something abnormal. He hobbled to the armchair and sat for a few seconds. The tenderness in his left leg was numbing - kind of like the feeling you get after you realize your leg fell asleep but before you get the pins and needles sensation. He massaged his calf to help keep the circulation going. 'Damn leg,' he thought bitterly. Eventually, the numbness in his calf subsided and he was able to proceed with putting on his footwear. He bent over to tie his shoelaces and felt a rush of dizziness overcome him. Thank goodness he was seated or he really would've keeled over and did some major bodily harm. The muscles in his chest tightened while his heart thumped faster and faster. The blood in his veins felt hot like lava. His heart raced as blood pumped rapidly circulating his upper body. It almost felt like fiery ants speed walking across his chest with thousands of tiny burning feet making painful indentations on his skin. Something was wrong. Something was terribly wrong. What was happening?
Ephram felt completely fine since his release from the hospital nine weeks and three days ago. He's been fine ever since. Not one complication. But now, he felt like he'd just run a marathon. His heartbeat thrashed in his chest so fierce, he was sure his heart was going to bounce out of his chest. He grabbed his chest and the felt the deafening pulse in his palm. It gave him twitches of pain. He leaned back on the armchair and breathed deeply in hopes to slow down his heart rate. At one point, Ephram was tempted to call out to his father but that would only lead to one conclusion - trip cancelled. Besides, he was able to deal with the pounding in his chest and the pain wasn't too unbearable. He made a mental note to secretly pop a few Advils before they left.
"Ephram? You ready?" Andy called from the other room. His sudden loud voice gave Ephram a start.
"Y-yea dad. Just t-tying my shoelaces." Ephram stuttered nervously. "Be there in a sec." He ignored the sickly feeling that something terrible was going to happen and headed out the door to join his family.
* end of chapter 1 *