Bear Essentials

by Drama-Duchess

The Brown's camping trip turns sour when Ephram is attacked by a bear. Escaped but wounded, will anyone find him before it's too late?

9. Confessions

Chapter 9: Confessions

Ephram sat at the dining room table with the latest copy of a Hellraiser comic spread out in front of him. The comic book was opened to page six. He had the ball of his left elbow leaning against the table with the base of his palm pressed against his left temple. His eyes were turned down and one would think he was engulfed in a deep serious reading.

Lunch was satisfying. Spaghetti and meatballs never tasted so good. It was like eating it for the first time again. Nina always managed to whip a simple recipe into something extra tasty. Ephram didn't know what her secret was nor did he care. As long as he got to enjoy it, that was all that mattered.

Nina glanced over from her spot by the kitchen sink to check on Ephram. Seeing that the boy was busy reading, she went back to washing the dishes. Some days, she wished for a stable life – a good husband, with a few kids, maybe a dog, and a white picket fence around the yard and perhaps even open up a little business on the side. Was that too much to ask for? She hated to admit it, but she felt more at "home" in the Brown residence than in her own house.

They needed her around just as much as she needed them. What could a single father like Andy possibly know about a home cooked meal or how to get a tough stain out of linen? His ideas of a wholesome meal were take-out or throw whatever he could find in the microwave. And those poor kids. Ephram is at an age where he needs so much guidance and love. He needs to be taken care of and fussed over. He's only fifteen and he's already playing the man of the house. It's so much responsibility for such a young boy. And Delia – who's she going to trade girl secrets with? The poor girl has turned into a tomboy living with two guys. She needs female influence. She needs a mother.

Nina finished up drying the dishes with a dishtowel and placed the dishes back up in the cabinet. She shot another glance over at Ephram and found the comic book has still consumed his undivided attention. Ephram sat motionless.

'Hmm, must be a really good comic book. I should like to know what it's about that makes it so hard for Ephram to put down.' Nina thought as she rinsed the glasses. 'At least he's happy to be home after such a long stay at the hospital.' Her thought continued.

Ephram's hospitalization had come to an end after several long weeks. Although his wounds have not completely healed yet, he was showing enough signs of improvement to be released. As much as he missed Gwen's visits, he was content to finally go home. It wasn't like he would never see Gwen again. He would find a reason to tag along every time his father had to make a business trip to Denver General just so he can run into Gwen. Connections really do pay off especially when your dad is the decorated and well-respected neurosurgeon that he so importantly is.

The first day back had been more exciting than Ephram ever imagined. He never expected anyone would go through the trouble of throwing him a "Welcome Home" party. His father had driven him home keeping mum about any surprise party. It was just another normal day. Ephram didn't notice anything out of the ordinary until they made the turn around the corner to their block. To his surprise, just about half the population of Everwood showed up on his well-manicured lawn with ear-to-ear grins, all eager to greet the boy. There was a huge light blue banner that hung from one end of the front porch to the other end that read "Welcome Home Ephram!!" with each block letter in a different color. The banner was so huge that you could probably see it from the moon.

Party decorations adorned the yard from silver streamers to multi colored latex helium filled balloons tied around the endless number of chairs and foldaway tables. Each table was coordinated with red and white-checkered paper tablecloths along with matching utensils. Large foil trays filled with food were spread out on several card tables. There was even a barbeque going in the rear of the yard. Ephram was able to see a puff of white smoke emanate from the grill when the cover was opened.

And standing right in the middle of the lawn was Ephram's grandparents, which was the biggest and best surprise of all. When Ephram was in the hospital, he remembered talking with Grand pop and Nanna twice – sometimes even three times – a day on the phone. They had been extremely worried about their grandson since the first day they got that dreaded phone call from Andy. The thought of loosing another family member so soon after their beloved daughter caused an array of tension, denial, and fear. They wanted to hop on the next flight to Denver International Airport. But coincidentally enough, about a week prior to Ephram's injury, Nanna had a hip replacement surgery done. She could barely walk and needed Ephram's grandfather to help her get around the house. Hence, an immediate trip to Denver was completely out of the question. As much as their hearts ached to be side by side with their grandson in his tough time, they knew there was no possible way to fly under such circumstances.

Andy did a magnificent job playing the reporter and kept his in-laws in the loop on Ephram's health. He called them at least twice a day and welcomed them to contact him if they needed anything. In the end, both Grand pop and Nanna were touched by Andy's consideration.

As Ephram got better, Andy let the boy talk to his grandparents over the phone. During one instance, Ephram was sharing the phone with his father so they both could talk and hear at the same time. Nanna was telling Ephram a funny story about Chloe, a stray cat she took up caring for, when she burst into tears. When Ephram asked her why she was so sad. She answered, "I'm not sad at all. I'm crying because I'm happy. I'm so happy that you're ok." Ephram missed her so much.

Ephram remembered looking out the car window as they pulled into the driveway. He saw Nanna standing there patiently while leaning on a cane. Grand pop was standing next to her with hands in his pockets and a big smile on his wrinkled face. Ephram turned to his father for an explanation. Andy winked at the boy and said, "Surprise." He helped Ephram out of the car and walked with him to his welcoming committee.

Everyone he knew and did not know attended. Amy was there along with her family as well as Colin and his family. In fact, Ephram later learned that it was Amy who coordinated all the decorations and helped organize the party. Nina was the head honcho, who managed pretty much everything else and especially the catering, but everyone pitched in to help – whether it was mowing the lawn, setting up the tables and chairs, starting the barbeque grill, or running grocery errands. It seemed like the whole town donated their time. Ephram was truly touched and flabbergasted that so many people in this town (that he once hated with a vengeance) liked him so much. Just about everyone wanted to give Ephram a hug when he hobbled onto the front lawn. Andy was a little nervous about it at first being that the boy was not yet fully recovered. He cautioned the crowd by humorously following Ephram around and constantly saying, "Fragile: Handle with Care!" to anyone who looked like they were about to hug the boy.

Ephram was never the life of a party. He was not used to the feeling of being wanted and appreciated. It was a strange feeling to suddenly be the popular kid. He went from a virtual "nobody" to a "somebody." Everyone was unusually nice to him but he found it quite odd that no one mentioned or inquired about what happened to him. In a way, he was glad no one brought up the subject since he didn't want to be reminded of it anyway. Everyone was just glad to see him up and around, which was ok by him.

After a hearty outdoor barbeque dinner was served out on the lawn, Ephram was further surprised with a huge rectangular triple layer chocolate cake decorated with white frosting, pink and blue candied flowers, and multi- colored sprinkles. The guests "ooh-ed" and ahh-ed" at the attractive looking cake that Nina and Mrs. Abbott help bring out and set onto one of the card tables. The words "We Love You Ephram" was written with red icing in a neat script that Ephram recognized to be Nina's lettering. Upon reading the words on the cake, Ephram was moved to tears. He couldn't believe he was crying with half the town watching on – what would they say the next day? He didn't care. The downpour of tears wetted his cheeks. The boy's reaction caught everyone off guard and they fussed over him – asking him why he was crying or telling him not to cry. Nanna, who was seated next to Ephram at the time, embraced the boy in a long comforting hug. Even Delia came over and threw her arms around her grandmother and brother.

Galvanized oil lamp torches scattered around the yard flickered as strings of blue, red, and orange patio lights illuminated the main area. The party guests were gathered by the cake table – some tried to comfort the crying boy, while others offered him tissues. It was clear to see that the boy was shedding tears of happiness. Time seemed to stand still as everyone gave time for Ephram's cry to pass. Eventually, he did stop crying when Andy ruffled the boy's hair playfully and said, "You're an ok kid." With his father's help in holding the large cake knife, Ephram cut the first slice of the cake.

It was rated one of the best days of his entire life. A week has passed since then. Andy was skeptical about letting Ephram go back to school so soon even though the boy has already missed a great deal of schoolwork. But Ephram needed time to recuperate. So in the end, Andy decided to let Ephram take it easy for a while. He can always make up the rest of the semester in the summer. Nina "babysitting" Ephram during the daytime gave Andy the opportunity to go back to his job at the clinic. Ephram didn't mind Nina keeping an eye on him. He knew she was there not because his father didn't trust him to be alone, but because she cared about him.

Nina wrung a dishrag dry and proceeded to wipe the island counter in the kitchen. In the process, she shot another glace at Ephram. He was still in the same position with his hand holding up his head and eyes turned down.

"Ephram." Nina called. The boy did not look up. "Ephram." She raised her voice thinking the boy did not hear her. Still, he did not acknowledge being called.

She watched Ephram for a moment and marveled at how hard it was to tear him away from a comic book. Even if the sky fell, he wouldn't know it. Suddenly, she got the eerie feeling in the pit of her stomach that something was terribly wrong. She noticed that Ephram hasn't turned a page in the past two minutes that she'd been staring at him.

"Ephram, honey?" Nina called with concern as she made her way to the dining room table. As she got closer, she realized that Ephram was not reading at all. His eyes were closed. "Ephram?"

The boy finally looked up to face Nina with eyes brimming with tears. His lips trembled as he discharged a few big droplets of tears that were hanging onto the corner of his eyes.

"Oh Ephram. Sweetheart, what's the matter? Are you alright?" Nina inquired worriedly. Ephram reluctantly shook his head from side to side. Nina watched the tears roll down the boy's cheeks. "Tell me what's wrong?" She asked as she took a seat next to him.

Ephram's eyes tagged onto Nina but when he opened his mouth to speak, only a sob came out, which was followed by another sob. His sniffles got louder each time.

"You're not feeling well?" Nina guessed.

Ephram nodded.

"Are you in pain?" She asked.

Ephram nodded again.

"Show me where it hurts." She demanded.

"Here." Ephram mumbled. He placed his hand on the side where his wound was located. "It's bad." He added. Nina could see the boy was in terrible pain by his appearance. Ephram had his back arched and shoulders slumped forward. His chin was almost touching the table. One hand was hugging his chest and the other was holding up his head.

"OK. Let's get you to the couch. You'll be more comfortable there." Nina got up from her seat and offered to help the boy. She was about to take a hold of Ephram's arm when he gave a holler.

"No! Don't touch me!! Don't move me!!" Ephram blubbered desperately. Startled at the response, Nina drew back. "It hurts. It hurts so bad." The boy tearfully whimpered.

"Ephram sweetie, you can't sit here like this. Maybe on the couch, you can lie down." Nina suggested. "Do you want to lie down?" She asked with escalating concern.

Ephram nodded.

"I'm gonna help you up, ok?" Nina advised. "Easy now. Easy." Nina said as she gently placed Ephram's arm around the back of her neck so she can support his weight.

Slowly, they stood up. The pain was so intense that he could hardly take a step forward. Nina had an arm around his waist to maintain his balance. Ephram winced with each step as he was guided to the living room couch like a blind person. It was pretty much the case because the tears blurred his vision so much that he couldn't know where he was going anyway.

"Just a little bit more. We're almost there." Nina informed the sobbing boy.

"I can't go anymore." Ephram wailed. If his father were here, he would scoop him up and carry him to the couch. Andy had the muscles, Nina did not. His shaky knees were about to give way.

"Ephram, you have to try." Nina coached. "You're just a couple steps away. You can't sit on the middle of the living room floor."

"I can't." He whined and continued to shuffle to the couch with Nina's help.

"I got you." Nina reassured when Ephram's step faltered. "Here, lean on me." She instructed.

Nina lowered the boy onto the couch gently in a sitting up position. She told him to lie down but Ephram refused to be moved any further. He leaned back on the couch with tears still flowing out of the corners of his closed eyes. Nina brushed the boy's tears away and stroked his cheeks.

"Your next dose of medicine isn't due for another half hour but, seeing you like this, I don't think waiting another half hour will make a difference." Nina determined when she looked at her watch. "I'll go get your pills." She said and hurried to the kitchen to get water and Ephram's medication.

When she returned to the couch, Ephram was still in the same position. "Here, take this." Nina ordered as she handed the mug of water and two pills to him. He reached out a trembling hand to receive the mug.

"Ephram!! Your hand!! You're shaking!!" She exclaimed. She watched the boy's shaky movements as he popped the pills into his mouth and ravenously washed the pills down with the water.

"Huh?" Ephram responded as if nothing was out of the ordinary. He handed the mug back to Nina, who placed the mug onto the coffee table.

"Don't play dumb with me. Your hands – they're shaking. Look." Nina said pulling both of Ephram's convulsing hands side by side to prove her point.

"Oh. It's been like this ever since I left the hospital. Sometimes, it goes away completely and sometimes it comes back." He said like it was no big deal. "Dad says it comes back when I get nervous. But he says the shakes will go away eventually."

Nina shot a sympathetic gaze at the boy. She held his left hand and tried to iron out the involuntary tremors radiating from the boy's hand. Nina rubbed his hand gently.

He leaned his head back and closed his eyes again. It wasn't long before the tears resumed. He couldn't help it. They were falling beyond his control. He felt Nina's hand stroking his forehead gently. The twisting pain in his side was unbearable for the young boy. He opened his eyes to find Nina looking nervously at him.

Nina seemed to know exactly what to do. She placed her arm around the boy and pulled him close to her. Stroking his cheek and smoothing his hair, Nina tried to comfort him the best she could. Ephram turned to Nina with a wet face. The desperate and sad imploring greenish gray eyes sliced open Nina's soul and her compassion spilled forth by the gallons.

"Nina." The boy mumbled through heartbreaking sniffles and watery eyes. "Help me. Help me, please." He begged for mercy. Because of the excessive and hard crying, his breathing had grown quite loud and rapid.

"Dear, sweet boy. I wish I can help you." Nina replied feeling the early pangs of panic settling in. "Do you want me to call your father?" She recommended.

"No! Don't call him. He's got a lot of work to do." Ephram grunted. He wiped away some tears from his face with the back of his palm. He dried his hands by smearing the tears onto his pants.

"You are more important to him than his job. Ephram, he's never too busy for you. Especially now." Nina began and cut herself short. "I think I should call him."

"Don't. Please." The boy pleaded. He wrapped his arms around Nina's arm trying to hold her back from getting up. "The pain is less now. Honest. It is." He said unconvincingly as more tears fell.

"I don't know, Ephram. Your father specifically told me to call him if anything comes up." Nina hesitated. "You don't look so good."

"I'll be ok." His voice quivered as he sought refuge in Nina's motherly caress. Leaning on her shoulder, he sighed and waited for relief.

"Sweetheart, I really should be calling your father." She declared. "Maybe he can do something."

"Don't bother him. Please. Besides, he'll be home in a few hours." He bargained. "I can hold out until then."

"I really don't like this. I don't like it one bit." Nina shook her head.

The tight hug he gave Nina won her over. She decided not to call Andy yet. After all, it was just a bad muscle cramp. Ephram's been having a few of those episodes lately. They usually go away. Besides, it wasn't anything a few pills can't fix. Ephram looked up at Nina again. "Nina." He called miserably.

"Yep? Are you feeling better now?" She asked.

"Can I have another pill?" The boy choked on a sob.

"What? No. You certainly may not!" Nina gasped.

"Please? Just one more. I only want the pain to go away. Just one pill?" Ephram begged.

"I'm sorry but it doesn't work that way, Ephram." Nina advised. "You already took two pills. That was your dosage every six hours. If you take another one, you're going to overdose, which leads to all sorts of bad things. Then you'll have to get your stomach pumped. No, I can't let that happen to you."

"Please – all I want is one more. Just one. I promise I won't overdose. Dad would allow it. Please??" He persisted with a few desperate tears falling down his cheeks giving him the most sorry look that can ever come across a child's face.

"No, baby. You know I can't do that." Nina reasoned. Ephram blinked at her and sniffled. "Aw, come on sweetness, don't be like that. You haven't even given the pills a chance to work. You'll feel better if you wait a few moments. Come here." She invited him into her arms for comfort.

"I need an extra pill. I need it." His muffled weeping voice continued.

"Shhh. It's ok. Relax, baby. Relax. You're gonna be ok." Nina lulled as she stroked the boy caringly. "Let the medicine do their thing."

"I just want the hurting to stop. Please. Let me have another pill." He choked through sobs.

"Things will be alright. Try and settle down, ok?" Nina spoke in a soft tone. "Here, do you want me to turn the TV on? Sometimes, watching TV can distract pain." She switched on the television with the remote.

Ephram glanced at the television and watched a commercial for Tide detergent before Nina changed the channel. She channel surfed and ended up going back to the first station. "Well, it seems like there's nothing on at this time except for soaps. But hey, I hear there's a very happening story between Rex and Bonnie on Days of Our Lives."

Ephram stifled a sob.

"There, there. Give the medicine time. It really works but you gotta hang on until it goes through your system." Nina calmed the ailing boy the same way she calmed Sam when he was sick. "Before you know it, the pain will be gone."

"Nina. Nina." Ephram moaned. He wanted so much to cry "Mom" instead. It would've made him feel so much better. But he knew it was highly inappropriate.

"I know, sweetie. I know." Nina kissed Ephram's head lightly in comfort.

He sensed Nina's maternal love for him and it was hard to hold back the little grin that crept upon his lips. Being in Nina's arms brought back memories that he had long forgotten. It was ages since he remembered how safe and secure he felt when lying in his mother's arms. The lost feeling inside him was frozen and buried under heavy layers of ice that had accumulated through the years. Ephram was allowing that build-up of frost to finally thaw and his thick impenetrable coat of ice to dissolve in the warm sun. It felt good to finally have someone else take care of him. Like a snake, Ephram was shedding his dead skin and letting his new surface shine. He felt free.

They quietly watched TV for a while as Nina affectionately smoothed and played with Ephram's hair. Occasionally stealing a kiss on the top of the boy's head, she tamed the cranky child.

"Better now?" Nina asked after half an hour had passed and Ephram had ceased crying.

"This feels nice. Being here with you, I mean." Ephram admitted without giving a thought to what he said until he heard the words come out of his mouth. Slightly embarrassed at his comment, he tried to cover up his slip of the tongue. "I-I mean, you're so good to me. You care about me." Ephram stammered. He sighed and told it like it is. "My mom used to hold me in her arms like this too when I was sick. It's been such a long time and - and."

"Ephram, you don't have to say it. I understand. I know I can never replace your mother but I enjoy taking care of you. I'm glad you let me." Nina smiled and squeezed Ephram tighter. The boy fell silent as he continued to watch the TV. "So, you didn't answer my question." Nina said after a while. "Do you feel better?"

"I think so." Ephram replied. "It's not as bad as before."

"And you doubted your dosage." Nina scolded.

"This soap opera is makin' me sleepy. It's so boring and unrealistic. How can you stand it?" The boy said referring to the programming.

"Unrealistic – yes, but boring? I don't think so. It's got romance, espionage, blackmail, betrayal, danger, comedy, and drama all rolled into one show. But I don't expect a young boy like you to enjoy watching soaps. It's not in your nature." Nina laughed.

Ephram stared at the flickering television screen and wondered how convenient it was that each actor in the soap looked as perfect as the next. A real person doesn't come close to looking anything like the way they do. It was like they each came out of a mold. The men were all trim and well groomed with distinguished square jaw lines, perfect teeth, and not a single piece of hair out of place. It made them appear abnormally handsome. The women were beautiful, slender, flawless, and polished to perfection. Ephram imagined how Gwen would fit right into a soap opera. Her presence would grace the stage and the cameras would fall in love with her.

"Why don't you take a nap if you're sleepy?" Nina said snapping Ephram out of his daydream. "You might feel refreshed after a nap."

"Well, maybe a short one." Ephram admitted. He snuggled closer to Nina making sure she did not escape while he napped.

"I'll be right here." Nina assured.

The fresh dried-out-in-the-sun smell of Nina's sweatshirt got caught in Ephram's nostrils when he inhaled deeply through his nose. He liked that clean sunshine smell. It was a relaxing smell that rendered him extra drowsy. Ephram dug his face into the folds of Nina's shirt comfortably and closed his eyes. He drifted off into sleep almost instantly.

----------------------

Seated on the plush carpet adjacent to the coffee table, Andy watched the boy sleeping on the couch. Ephram was stretched out and lying on his stomach with his head facing Andy's direction. Nina had placed a light throw over the boy. With his cheek against a cushion, the boy displayed a most serene expression that left a tender feeling in Andy's heart. After staring at the boy for nearly forty-five minutes, Andy made a stunning revelation. Ephram was indeed a beautiful child.

Ephram had long black eye lashes that curled at the tips ever so slightly just like his mother. The boy had a clear but freckled complexion that showed his love for the sun. There was something feminine about the feel of his skin – it was powdery and soft to the touch. He was only a boy and the signs of manhood were still a few years away. Ephram did not have a trace of stubble on his chin – not even peach fuzz. His face was as smooth and untainted as a baby's bottom. He had a thin upper lip and a thick lower lip, which created a more defined smile when the corners of his mouth curled up. His nose was a little crooked but it gave him character. A pointy chin and a square forehead balanced the boy's high cheekbones. Andy observed Ephram's long narrow ear and gummy earlobe.

'He has my earlobes.' Andy thought humorously when he finally discovered his contribution to this precious creation.

Seeing something so beautiful, he couldn't resist a touch. Andy hesitated before gently stroking the boy's cheek with the back of his fingers. He pushed back a stray piece of hair that hung aimlessly across his son's brow. Ephram stirred in his sleep.

Andy studied the boy's light movement and sighed contently at his son's innocence. Ephram woke when Andy pulled the light blanket up to cover the boy's shoulder.

Ephram opened his eyes to find his father smiling at him. Andy rubbed Ephram's shoulder tenderly.

"Hey." Andy greeted when he saw his son's eyes blink open. "I didn't mean to wake ya."

"Dad, you're home." Ephram muttered sleepily.

"You must've had a good dream, huh?" Andy said still stroking the boy's back.

"Was I talking in my sleep again?" Ephram groaned.

"You said 'mommy' a couple times. Did you have a good dream about your mother?"

Ephram didn't recall dreaming anything. If his mother were in his dream, he would've definitely remembered it. Something as valuable as that doesn't easily go unnoticed. The last thing he could recall was falling asleep in Nina's arms while watching a dumb soap on TV. He questioned himself on whether or not he was calling for Nina instead.

Ephram stretched his muscles and yawned tiredly. He pushed himself up carefully into a seated position. He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and glanced around the room.

"Where's Nina?" Ephram drawled as he yawned again.

"She went to pick up Delia and Sam from school. Then they're stopping by the supermarket for a few things. Nina's cooking us dinner tonight. She said you needed a real meal – one with protein and nutrition. Apparently, Cup-O-Noodles just don't cut it. She thinks you're too skinny. The exact word that she used was beanpole. She said you looked like a beanpole. I don't know what she has in mind but save your appetite because it's gonna be one delicious dinner." Andy replied excitedly.

"Is it dinner already?" Ephram said oblivious to the time. "I'm not hungry yet."

"Do you even know what time is it?" Andy said warmly. The boy shook his head. "It's only three-thirty."

"Huh?? Three-thirty??" Ephram exclaimed with eyes searching for the living room clock to verify his father's reply. "You came home early?" He sounded surprised.

"Yea, Nina called me after you fell asleep and told me you had an episode. She sounded scared so I left the office early."

"Well, you didn't have to rush home immediately. It was just a bad muscle cramp. No big deal." Ephram shrugged. "You shouldn't leave your office like that and keep your patients hanging."

"Are you kidding? It was a slow day." Andy stretched the truth. "Besides, when I mentioned you weren't feeling well today, Edna ordered me to go home. You know how military she can get. You just can't argue and win with the woman. She nearly chased me out of the office. Geez." He described. "So, how do you feel?"

"Fine, now." Ephram said rubbing his sore chest lightly. Andy studied the boy to make sure he was as fine as he says.

"You're still shaky." Andy nodded to Ephram's hand when he ran his fingers through his hair.

"Huh?" Ephram nervously crossed his arms in front of his chest and hid his trembling hands from sight under his armpits. "Just a little. It's nothing. I'm fine." He said. "Really!! I'm fine." He added when he saw the skeptical look on his father's face.

"You were in terrible pain earlier. Of course I should be concerned. I'm thinking maybe we should bring you in for a check up – make sure you're ok."

"I said I'm fine. I don't need a tune-up or an oil change." Ephram insisted comically. "I run smoothly." He flashed a grin.

"We'll see about that." Andy replied. "Did you know that you're beautiful? I don't think I ever told you that." He said following a pause. Somehow he felt a need to say it. Ephram shot a puzzled look at his father after the strange comment from out of the blue.

"What weed have you been smoking dad?" Ephram chortled.

"No, seriously – I mean it. I watched you sleeping before and it occurred to me that you are beautiful. What I mean is – that you've got a very attractive face. You're gonna turn into one handsome fellow." Andy explained watching Ephram's cheeks turn red from the flattering remark.

"Dad – are you trying to give yourself a compliment? I got my good looks from you, is that it?" Ephram retorted in humor. "Give yourself a pat on the back – good job Andy for producing such a good-looking kid." He joked.

"Ephram, that's not what I meant." Andy sighed heavily.

"Yea, yea. I know what you mean." Ephram waved off. He teased his father just as much as his father teased him.

"You got most of everything from your mother. She was the beautiful one. You're lucky."

"Dad, I'm just kidding around. I may have inherited mom's looks, but I got your integrity, strong-will, determination, and perseverance. It's a pretty darn good combination between you and mom, if you ask me."

"Thanks, son." Andy said. The observation from Ephram made him feel better about himself. "Oh and I have to take credit for your earlobes." Andy jested and they laughed.

Tired of sitting, Ephram struggled to stand up from his seated position. He pushed off the tangled blanket and pillows that were in his way. "Do you need some help?" Andy asked eager to help.

"No. I'm good." Ephram answered as he continued to pull himself off the couch. The stabbing pain in his chest was gone but the soreness and tenderness still remained. He had to be gentle in handling himself. His weak knees made it difficult to stand. Frustrated, Ephram gave in. "Ok. I might need a little help." He confessed.

"That's what I'm here for, buddy." Andy said as he grabbed the boy by the waist and pulled him up. "Where do you want to go?"

"Bathroom." Ephram replied.

"Alright. Easy now." Andy supported the boy with an arm around the back and a hand holding onto his elbow.

"Thanks, I can take it from here." Ephram said smartly. The first step he took was nearly his last when his knees almost buckled under him. Luckily enough, Andy caught the boy and helped him regain his balance. "Or maybe not." The boy admitted.

"Are you ok?" Andy pressed.

"Yea, I guess my legs fell asleep too. I forgot how to walk." Ephram reasoned. Andy had a secure hold on Ephram's arm to make sure the boy doesn't fall.

They were inching towards the first floor bathroom when the front door swung open. Delia and Sam raced into the room and playfully flung their backpacks onto one of the end couches expressing their happiness that the school day was finally over. The two children quickly greeted Andy and Ephram and made a beeline into the kitchen for snacks. Shortly following the children was Nina, who carried one large paper bag of groceries in each arm. Hands full, she came in and closed the door with a slight kick of her foot.

"Where are we going?" She said when she saw Andy acting as Ephram's walking stick.

"Ephram needs to use the bathroom." Andy replied knowledgably.

"Gee, dad. I don't think you said that loud enough. Why don't you broadcast it even louder so all of Everwood can know that I need to go take a leak?" The boy snapped. He was slightly annoyed at the embarrassing announcement of his needing to use the toilet.

"Ok." Andy said nonchalantly. "Fine people of Everwood, Ephram has to urinate. Do you hear that Everwood??? EPHRAM HAS TO URINATE!!!" He raised his voice. Delia and Sam, who were sitting on the stools facing the dining room, darted a confused glance over at Andy's direction. Losing interest in the outburst, they turned back to their box drinks and chocolate chip cookies.

"Ha-ha. Very funny, dad." Ephram gave his father a smirk as they continued walking.

"You boys." Nina sighed and placed her load onto the kitchen counter.

Andy and Ephram arrived at the doorway of the bathroom, which was located directly across from the kitchen. Ephram flipped the light switch on. "Do you need some help in there?" Andy fussed.

"No, I think I can pee on my own thank you." Ephram quipped sarcastically. He closed the door behind him.

Andy went over to help Nina unpack the groceries. "How is he?" Nina asked as she closed the refrigerator door.

"He says he's fine but I can't be sure." Andy answered. "Part of me worries all the time. It scares me. Maybe I'm going to take him to the hospital over the weekend and run some tests just in case."

"Good idea. Better safe than sorry." Nina agreed. "Meanwhile, the boy needs to eat more. He's lost a lot of weight. He's so gaunt. The boy needs a good, hearty, decent meal. Which leads me to tonight's entrée."

"Mmm, what do you have in mind?" Andy scanned the contents remaining in the grocery bags for hints.

"You will see when dinner is served." She teased.

"A surprise, huh? Ok. I can play that game. Tell me one thing though. What's in the box?" Andy gestured curiously to a white cake box sitting on the counter tied up nicely with a couple winds of red string.

"This is dessert. It's a milk chocolate chip/cherry cake with whipped cream. I didn't have time to make one, so I bought one." Nina took the box and placed it carefully onto the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. "No peeking or sneaking a taste until after dinner, understood?" She ordered.

"Yes, Ma'am!" Andy complied obediently.

"Now go do something and leave me to my cooking." Nina shooed him out of the kitchen.

"Let me know if there's anything I can do." Andy said. On his way to the living room, he rapped on the bathroom door lightly with a knuckle. "Ephram? Everything alright in there?" He asked.

"Yes dad. Still whizzing into the can." Ephram hollered back being the smart aleck that he was.

Andy shook his head and gave a short laugh at his son's cynical remark. As much as he hated to admit it, he enjoyed Ephram's energetic spunk. He liked the way Ephram's mind worked. It was not only refreshing, but it was humorous as well. He needed a good silly laugh every now and then. The boy has his way of keeping his old man on his toes.

-------------

Delia had been busy doing her homework in her room for the past hour and a half. That was the household rule – no free time until you do your time. Delia wanted to get her homework out of the way so she can spend the rest of the night playing games with her brother. Spelling and vocabulary were the easy part and she usually completed that first. Science required more reading out of a textbook, but she found pleasure in learning about the solar system. Math was the hardest of all. It took her the longest amount of time to finish. Dividing fractions wasn't as simple as it seems. Sometimes, she had to ask her father or brother if she'd done the problems correctly.

Sam watched cartoons with Ephram in the living room while Andy helped Nina set the table for dinner. The sweet aromas of cooked food eventually filled the room and whet everyone's appetite. The happy taste buds were watering and anxious for a bite. Whispered conversations between Nina and Andy about Ephram were exchanged. They maintained their low tone of voice, careful not to let the boy know he was the subject of discussion.

Ephram wasn't deaf nor was he blind. He knew they were talking about him. He guessed it was regarding what happened earlier that day. There really was no denying the pain. It hurt like hell – even for a muscle cramp. He rubbed his chest casually. Upon doing so, he realized his hands were still trembling.

'Will you stop it already??' He thought to his hands as he held it before him.

When he caught Sam looking in his direction, he quickly stuck his guilty hands in his pockets and smiled at the little boy. Ephram stared at the colorful images from the TV screen and pretended to be absorbed in the cartoon. But his mind was not on SpongeBob SquarePants. His mind was elsewhere. He knotted his fists in his pockets and tried to control the shakes. He didn't want anyone to know his hands were shaking so badly. He figured that if he was careful, he could hide it.

Quite on the contrary, the problem got worst when dinner rolled around. Everyone took their seats at the dinner table. Nina and Andy sat opposite each other at the head of the table. Ephram sat between Delia and Nina while Sam sat across from Ephram. In the center of the table was a basket of warm biscuits, a bowl of buttered steamed peas, a dish with piping hot baked potatoes wrapped in foil, a plate of sautéed baby onions with slivers of red and green bell peppers, and baked ziti an a casserole dish.

"Alright everyone, dinner is served!" Nina said as she presented the main dish. It was steak. She prepared an individual plate for everyone.

"Wow, everything looks great Nina!!" Andy complimented as he eagerly took his fork. "You've totally outdone yourself! You really didn't need to go through so much trouble on account of us."

"Don't mention it. The pleasure was all mine." Nina nodded cordially. "Besides, it wasn't difficult."

Ephram stared blankly at the contents on the plate in front of him. In the center of his round plate was a thick juicy slab of sirloin steak – browned and medium rare – just the way he liked it.

'Of all the things to have for dinner tonight, why does it have to be steak?' He thought to himself.

He was disappointed not because he didn't like steak but because he was worried that his hands were shaking so badly that he would have trouble cutting his food with a fork and knife without being noticed. Ephram loved steak. In fact, steak happened to be one of his favorite foods. It wasn't everyday that he had the opportunity to indulge his taste buds in a perfectly cooked steak – especially one that Nina prepared. He didn't need to taste it to decide if it was good. He already knew it was good.

He was famished and the hot aroma of cooked beef was enough to fire up anyone's appetite. Sitting on his hands, Ephram watched his father taste his steak with satisfaction. Nina scooped some peas onto Delia and Sam's plates, making sure they had their helping of vegetables. Ephram stared at the rectangular bar of Hotel brand butter in the butter dish next to his glass of iced tea. He wondered how he was going to pull this off.

"Ephram?" Nina called. The boy looked up a little paranoid that Nina heard his thoughts. "Would you like some peas?" She asked holding the bowl in her hands.

"Huh? Oh, sure." Ephram replied. He watched Nina place several heaping scoops of buttered peas next to his steak. Afterwards, her attention went back to the children. She distributed the baked potatoes and helped them peel the foil, which was hot to the touch. Ephram continued to stare at his food.

"Ephram? You're not eating." Andy suddenly noticed his son was not digging into the food in front of him. "I thought you liked steak." He spoke while chewing on a piece of meat.

"Is something the matter, sweetie?" Nina asked.

"Err – nothing. Everything's fine. Food looks delicious, Nina." Ephram stuttered. The last thing he wanted was everyone to be staring him down and watch him eat his food.

"Then why aren't you eating? You're not hungry?" Nina inquired.

"No – I'm starving. I'm eating. Who says I'm not?" Ephram defended himself with a nervous laugh.

"Mommy, can I have some butter with my potato?" Sam asked right on cue. Ephram was relieved that they were no longer focused on him. Saved by Sam.

It was now or never. Ephram slid his hands out from under the seat of his pants. He flexed it under the table before reaching for his fork and knife. Ephram's shaky hands grabbed onto the utensils. He arranged his hands into a carving position. Each time he tried to steady his hands to get a firm grip on the steak with his fork, the silverware would slip and knock against the china making a clattering sound. Talk at the dinner table suddenly grew quiet. Ephram felt the heat of everyone's eyes on him. No matter how hard he concentrated on cutting the steak, he just couldn't. He decided to take a break.

Ephram didn't have the nerve to look up for fear of his family eyeing him. He decided to set the fork and knife back on the table. His uncontrollable shakes loosened his grasp on the fork and knife. He was able to put the knife down quietly but the fork bounced out of his hand. Luckily, it landed on the edge of the table and was able to prevent it from flying off the table.

Take a drink. What can go wrong with taking a sip of his iced tea? He extended his hand out to grab his glass. Little did he know that a simple task was just as impossible to accomplish without messing up. Ephram's wobbly hand accidentally knocked over the tall glass of ice tea spilling half the contents onto the table before Nina's quick reflexes quickly snatched the glass during mid-spill and turned it right side up.

"Oh dear!!" Nina exclaimed. The room came to life as everyone scurried for tissues, napkins, dishcloths, and whatever they could find to soak up the liquid before it splashed onto the floor.

"I'm sorry." Ephram hung his head down sadly and hid his hands between his knees. He felt like he had the reverse Midas touch effect - everything he touched broke.

"It's alright, Ephram." Nina said caringly. "It's under control. No harm done." She reiterated as she finished wiping up the remaining mess.

"Why are Ephram's hands shaking like that?" Delia directed the question to her father.

"Well, Delia – "Andy began.

"May I be excused?" Ephram interjected feeling quite frustrated and embarrassed.

"Sweetheart, it's ok." Nina insisted. "Eat your dinner."

"Dad? Please? I'm not hungry anymore." Ephram sighed heavily.

"Alright. You may be excused." Andy allowed while catching a glare from Nina for dismissing the boy from the dinner table. He gave Nina a "wait" gesture with his hand.

The boy bolted from the table as fast he could and disappeared into the den leaving his family speechless.

"It was something I said." Delia murmured as she played with her fork.

"No, honey. It wasn't because of you. Ephram is going through a tough time. Do you remember that day he was attacked by the bear?" Andy asked. Delia nodded. "It was pretty scary, huh?" Delia nodded again only more vigorously this time. "Does the events of what happened play in your mind over and over again?"

"Hmm." Delia thought for a moment. "I remember it but it doesn't haunt me."

"Good, that means you are coping with it just fine. For some people, it takes more time to get certain images out of their head. Sometimes, they find themselves thinking about the horrible things when they least expect it. Like it'll just pop into their head for no reason. The person might suddenly feel scared or nervous. It's called post-traumatic syndrome. Do you understand any of this?" Andy tried his best to explain to his young daughter the reason for Ephram's behavior.

"Um-Hm. You mean Ephram's scared. That's why he's so shaky sometimes." Delia drew her conclusion.

"Yes. That's right." Andy applauded. "Something very bad happened to him and he can't cast it aside."

"You know, I shouldn't have made steak tonight. It never occurred to me that it would turn out to be like this. I should have known better." Nina said as she poked at her food with a knife. "I didn't think."

"Nina, don't be so hard on yourself. You did a good thing for us and we appreciate it. Ephram's frustrated. Just give him some space." Andy said.

"I should go talk to him. He must be so miserable right now." Nina suggested with building guilt.

-----------------

Ephram sat on the old sofa against the opened window. He had his knees drawn to his chest and arms wrapped around his legs as he gazed out into the backyard. It had already gotten dark and the crickets were chirping in the trees. He rested the point of his chin onto a knee. It was his problem and his problem alone. No one else could possibly understand. Sometimes, he hated himself. Other times, he got so frustrated that he didn't know what to do. He didn't want people feeling sorry for him. He wanted to forget everything. If there were only a way he could erase the memory of that horrible day – he would give an arm and a leg.

He was hungry but that didn't matter. He could always grab some leftovers after everyone was done eating. And eating by himself would definitely be less humiliating. Ten minutes passed before someone came to retrieve him.

"Ephram?" Nina said softly. She stood by the threshold. Ephram ignored her. "Sweetheart, come back and eat with us?" She walked to where Ephram was sitting. "Hey, did you hear me?" Nina sat down in front of the boy.

Ephram couldn't face her. He only stared sadly at his ratty old sneakers. "I'm a klutz." The boy finally muttered.

"What? You're not a klutz." Nina laughed. "Don't be ridiculous Ephram, it was an accident. You didn't mean to spill your drink."

"I can't even hold my own fork. How am I supposed to eat??" He refuted with anger in his voice. "What are you gonna do – spoon feed me like a friggin' baby?"

"I'll do that if that's what it comes down to. And no one would think of you any different." She argued. "Honey, just because you have trouble using your fork doesn't mean you shouldn't eat. We'll find a way to make it work – to adapt to the situation until it gets better. So, what do you say? Come back?" She touched Ephram on the arm.

Ephram shook his head reluctantly.

"Why not?" Nina had all the patience in the world. "Is because you're embarrassed?"

Ephram shrugged. A shrug usually meant "yes" – she'd learned that much from experience.

"You are such a knucklehead – a cute knucklehead." She joked. "There is nothing to be ashamed about. We understand what you're going through. Sam and Delia might be a little slow in understanding. They're just kids and you can't expect them to get a grasp on the reasons immediately. But that doesn't mean they look down on you or don't sympathize with you. They love you to pieces. You are always going to be the person they look up to."

Ephram gave a quivering sigh. He entwined the fingers of both hands together tightly so it resembled a knot. It was the only way he could stop the shakes.

"We want you back at the table. And I know you must be hungry. You haven't eaten anything since lunch." Nina pointed out. "I'm gonna be very much offended if you disappear on us like this. After all, I was the one that cooked dinner. My feelings are going to be hurt if you don't come back." Her method of persuasion was very refined and clever. "What's the matter? You don't like what I made tonight? You can be honest with me."

"N–no. It's not that. Your cooking is the best. I love no matter what you cook. Steak's my favorite, actually." He admitted. "I – I just don't know how to face them again." The boy put emphasis on the word "them".

"C'mon, I know you're a brave kid. You've faced tougher consequences than this." Nina gave the boy a smile. "Compared to that, this is just peanuts. Let's go back, huh?" She gave him a tug on his sleeve. Ephram got up from his seat and followed Nina back to the dining room.

As Ephram made his entrance, he witnessed light laughter around the dinner table from a previous conversation that Andy and Delia were sharing. Everyone looked up when Ephram walked back to his chair and took a seat.

The boy took a look at his dish and noticed something was different. His slice of steak was cut into small bite-sized portions. The peas were now in a small bowl with a spoon conveniently placed next to it. His tall glass of iced tea was refilled to the top and a red and white straw with a bendable neck was inserted into the glass. He shot a questioning looked at Nina.

"I told ya we would adapt. When you're ready for the pasta and vegetables, let me know." Nina whispered sweetly to Ephram. "You better eat now or your food's gonna get cold." She added. Ephram smiled at this wonderful woman whom he wished so much to call "mother". He then looked up at his father to see his reaction. His father gave a slight nod of the head and an amiable wink.

"You better save some room for dessert because there is a huge chocolate cake sitting in the fridge." Andy said to his son.

Ephram reluctantly picked up a fork and began eating his food. His hands were a little unsteady but he managed to put the pieces of steak into his mouth without actually missing his mouth. He never had such a delicious and tender steak. It was cooked to perfection and kinda just melted on his tongue.

"You know Ephram, Delia was telling me a really funny story before about what happened at school today." Andy said after giving the boy a chance to eat. "Delia sweetie, why don't you tell Ephram and Nina what you told me a few minutes ago?" Andy suggested as he stuffed a forkful of baked ziti into his mouth.

"Well!! It's like this." Delia began delighted that she was the center of everyone's attention. "You know how we have vocabulary homework, right? Miss Cornell gives us some new words and we have to look it up in the dictionary to see what it means then make a sentence using that word. Everyday, we line up in front Miss Cornell's desk so she can check our vocabulary homework and make sure we did it. It was stupid Marty Daniels' turn."

"Marty Daniels? Isn't he the one that you always call the idiot of the class – always looking for the short cut to everything?" Ephram recalled. He tried to fit in again by participating in the conversation.

"Yep. That's the one." Delia answered. "So anyway, Miss Cornell was checking his sentences and after reading a few lines, she had this weird look on her face – kinda how you get when you sucked on a lemon. She says to Marty "you really didn't look up these words, did you?" Marty swears that he did. Then Miss Cornell read one of his sentences to the class. Do you want to know what the sentence was??" Delia's eyes lit up in amusement followed by a bad case of the giggles before she even revealed the punch line.

"What was the sentence?" Nina was almost laughing as well when she saw Delia's mirth.

"The word was 'poultry' and Marty's sentence was "I want to be a poultry when I grow up." You should've seen Miss Cornell's face!! She turned to Marty and said, "So, you want to be a chicken when you grow up?" And the whole class started laughing." Delia cackled.

A roar of laughter exploded from Ephram and Nina after Delia finished her story. Leave it to ol' Delia to break the ice – Andy was pleased. Even Sam joined in the laughter.

"He was probably thinking of the word 'poetry' and mistaken it for 'poultry' since it sounds similar. The class is not going to let him hear the end of this one." Delia said.

"That's real funny." Ephram chuckled. "Humiliating, but funny." He took a sip of his drink by way of the straw.

"Somehow, I'll bet Marty is gonna think twice about not putting effort into his homework next time." Andy said.

It was smooth sailing there after. At first, Ephram was afraid to feel like a specimen under a microscope with everyone carefully watching him eat. Paranoid as he felt, no one watched him that way. They concentrated on their own food. The only one that kept an eye on him was Nina but that was just because she wanted to hand him seconds when he was done with what he had on his plate. Ephram didn't mind. In fact, he enjoyed her attention. He felt lucky.

Conversation revolved around all sorts of topics. Delia had most of the amusing stories to tell about all her classmates. She knew the five W's - the who, what, where, when, and why on all the people in her class. She seemed to have the inside dirt on everyone. When Andy confronted her about her snooping, Delia replied that she was not snooping at all. In fact, she was just being observant.

After dinner, everyone pitched in to help clear the table, pack leftovers, wash dishes, and clean up any mess. They called themselves "The Cleaning Squad." Nina refused to have Ephram participate in the cleaning activities since he was still recuperating from injuries but Ephram insisted that he needed to contribute. Nina allowed him the easy task of collecting the placemats.

The store-bought chocolate cake was delicious but Ephram was convinced that nothing could top Nina's baking. Ironically, it didn't stop Ephram from having a third slice. He was a chocoholic. Any chocolate-lover would find chocolate hard to resist.

Ephram had a present for Nina. His gift was a hug. He wanted to give it to her before she left that night. When he finally found Nina alone in the kitchen, he went over to her and threw his arms around her waist. He whispered "thank you for everything". Surprised and touched, Nina accepted and returned the sweet hug.

--------------------

It was about 2 am. Andy lied awake on the living room couch across from an easy chair, where Ephram was sleeping in an upright position. Ever since the boy was released from the hospital, he had trouble sleeping. It was hard for Ephram to sleep. Lying on his back put pressure on his sore shoulder and lying on either side applied pressure to both his chest and shoulder. He just couldn't get into a comfortable position. It was different in the hospital. At least there, he had the assistance of drugs to help him sleep. At home, he tossed and turned. Finally, he moved his bedroom into the living room, where he found the perfect place to sleep – in Andy's recliner. He discovered that sitting up was the only position he could take in order to get to sleep comfortably at night.

Andy felt bad for the kid being that he had to sleep downstairs in the living room. At least Delia slept in the comfort of her own bed. So he joined Ephram and made space on the couch. In the beginning, Ephram insisted that he was fine sleeping there by himself and that there was really no use in both of them having a horrible night's sleep, but Andy was adamant about being Ephram's sleep buddy. Even in the springtime, the living room was always slightly colder at night than the bedrooms and Andy worried about Ephram being warm enough. Without Ephram's knowledge, Andy sometimes watched the boy sleep and made sure the nightmares were a thing of the past. There were still a few occasions when he had to wake Ephram from the grasp of a bad dream.

Andy did everything in his power to make Ephram more comfortable. He even bought a giant U shaped pillow for the boy hoping that a better pillow will result in a better night's rest. Ephram had the long pillow cradling his neck and back and it seemed to serve its purpose. The boy's head was almost wedged into the crook of the white fluffy pillow. He looked relaxed. A light blanket was draped over the middle of his body. The bare toes of a foot peeked out of the ends of the blanket.

The leather recliner appeared to envelope the boy's small frame. The chair was "Andy's Chair". Everyone knew the rule. No one was allowed to sit in it because it was reserved for Andy at all times. It was "his" chair – the royal throne for the king of the house. It was Andy's first stop when he came from a long and hard day's work. He would kick off his shoes and relax in his favorite chair. Amusingly enough, he had a lot of history with this chair. The chair was his movie and television companion. Many lazy Sundays were spent in the chair reading the morning papers while sipping hot coffee. The chair showed signs of age with prominent creases in the dark brown leather. But Andy maintained it well with the weekly treatment of Pledge furniture polish. His quirky mentality was that "if you take care of it, it will take care of you." It was the same eccentric philosophy he had with his other prized possession – his car.

Andy's chair rule has been altered now that Ephram was using the recliner more than he was. It didn't bother him. If it was helping Ephram sleep, by all means, it was worth it. He sighed as he observed the boy's appearance in the soft limelight cast by the light of the moon through the curtains of the living room window.

There were too many questions left unanswered but only because Andy was afraid to ask. He wanted to know all the details of what happened to Ephram on that disastrous camping trip that nearly cost his life – what he saw, what he did, how he felt, what was going through his mind. They never really talked about what happened. Everything was sketchy and addressed casually. Andy feared it was too soon to bring it up. But the uncertainty of Ephram's reactions scared him the most. The boy was already doing a great job of covering it up. Andy wanted everything to be like how it was before – normal. But he knew that eventually, he would have to sit his son down for a long talk to sort out whatever torments were repressed.

In the end, Andy was so exhausted swimming in thoughts and worries that he fell asleep. He had dreams on top of dreams. The dreams sort of weaved themselves into one another with nothing making sense. When he woke, he felt like he'd been asleep for hours but when he squinted at the clock to see what time it was, he saw that only roughly an hour had passed. Tired, he covered his mouth and yawned. He could've imagined it in his sleep but he could've sworn he heard a noise. It sounded like a low grumble or a moan.

His initial response to the noise was that Ephram was having another nightmare and it was time to wake the boy up. Andy looked at Ephram's direction. Much to his surprise, the boy was still peacefully asleep. There were no signs of mental torture. Relieved, Andy laughed in his mind at his paranoia. The noise he heard probably came from his own stomach. He guarded the boy for a while with a watchful eye. When he was stayed still, he could hear Ephram's light breathing. Satisfied, Andy closed his eyes and went back to sleep.

Andy woke again some few minutes later. He looked over to the recliner expecting to see Ephram still fast asleep, but the chair was empty.

'He probably had to go to the bathroom.' Andy thought. He waited for the boy to return. After a while, Andy grew impatient. He stretched out lazily on the couch so he could tilt his head back to get a view of the bathroom door. After doing so, he realized that the bathroom door was ajar and the light was turned off. However, he was able to see a faint light coming from the kitchen.

'Ah, he must be thirsty then.' Andy decided. He waited. 'It's taking an awfully long time to get a drink of water. Perhaps he's searching for a midnight snack! That's gotta be it. The boy's hungry.' Andy thought.

He noticed Ephram's light robe lying aimlessly on the adjacent couch. 'He must've forgotten to put on his robe. Don't want him to catch a cold. Better take it to him.' Andy thought. He stretched his stiff back upon getting up and reached for Ephram's robe.

Andy shuffled into the kitchen and found Ephram sitting at one of the kitchen stools. With his back facing Andy, the boy didn't seem to notice him approaching.

"Ephram, you forgot your robe again." Andy said as he proceeded to casually drape the open robe over the boy's shoulder.

The robe never had the chance of touching Ephram's shoulders. Alarmed, Ephram gave a startling yelp. He nearly jumped out of his skin and as a result, almost fell out of his seat. Andy could never forget the horrified look on Ephram's face. The boy's face was pale to the point of being ghastly white and his eyes shook with such an unimaginable amount of fear that it made the boy appear lost and out of reach.

Ephram's heart rate increased tenfold and he felt the thumping in his throat. Raw images flashed in his mind. He no longer saw his father standing before him. Instead, he saw a huge beast with salivating elongated razor-sharp teeth and equally sharp curved claws pawing at the air ready to attack its prey. Velvety slick black fur shined in the moonlight like crude oil. Its glowing red eyes were locked onto Ephram. Drawing rapid breaths, the boy whimpered incoherently forgetting his surroundings.

"Ephram – I didn't mean to scare you. I – "Andy began as he reached out a hand.

Out of reflex, the frightened boy recoiled and immediately scampered away for safety. In his efforts to escape, he flopped onto the floor backwards and landed on his butt. He crawled into the small space between the refrigerator and the pantry.

"Ephram? What? Hey!!" Andy was confused and shocked by his son's spontaneous reaction. He walked over to where Ephram was hiding and kneeled down. "Son?"

"Leave me alone." The boy whimpered desperately with his back against the cabinet. Trapped with nowhere else to run, the boy knotted his fingers against his mouth and tears poured out of his eyes. "Don't kill me. Please don't kill me." He sobbed as he curled his knees up to his chest and threw his arms up to protect his head.

"What are you saying?" Andy said. "It's me – dad."

"Please don't. Please." Ephram kept repeating in between sobs. He covered his eyes with his now convulsing hands. "Stay away from me."

"Ephram, snap out of it. No one's gonna hurt you. You're safe. You're at home." Andy said trying to draw the boy out of his dark state. "Ephram. You're ok. Come on – don't you recognize me? It's dad. Take a look. Look at me." Andy coached. He slowly reached towards his son's hands and gently pulled his hands away from his eyes.

Ephram's tears flooded out of his eyes. He looked so pitiful that it struck a soft spot in Andy. "Do you see? Do you see? It's dad. I'm gonna protect you. I'm gonna take care of you. Do you hear me??" Andy couldn't ignore the moisture developing in his eyes. He sandwiched Ephram's face with both palms. The child's tears ran over Andy's fingers.

"Daddy?" Ephram called in a small voice. His mind was gradually coming back to reality and the spell was finally broken. Feeling ashamed and scared at the realization of what just happened, he cried harder.

"Yes. It is. It's really me." Andy's voice cracked as tears fell from his eyes. "Why don't you come away from there and we can talk?"

"Daddy!!" The tearful boy flew into his father's arms and wrapped his arms tightly around Andy's neck. He was so happy to see his father. "Oh dad!!" The boy cried.

"Shhh. It's ok. It's ok, baby. Shhh." Andy desperately tried to maintain the strong persona that everyone was so used to seeing. Choking back tears, he stroked his son's back gently. Hugging him firmly, but careful not to squeeze him too tight, Andy realized precisely what Nina meant by Ephram being too skinny. The boy felt like a rack of bones in Andy's arms – a trembling rack of bones to be exact. Andy couldn't believe how frail Ephram became. He was able to feel every one of Ephram's bones through his T- shirt. "Baby, it's ok. Everything's gonna be fine. Shhh, that's it. That's a good boy. No one will harm you – not if I can help it." Andy whispered words of reassurance as the boy continued blubbering.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I –I don't know what happened. Dad, I'm sorry. Sorry." Ephram choked on the words as he struggled to catch his breath.

"It's ok. We'll figure it out together. You'll be ok. Relax. Come on now." Andy felt the boy's agitation through spasms of excitement that shook his body. "Take deep breaths. There you go. Breathe, baby. Calm down."

Ephram was reduced to calling for his father over and over again. No other words came out of his mouth. The boy showed no signs of letting go. Striving to feel safe, he hugged his father even tighter. Andy never felt like this before. He couldn't remember the last time he held his son in his arms this way. Andy finally realized how much Ephram needed him. As much as the boy denied it through the years, it was apparent now that he needed more than just a person to keep him fed and put clothes on his back. This young boy needed compassion, help, understanding, and love – a father's love. Andy cursed himself for all those years of neglect. How could he have been so blind that he couldn't see what he was doing to this poor boy? It was tearing the boy apart. Did he really cast him aside like he meant nothing? How could he be so selfish? What was to become of Ephram if none of this had happened? He was sorry.

'Look at the way he's crying. I've never heard him cry so heavily before. There's so much pain inside him. He's been through enough. His heart hurts. I feel it. I want to help him. But I don't know how!!' Andy thought.

Overcome by such strong emotion caught by many reasons, Andy couldn't hold his anguish and grief in any longer. He let it go. Tears ran down his face. "Oh Ephram." He sobbed softly.

"Dad – I'm sorry." Ephram murmured.

"No, I'M sorry." Andy admitted. "I shouldn't have sneaked up on you like that." The sentence was displaced for 'I should've been a better father to you.'

Ephram and Andy sat on the cold tiles of the kitchen floor huddled in a in a long tearful embrace.

"Are you alright now?" Andy finally said when he composed himself. Ephram's hysterics had calmed down a bit.

The boy pulled away from the warm caress and wiped his cheeks with the back of his hands. He looked at his father and shrugged.

"In the beginning, I had it all under control – the nightmares. Everything. But I can't do it anymore. Things are spinning out of control. The dreams keep getting more and more intense. I don't know how to deal with it. My hands - look - they won't stop shaking." Ephram said. He showed his trembling hands to his father. Andy cupped Ephram's hands into his palm. He kissed the tip of Ephram's long fingers. "The dream was so real."

"Is that why you were sitting at the counter like a zombie?"

"Yea, I had a really bad dream and I needed to clear my mind." Ephram shook his head helplessly. "I think I'm gonna go crazy."

"Ephram, you're not gonna go crazy. I won't let it come to that. I love you too much for that to happen." Andy promised.

"Dad, I'm so scared." The boy looked away ashamed. His glassy eyes were brimming with tears again.

"I know." Andy said. "We'll get over this hurdle."

"Sorry I made you cry." Ephram looked up to meet his father's eyes. Andy saw the unhealthy gray circles under the boy's puffy eyes. The boy's complexion was so awful that it looked like either he was about to faint or vomit.

"Don't worry about it. I think I needed it." Andy rid all traces of tears. His stoic presence returned. "You took a pretty hard fall off that stool before. You ok? Any damage?"

"I don't think so." Ephram replied. He ran an uneasy hand over his side where his injury had been. "Ouch!!" He grimaced when he bent the elbow of his left arm.

"What happened??" Andy asked.

"I bumped my elbow." Ephram replied rubbing his elbow.

"Let me see." Andy demanded and proceeded to inspect Ephram's elbow. "A minor contusion. But elbows are the worst places to be bruised – they hurt worst than they look. Do you want me to put some ice on it?"

"Nah – I'll be fine." Ephram insisted.

"Let's get off the floor, huh?" Andy suggested as Ephram nodded in agreement. He pulled Ephram up, shut off the kitchen light, and picked up Ephram's robe off the floor on their way back to the living room. Ephram sat down on the recliner.

"Why don't you sleep here tonight?" Andy patted the empty spot next to where he sat on the couch. "Come on. There's plenty of room here for you and your U-pillow." He said when he noticed Ephram's hesitation.

Ephram grabbed the U-pillow and made his way to the couch. He cuddled next to his father. They both sat in an upright position and Andy fussed with the blankets and pillows to make the area extra comfortable for the boy. He placed an arm around the boy's shoulder.

"Baby, can I ask you something?" Andy said.

"Uh-huh." The boy sighed.

"Tell me about your dreams." Andy requested. He felt the misery in Ephram's tone.

"It's horrible. I'm being chased. No matter how fast I make myself run, I'm getting nowhere. It's like I'm running in a hamster wheel." Ephram paused. He felt tears coming on.

"What's chasing you?"

"The bear. Only the one in my dream is ten times bigger. And it catches up to me real fast." The boy swallowed hard. "I trip over something – a branch or whatever and I fall down. It comes towards me. It raises a paw and I watch the claw come down on me." He breathed hard. "I know people usually aren't capable of feeling pain in their dreams but I can. I feel the claws rip through my body. I feel the pain. And – and it hurts. I feel it." His voice was almost a squeak that ended in a soft sob.

"It's ok." Andy soothed and drew the boy closer.

"The claws just keep coming down on me – over and over and over again. I beg it to stop. But it doesn't. I can't forget that horrible – horrible noise it makes – like a loud gurgling sound coming from deep within its throat. It's so angry. I try to escape but it's useless because I'm too weak to move. I see my blood splash all around me. Red and drippy." Ephram had his swollen eyes closed but tears found their way passed the slits of his eyes. He seemed out of breath. "I feel blood coming up my throat and I taste the saltiness in my mouth. Then I'm choking on my own blood. I spit some of it up but the blood gets thick and I can't breathe. Then I wake up in tears and covered in cold sweat. I used to not remember the whole dream when I wake – you know just bits and pieces. It didn't freak me out as much because it didn't make sense. But now, I remember everything. It's there in my brain – all the images. It's so real, dad. It seems so real." The boy's hoarse voice cried in horror.

"Oh my God, Ephram – that's terrible!!" Andy gasped in shock at the precise details the boy gave.

"The same thing happens every time." Ephram sobbed. He wiped away some new tears.

"And exactly how long have you had these dreams?"

"A long time. Since I was in the hospital." He answered.

"That long???" Andy exclaimed. He was aware of Ephram's nightmares but he didn't know how serious and explicit they were. An enormous amount of guilt came over Andy on hearing how long this same dream had been torturing his son. He didn't think it was a big deal in the beginning. He figured the nightmares were part of the trauma and that they would eventually blow over. Besides, Andy didn't expect the dreams to be that awful - especially since Ephram never wanted to talk about the content – until now.

"I didn't want to worry you, so I didn't say anything. The dreams – they've gotten stronger these couple days. When I wake up, I forget where I am. Dad – I can't tell what's real and what isn't anymore." He squeezed the end of the blanket in his fist.

"Ephram." Andy turned to his son. "You shouldn't keep something so important from me." He said in a grave tone. "I had no idea this was going on inside you. There's nothing you can do to make me stop worrying about you. I'll worry about you whether you're ok or not. It's my job to worry endlessly about you."

"I'm such an idiot. I let a dumb dream bother me. I'm so messed up. I really – I hate myself sometimes." He said in a near whisper.

"Ephram, I can't have you saying such things about yourself. I will not allow it. You are the bravest boy in the world. You were viciously attacked. It left you with an inch of your life. I don't believe that anyone who went through what you went through can take it casually. It takes time to get over it and it helps to talk. I know. It's my fault for not talking with you about this whole thing earlier. But I was afraid. I didn't know how you were going to react." Andy described. "And these dreams you've been having. You have every reason to flip out. I know I would too. Just hearing about it gives me goose bumps."

"When I close my eyes, I can still see it sometimes. Those sharp teeth. Then the pain – oh the pain." Ephram's voice shook and he winced as if he felt a claw rip through his flesh.

"Son." Andy called in concern. He held the boy tight.

"Don't make me go see a shrink. I don't want to see a shrink. Everybody'll know I'm crazy. And you know the nuthouse is the next stop." Ephram was nervous at the sudden thought of being institutionalized. He sniffled and snorted in his nasal drip. "Please don't make me go."

"I won't make you see a psychiatrist. But you have to talk about your feelings. No matter how painful it is, you can't hold them in. Otherwise you WILL go crazy. Do you understand?" Andy stroked the boy's head softly.

"You're a doctor. Why can't you just give me some drugs to clear my brain and make all this stuff go away?" Ephram asked childishly even though he knew the answer to the question already.

"What makes you think drugs are able to fix everything? Drugs are not solutions. The purpose of prescription drugs is to assist in helping you get better. Its there to help – not to solve. If there was a pill everyone can take to rid their problems, then I'd be out of a job." Andy joked lightly. "Promise me you wouldn't do anything we'll all regret later." He hinted. "You're a smart kid. I know you won't, but promise me anyway."

"I promise."

"And you should keep that promise. Don't try to hound Nina for extra pills. Just because she's super nice, don't assume she's a push over."

"She told you about that?" Ephram asked. His tears were drying.

"Um-hm. She tells me everything. So don't think you can get away with it."

"I was desperate. It hurt so much – I just wanted it to stop." He made an excuse for himself. "I'm sorry." He whimpered.

"It's ok." Andy gave Ephram a kiss on the side of his head. "Between you and Delia, nothing else matters to me. I want both of you to be happy and healthy. Words can't begin to describe how much I love you guys. The three of us - we're a team. We've only got each other, without that, we have nothing. Maybe I haven't been the best father in the past few years and we've had our many differences. So we're not the Brady Bunch. Big deal. I never expected life would be that straight forward anyway." He snickered. "But I swear to you that things are going to change."

"Dad, it's not all you. I've haven't exactly been the golden child either. But dad, I know better now. I used to think you didn't care – but I know you do. I don't know what would happen if I didn't have you by my side now. I say I don't need you or anyone. But it's a lie. I do need you." Ephram stammered feeling the ache in his gut at exposing the truth.

"Ephram, I'm so glad to hear those words." Andy was touched.

"I was so lost and scared. You can't know what it feels like when you know you're about to die. I didn't know if dying hurt. I was afraid it would. And how I would know if I died. Would I feel anything? Would I have to journey towards the bright light – like how they described in the movies? Or is it just like blowing out a candle – quick and easy? Poof – that's the end of the road. I know people don't normally think of these things but when you're put in that position – it's kinda hard not to." Ephram said. "It's true what they say – when you're in a hopeless situation and you know the end is near, you see your whole life flash before you. I had visions of when I was a kid that I'd forgotten. It's so weird."

"Must've been hard. I can't imagine." Andy grimaced at his son's near death experience. It was breaking his heart.

"I was in that dark cave for what felt like eternity. I had my guts hanging out. I was lying in a pool of my own blood. Dad - I have to confess. I was waiting to die. I know it's not what you want to hear. But I'm being honest." The boy pleaded. "Everyone says I'm so brave – but the truth is – I'm not. I was a coward. I was ready to give up. I even begged God to let me die. But He sent me you. And you saved me."

"Ephram, bravery comes in different forms. Just because you were scared, doesn't mean you were not brave. Even the most courageous general has his share of fear before a battle. You were alone, cold, injured, and frightened. But something in your heart told you to hang on. And that's bravery. You begged God for mercy and He delivered. He led me to you. I'm thankful for that." Andy explained.

"Dad! I'm so sorry for everything – putting you through this whole mess." Ephram sighed. He looked away when eyes started watering with more tears.

"Sweetheart, you mustn't talk that way. You make it sound like you've burdened me with problems. I care about you. When you're not well, I'm not happy. Your problems are my problems. What part of that don't you understand?" Andy asked rhetorically. "I want to help you and be there for you."

"Even if it means sleeping with me every night until the nightmares go away?" The young boy asked. He wasn't sure if that came out as a joke or if he meant what he said.

"Yes. As long as you need me to." Andy fired back.

"How about when I'm having freak-out episodes like before? You're willing to go through that again?" Ephram questioned timidly.

"Sure. Bring it on. There is nothing I can't handle." Andy rubbed the boy on the shoulder affectionately. "You know Ephram, the first couple days when you were in the hospital; there were doubts about you getting better. You had a fifty percent chance of dying. I kept telling myself that you were strong and that you would fight it. I had so much faith in you that I made myself believe you were getting better by the hour. Then you went into cardiac arrest. My first thought was 'this is it. He's gone. I lost him.' All the hope and confidence I had in you vanished. I assumed you were dead before I even knew for a fact that you were still alive. For that, I'm truly sorry for doubting you. But during that split second, I was so filled with grief and sadness that I broke down. It was too much for me to handle. Life without your mother was hard enough. I couldn't imagine life without you too. Nina was there. She'll tell you that I was a complete mess that day."

"Really?" Ephram sounded surprised.

"Of course. You gave me a big scare. I'm lucky to have this opportunity to hold you in my arms. I wouldn't trade this feeling for anything in the world." Andy gave the boy an unexpected kiss on the cheek. Ephram didn't seem to shy away from Andy's fondness. He only flinched at the roughness of Andy's beard against his son's tender skin. "I don't know where you get crazy ideas in your head that you don't need to be taken care of. You're only fifteen. Still a kid. You need someone to look after you. I hope I can be that someone – if you'll let me. A late start I know, but you're my flesh and blood. I can't ignore that." He added. "Don't ever scare me like that again. My heart is not as strong as it used to be. Another one of those and it would surely be the end of me. You hear?" Andy gave the boy a wholesome squeeze.

"I didn't mean to scare you." Ephram said sheepishly.

"I know you didn't. I was just kidding." Andy said with a laugh. "I love you, son. I don't suppose I say that enough. Just know that I've always loved you."

"I love you too dad." Ephram admitted. He was silent for a few seconds. Ephram blinked at the darkness of the living room. "Thanks. For being here." The boy finally said after a pause.

"Don't mention it. You can always count on me, buddy." Andy smiled. "Maybe we should get some sleep now, huh?"

"I'll try." Ephram said nervously. Andy pulled up the blanket and fluffed Ephram's U-pillow.

"If that bear ever shows up in your nightmare again and gives you trouble, just remember that I'm watching over you. Hey, I may even make an appearance. And you'll know it's me because I'll be the one holding the bazooka with ammo the size of the A-bomb. If he moves an inch, I will blow him sky high. Then we would make bear jerky and everything would be ok. How's that sound?" Andy said humorously making Ephram chuckle softly.

"Sounds like a plan." Ephram yawned.

"Buddy? Can I ask you one more thing?" Andy asked.

"Hmm?"

"Back there in the kitchen, what did you see that made you so scared?" Andy inquired curiously.

"A hideous mutation of the bear. It looked unreal - like something out of a horror comic book. It had long and sharp metal teeth, red eyes, claws like Freddie Krueger, huge and powerful." Ephram shuddered. "Its body was covered with a thick coat of black fur. You know - the usual nightmare material."

Andy felt the boy tremble at the recollection of the vision. His arms that were hugging Ephram never loosened. Ephram seemed to find peace and safety in his father's arms and Andy knew it.

"I don't know why I saw it. The image sort of took over my mind or something. I didn't know where I was anymore. I don't know what happened." The boy said in a confused tone. "Sometimes, I can see it when I close my eyes. I feel its hot breath on the back of my neck. It freaks me out."

"Let it go, Ephram. Don't hold onto that image or it'll haunt you. The more you try to remember how it looked like, the clearer the picture becomes." Andy advised. "You're still trembling. Are you scared or cold?"

"A little of both. But more scared than cold, I guess." Ephram replied honestly.

"Well then, how's that?" Andy said as he tucked the blanket around the boy. Ephram rested the back of his head on his father's shoulder as he welcomed the loving arm that wrapped around his body.

"Better." Ephram sighed.

"Try and get some sleep now. Remember – I'm the one holding the bazooka." Andy gave Ephram another kiss on the back of his head. He heard a short laugh from the boy.

Regardless of his edgy nerves, Ephram closed his eyes and concentrated on falling asleep. He spend the next half hour lying real still and pretended to be asleep so his father could get a decent sleep the rest of the night. Somehow Ephram knew as long as he was awake, his father would also be awake. He managed to convince his father that he was asleep. It was easy to fool Andy because Ephram was a good faker. Ironically, Ephram ended up fooling himself as exhaustion took him under.

----------------------------

Andy was awakened promptly at 6 am by the pulsating bleep of the timer on the automatic Krups coffeemaker in the kitchen. It buzzed as the buttons lit up and the machine started brewing coffee as scheduled. That usually meant it was time to "rise-n-shine." But he just could bring himself to being a morning person that day. He felt the strain on his lower back from sleeping in the same position all night.

Sunlight peeked through the curtains of the living room giving light to the room. Andy squinted in response to the bright light and when his eyes finally adjusted to the brightness, he looked down to find Ephram still sleeping soundly with his blanket pushed all the way down to his waist and using Andy's chest for a pillow. The boy had his arm around Andy's waist and his cheek was resting comfortably across the middle of Andy's chest.

Andy laid a hand on the back of Ephram's T-shirt gently. He watched the boy curiously for a while and wondered what kind of dream he was having right now. He felt Ephram's soft and steady breathing as he took in air. It was always calming and tranquil to watch his baby sleep. Andy moved his hand tenderly onto the back of Ephram's head and upon doing so, he brushed passed the nape of the boy's neck. Andy moved his hand back to the boy's neck.

'He feels a bit warm.' Andy thought. He ran a hand over Ephram's cheek and forehead careful not to wake him. 'He's got a fever. I guess going to work today is out of the question.'

Andy slowly moved out from under Ephram and successfully transferred the boy onto the couch without waking him. He pulled the boy's legs onto the couch. Reclined, Ephram looked relaxed. He was probably too deep in his sleep to feel any soreness in his muscles. Poor kid. Andy decided to let Ephram sleep late. The slight fever posed a small concern with Andy. It wasn't unnatural for the kid to have a temperature since he was so worked up the night before. He was practically scared silly.

The morning was spent getting Delia up and ready for school, creating a decent breakfast (it had to be Fruit Loops cereal and banana slices because they were running late again), and getting Delia on that school bus on time. The big yellow school bus came by the Brown residence punctually at 8:15 am every day to pick Delia up for school. There wasn't a single day that Irv was ever late. Andy explained to Delia that Ephram was not feeling well and still sleeping on the couch so they had to be vigilant on how much noise they made around the house – no slamming of doors, dragging of chairs, banging of utensils, that sort of thing. Delia, in turn, was sweet and considerate. Worried, she questioned her father if her brother will be alright. Andy replied that he would take care of Ephram and for her not to be troubled. Delia even left a message with Andy to tell Ephram, when he wakes, that she hoped he was feeling better and that she couldn't wait to see him after school. Andy promised to relay the message and kissed his loving daughter good-bye before she boarded the school bus.

In between about six and a half cups of coffee and checking Ephram's temperature from time to time, Andy was relieved to finally know that Ephram's fever had gone down. The boy was sleeping soundly and he hated to wake him from such a restful sleep – one that he was deprived of the night before.

'Let the boy sleep.' Andy decided.

He skimmed through the daily newspapers and ate half a blueberry muffin before going into the kitchen to wash the dishes that had accumulated from the morning rush. Just as he was done, there was a knock on the back door. Andy dried his hands with a dishtowel and answered the door. Out of old New York habit, he took a peek through the curtains first to see who it was before actually opening the door. It was Nina.

"Hi Andy, it's such a beautiful day!! It would be a waste not to have lunch outdoors and enjoy the weather before you went to work." Nina chirped as she made her way passed Andy. "Which brought me to the wonderful and fun idea of having a picnic in your backyard! Lunch has already been taken care of." She showed Andy the wicker picnic basket that she had in her hands. "I really hope you and Ephram are very hungry cause I made a lot of food – too much I think but what the heck! I have all sorts of finger sandwiches – ham and Swiss, P and J, turkey and Brie, pastrami and honey mustard, even bologna and mayo. All with extra trimmings of lettuce and tomatoes. I've got potato salad, egg salad, macaroni salad – you name it, I have it." She continued without giving Andy a chance to speak. She was obviously in a very good mood. Her energy was almost radiating off her body. She placed her load onto the kitchen counter.

"Nina." Andy couldn't get in three words before Nina started again.

"Did I mention that I have brownies and chocolate cookies? I know how much Ephram is addicted to chocolate, so I whipped up some last night. But not to worry – I did not stay up all night. It wasn't hard to make at all especially since I have all the measurements memorized in my head. But one thing though, you are going to have to supply the picnic blanket and lemonade." Nina chattered as she checked on the contents of her basket. She finally turned to Andy. "So!! You're awfully quiet. You haven't said a word."

"Well you haven't given me the chance to. You were like a whirlwind since I opened the door." Andy chuckled.

"Was I?" Nina flustered. She didn't mean to sound like a chatterbox.

"You know, you're real cute when you get all bubbly like that." Andy leaned casually on the door of the fridge with arms crossed. "It almost reminds me of those little chattering teeth with feet toys that you wind up."

"Andy, quit teasing me." She pouted in humor. "So, where's Ephram? What's he up to?"

"Ephram? Oh, he's still sleeping." Andy reported. "He's on the couch."

"What?! But it's almost noon!" Nina checked her watch.

"I decided to let him sleep. He had a tough night." Andy said. "It was pretty bad. He's been having a string of reoccurring nightmares. Last night was the worst I'd ever seen. He woke up so scared that he didn't know who he was, who I was, where he was – it was a few minutes before he came back to reality. His face was white and he had this wild look in his eyes, and honest to God, I was looking at a totally different person. It wasn't my son. Ephram wasn't there. And that's what got me worried. There's something going on in that head of his. I don't know if I should be bringing him to a psychiatrist or what. He made it clear that he doesn't need one or have the desire to see one. And judging by how fragile he is right now, I would be the bad guy if I forced him to go." Andy spoke while Nina let the info soak in. Her happy face turned into one of concern. Andy watched her eyebrows furrow.

"The poor dear!!" Nina pitied. "What are we going to do?"

"We talked a little last night about the dreams and how he felt. He needs a lot of support right now. He wouldn't let go of me. I had to hold him until he fell asleep. It took a while but he did fall asleep eventually. Then this morning, he was running a fever." Andy said.

"What? He's sick?" Nina breathed.

"The fever has gone down since this morning." Andy darted his eyes nervously at the figure lying on the couch. "I'm gonna stay home with him today. I don't think I can go to work and leave him knowing that he had a temperature."

"Well, is he ok now? Did you check on him?" Nina fretted. She switched into mother mode. Even though, she'd only know the Browns for a year, she felt a special and unique bond between each of them like as if she had known them all her life. It was hard to figure out and definitely even harder to explain. But somehow, she felt obligated to care for each of them like family.

"He seems ok. I don't think it's anything serious. He just had a rough night." Andy said authoritatively. After all, he was the doctor.

"I'm going to take a look at him anyway." Nina declared.

"Be my guest. Meanwhile, I'll fix the lemonade." Andy reached for the handle of the fridge door.

Nina made her way to the living room couch where Ephram was sleeping. She kneeled down next to him and examined his appearance. Ephram's head was tilted towards the backrest of the couch. His arms were by his sides. It was apparent that he did not want to make use of the blanket because he had somehow kicked it onto the floor in his sleep. Nina picked up the wad of blanket and placed it onto the adjacent seat.

'How could he be comfortable sleeping like this?' Nina thought.

She felt his hand to determine if he was warm at all. Unsatisfied on the ambiguous diagnosis, Nina touched the boy's cheek first, then his forehead. In doing so, Ephram let out a soft sign and stirred at the gentle stroke. He swallowed and shifted his position slightly.

"Ephram, sweetie." Nina whispered. She continued to feel Ephram's forehead with the back of her hand to make certain that he did not have a fever. She smoothed his short black hair. "Baby?"

Ephram took a deep breath and moaned sleepily. He heard a sweet voice calling him. Was it his imagination or was it real? Ephram needed to see whose intoxicating voice it belonged to. He woke himself up and opened his eyes. He found Nina looking at him.

"Nina?" He mumbled. With sleep still in his system, he stretched his tired muscles. 'What a glorious sight to wake up to!' Ephram thought and smiled.

"Hey there, sleeping beauty. Were you planning on sleeping the whole day? It's almost noon already." Nina said with sensitivity. "Sweetheart, how do you feel?" She continued to brush his cheeks.

"I'm fine, I suppose." Ephram replied wondering how much his father had told her about last night. She looked like she knew something otherwise she wouldn't start off the conversation that way. But he was a sucker for her stroking and attention, so he didn't mind.

"You were feverish and I was worried about you. You're still a tiny bit warm though." Nina said softly.

"I did? I am?" Ephram sounded surprised. His bushy eyes blinked quizzically at Nina.

"Yes." Nina smiled.

"No wonder I was feeling kinda hot." Sitting with his feet under him, Ephram rubbed his eyes.

"Are you hungry? I made sandwiches. We were gonna have a picnic in the backyard, but if you don't feel up to it, we can stay indoors today." Nina offered as she noted his bony frame under his worn out, over sized T-shirt.

"No, a picnic sounds fun." Ephram said.

"You sure? If you're not feeling well..." Her concern for him always took a priority.

"I feel fine. And I'm very hungry. I missed breakfast." Ephram pointed out.

"Hunger is a good sign. There's a lot of food. Why don't you freshen up and get changed? I'll fix you a cup of hot peppermint tea. Would you like that?" Nina suggested.

"Ok." The boy answered contently. Ephram felt like he was suddenly six years old again. He loved the way Nina made a big fuss over him. She always volunteered to do things for him and that was one of the aspects he loved most. He enjoyed depending on her.

"Hmm, I think the hot tea would go great with some lemon wafers. How's that sound?" Nina was so sweet to Ephram that she practically had honey dripping out of her skin.

"Good." Ephram nodded.

"I better go make sure your father's not having any problems in the kitchen. He's making lemonade. You know how hard that can be." Nina winked in humor. Ephram grinned.

The picnic was exactly what Ephram needed. It was about time he got some fresh air into his system. Honestly, he was way too pale and a little sunshine would do him a world of good. Andy always joked that if Ephram didn't get some pigment into his skin soon, people would suspect he was an albino.

The threesome decided to set up the blanket under the big oak tree towards the north end of the yard. Ephram sat back and watched Andy help Nina organize the food. For a split second, they resembled a real family. Ephram smiled to himself. He noted the subtle diligent flirting between the two adults. It wasn't obvious but Ephram could tell by the affectionate glimpses his father gave Nina. The bright-eyed, bushy-tailed look that said, "I'm in love" wasn't too difficult to detect. There was indeed something about the way Nina tucked her hair behind her ears that gave away the bashful moments. Ephram liked the way things were going. He kept his fingers crossed.

Andy held the stack of square-shaped, food-filled Tupperware while Nina fumbled with paper plates.

Ephram sampled an assortment of everything Nina prepared. On a full stomach, Ephram leaned against the tree trunk to rest after having the lion's share. He tilted his head back to catch the warmth of the sun between the higher branches and leaves of the great oak. The sun felt good on his face.

"Are you full Ephram?" Nina's voice made Ephram's eyes open.

"Mmm, yes. Am I ever!!" He replied patting his belly. "Thanks Nina, that was delicious as always. I'm so full that I can't move." He giggled.

"I didn't realize there was going to be this many leftovers." Nina said eyeing the remainder of the food.

"Stick them in the fridge. I'll finish them later." Ephram advised.

"Yea, I'm sure it won't go to complete waste." Andy agreed.

"Oh but, isn't it the perfect day for a picnic?" Nina asked. Distracted by the weather, she changed the subject.

"I'll say! I don't think Everwood's had a more perfect weather." Ephram said. He listened to some noisy birds tweeting in the neighboring trees. Calm, collected and well fed, he let out a heavy pleased sigh.

"I think someone here is as stuffed as a turkey." Andy laughed and Nina joined in. Ephram was too full to give back a smart response.

The boy kicked off his sneakers and peeled the socks off his feet. He rolled up the socks and stuck one into each shoe. The soft and silky carpet of grass cushioned his body as the fresh-cut blades of grass tickled under his feet. One thing he liked about living out in the "country" was being able to go barefoot on the grass. He would never have been able to do that in New York without cutting himself on some sharp litter or accidentally stepping into a disagreeable surprise – not that he's ever done that. Ephram wiggled his toes into the grass. Leaning back against the tree trunk again, he reached his hands behind his head and watched his father and Nina make trivial conversation. They gossiped about the townspeople – who used to do what, who moved away, who came back, etc. Ephram listened off and on to their dialog.

He gazed at the small puffs of white clouds across the midday sky. Absorbed in trying to decipher what each of the clouds reminded him of, Ephram was in his own zany world for a while. In his life, he never really stopped to smell the roses and definitely never noticed the unique shapes of the clouds – until that very moment. His eyes traced the movements of each cloud. One of them reminded him of an elf's shoe. He silently laughed at himself. It was like a Rorschach test – you know, one of those inkblot pictures that shrinks show you and you have to tell them what you think it looks like to see if you're sane.

"What are you thinking about, Ephram?" Nina said when she felt the boy had been too quiet.

"Dinner. What's for dinner?" Ephram asked.

"How can you be thinking about dinner already?? You haven't even begun to digest your lunch yet." Andy pointed out.

"No. Let's hear the kid out." Nina halted. "What do you suggest?" She asked Ephram.

"Well!! I was thinking Japanese food. It's been a while since I had some quality sushi." Ephram said. "Back in New York, there's this Japanese place in Washington Square called Suki's that had the best sashimi in all of Manhattan. Mom used to take Delia and me there for dinner sometimes. I think that's when I got hooked on the raw stuff. I know, a lot of people think raw fish is kinda gross but once you taste it, there's no turning back. You're gonna get addicted. It's really that good." The boy rattled on. "Are you into that stuff?" He asked Nina, hoping that she was.

"Well, I want to say yes but I've never really been to a Japanese restaurant before." She revealed. "Sounds kind of interesting."

"Aw Nina, where is your sense of spontaneity? Be daring – have sushi!" Andy gave her a playful nudge on the arm. "Try something different."

"Yea and if you're worried about Sam, don't be. There's always cooked stuff on the menu. Not everything is raw. Delia loves the Udon noodles. It's this thick white noodle and they prepare it like ten different ways. Delia prefers it pan-fried. Besides, I know pretty much how everything tastes. I can tell you what's good. I'll be your Japanese food guide." Ephram persuaded.

"See, there you go." Andy grinned. "What do you say? You've done so much for us, at least let me take you and little Sam out for a nice dinner. I know I owe you more than a thousand dinners. This is a start. I heard there is a good Japanese restaurant in Colorado Springs. Osaka – I think it's called."

"Colorado Springs? That's like an hour and a half drive." Nina said.

"So?" Andy replied as if it was not an issue. "We'll take my car and make good timing if we leave here around 4:30."

"Please Nina?" Ephram made sad puppy eyes. "I'll even teach you how to use chopsticks. It'll be fun!!"

"Now how can I say no? Look at that face." Nina said. "He's being so darn cute."

"I learned it from the master of cuteness." Ephram cackled. "My sister Delia."

"Great! So that's a yes. I better make reservations before she changes her mind." Andy snapped his fingers. He dashed into the house to find the phone number leaving Nina and Ephram alone for a while.

They sat in silence for a brief moment. "You like the grass under your feet, huh?" Nina asked as Ephram ran his toes through a patch of grass.

"You know, I used to hate Everwood." Ephram began after gathering his thoughts. "I believed it was a hick town with nothing but hillbillies and rednecks. I didn't understand why my dad would make us live in a horrible place like this. Back then, I had all this anger building inside me – the hurt, the pain, the resentment, and most of all – the sadness. My mother was taken away from me. My father dragged us half way across America to live in the middle of nowhere - cow country. I was pulled away from my friends, my grandparents, and my way of life. My life was miserable." Certain seriousness suddenly hit his tone. "I've never told anyone this before and I don't want you ever repeating it to dad. During that time in my life, I honestly felt the only way out of the situation was suicide." He heard Nina gasp at the word "suicide" – like as if the word was a major taboo.

Ephram guessed Nina was not used to hearing that word come out of a fifteen- year-old's mouth. Boy was she behind with the times. Suicide is not such a forbidden word anymore, especially during this day and age. Kids talk about it all the time. It's turned into a casual word – just like the word "sex".

"Oh no! Ephram!" Nina drew a nervous breath. "Suicide is never the answer to any problems. You – you didn't try anything, did you?" She gulped.

"Nah. I thought about it for a while though. I had this plan of how I was going to do it. I would swipe a bunch of pills from dad's clinic and somehow fly back to New York. I would then get a ride to the cemetery and find mom's headstone, pop all the pills and die there. The idea just kept playing in my mind but only when I was really unhappy. I had so much grief and despair inside that I didn't know what to do with myself. I wanted that horrible ache in my heart to stop. I didn't suppose dad would miss me or even cared if I died. It would be one less mouth to feed. But then, I thought of Delia and realized how selfish I had been to even consider ending my life. If I died, who would take after her? Who would be there for her? I never believed my dad was capable. I always had this image in my mind of how he'd cast her aside and let her grow up without guidance. I couldn't let Delia turn into a wild child. I know I was harsh. But that's the truth. I owe a lot to Delia. She's the one that saved me without even doing anything. If I killed myself, I would never have known how much my dad really loved me now. To know that dad really gave a flying flip about me made me feel like my existence is worth something. For once, I'm wanted and needed. And after what happened recently, I think what it all boils down to is – if I was stripped of everything I have and own – I wouldn't care. As long as I knew I gained dad's approval and love, then that's all that mattered. I guess that's more valuable to me than anything. I'm glad I didn't go through with killing myself. Seeing Delia allowed me to hang on. She's the reason I'm alive today. Now do you understand why she's so important to me?"

All the pieces started to snap into place. Nina finally understood the strong bond between Ephram and Delia – the reason why they were so close. They stood together as one. It was them against the world. They had each other's backs and would most likely hold each other's secrets to the grave. Nina always found it rather unusual how much Ephram and Delia stuck together even for a brother and sister. She was almost envious of their sturdy relationship.

"And that's why you had to protect her from harm's way." Nina said.

"Yep. But don't get me wrong, Delia and I have our little fights – don't think that we're perfect because we're not. There are times when I get so mad at her I want to gouge her eyes out. You know, the usual sibling rivalry. But when it comes down to the wire, I would willingly give my life up before I let anything happen to her."

"You are very courageous. I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like you. You have such passion and heart." Nina gushed. "Tell me, do you still have any thoughts about – you know – suicide?" She asked awkwardly. "Like lately?"

"No. Not recently." Ephram answered. "It's funny because I've never bared my heart and soul to anyone before. I was super close to my mom but still, there was a gap between us that made it difficult to talk about everything." He emphasized the word 'everything' and let out a tiny laugh. "It's different with you though. I feel so comfortable when I'm around you – like I can tell you anything. I hope you'll at least keep some of it secret from dad – you know, just between us stuff. I'm thankful to have you in my life."

"Aw, that's sweet!!" Emotional, Nina's eyes welled up. "I'm so happy to hear that."

"Uh – you're not gonna cry now, are you?" The boy notice Nina's shaky, choked up voice.

"Well, are you gonna blame me if I do?" She replied as she quickly wiped away a tear. "Ephram, that's the sweetest thing anyone's ever said to me. Oh – you caught me by surprise. I didn't expect to hear those words from you. Not that you aren't capable of it but – oh Ephram - I'm truly touched." She stammered. "You've really locked yourself a place in my heart. Of course you can talk to me about anything. I'm always here to lend an ear."

"It's so easy to talk to you. I would never be able to talk about this stuff with dad without him flipping out just because his son had a couple of random thoughts about suicide. With you, it's different. I don't feel nervous or awkward. It's like I'm talking to my best friend or something." The boy admitted.

"Your father flips out only because he's your father. All parents will have a cow if their kid suddenly comes to them and says 'I had a thought about suicide.' That's guaranteed. Nobody will ever tell you any different. It's the blood relation factor. Now, you and me – we aren't related by blood so that helps us connect with a clearer head." Nina explained her theory. "Ephram, you've made me very happy today. It means so much to know you feel that way about me." She was about to cry again.

"When we first moved to Everwood – about a year ago – I had nothing but bitter feelings about everything. I hated my new house, I hated my new school, I hated the people in my new school, I hated the whole town....I was very anti-Everwood, I guess you can say." Ephram giggled. "I hated my situation because I couldn't find a reason to like the place no matter how hard I tried to think of one. I actually plotted to take Delia and run away. But it didn't work because I had no money – I mean, where would we go? What would we eat?" He paused, smiled at Nina, and continued. "It wasn't until I met you that I finally found a reason to like this place. Took me long enough, huh?"

"Sweetheart, you really know how to make me feel special. I'm delighted that I had such an impact on you. You are an extraordinary kid and I'm very satisfied that fate has brought our paths together. I wouldn't have it any other way. Everyone needs someone they can open up to and have heart to heart conversations with. For you to consider me that someone, I feel honored." Nina spoke eloquently. "Damn! You're gonna make me cry." She sniffled.

"So, to answer your question - yea, the grass does feel nice under my feet." Ephram laughed and wiggled his toes. "It's definitely something you cannot do in New York. You wouldn't dare go barefoot in Central Park – unless you don't mind stepping into dog poop. Not everyone cleans up after their dogs, if you know what I mean!" He jested and got a chuckle out of Nina. "But I can get used to this - the sun in my face, the grass under my feet, relatively zero pollution and smog – what's not to like about that?" The boy smiled. His judgment on Everwood has evolved. It wasn't such a bad place to live after all, especially when Nina was in the picture.

"How's the fever?" Nina suddenly asked. Leave it to Nina to remind him that he was sick. Though, it wasn't altogether such a bad thing.

"Huh? Oh, it's gone." Ephram answered.

"Can I check? Just in case?" Nina was polite enough to ask. Ephram consented and leaned forward so she can feel his forehead. "It's not that I don't believe you, sweetie, it's that sometimes, I want to make sure you're ok." She put a palm on this forehead. "You're ok." Nina diagnosed.

"See? I concur." Ephram retorted smartly. "I watch ER sometimes." He explained. Nina laughed at the boy's silliness.

"Hey guys! What did I miss?" Andy said upon his return to the picnic blanket.

Ephram and Nina exchanged knowing smiles. "Oh, just some soul reaching - nothing you'd want to know about." Nina responded as honestly as she allowed herself to. "So, did you make reservations at the restaurant?" She questioned trying to give the subject of conversation a rough detour.

"Yep. It's done. It took me forever to find the number but I found it." Andy said.

Ephram encouraged Andy to make good use of the old Frisbee they dug up from the attic. Father and son tossed the Frisbee back and forth lightly. Nina gave a million reasons why Ephram should not jump around too much since he was still recovering. She reminded him that there was still a thin bandage adhered to his chest and shoulder plus the fact that he had a fever earlier and severe pains the day before. Throwing around a Frisbee didn't require a whole lot of activity, but Nina still worried. She made the boy promise to stop at the first signs of any discomfort.

A barefooted Ephram whirled the lime green Frisbee at Andy's direction. Andy received the disc and returned the disc with a flick of the wrist. The long hem of Ephram's jeans brushed against the tips of the grass as he lunged for the Frisbee. Each time Ephram did so, he heard a yell from Nina to be careful.

A soft glow pulsed in Nina's heart as she watched Ephram energetically play with his father. There was something genius and remarkable about Ephram. He was different than other boys his age. It was not only because of his brilliance on the piano, but the way he handled himself and others around him. He may not have been perfect in every way and he acted childish sometimes, but he showed maturity when it was called for. He knew the meaning of responsibility. And for him to tell her how much being in his life meant to him, Nina's heart fluttered with happiness. She sighed and realized how her attachment to Andy's kids was growing more and more each day.

Seeing Ephram laughing and joking with such liveliness let her mind to ease. 'The boy's ok.' She thought. Nina had a feeling the rest of the day was going to be superb. Even though she was skeptical about experimenting with Japanese food, she knew dinner would be a blast because she was in the hands of good company. Whether she ended up liking or hating Japanese food didn't matter because it was going to be fun – she could feel it in her bones. She tried not to worry there after about Ephram's health because she believed the kid was improving. Aside from the problem with the nightmares, he was eating more, he was laughing more, he was even exercising more – to Nina, these were the early signs of progress.

But little did Nina know that the next time she saw Ephram, it would be back at the hospital.

end of chapter 9

Author's Note: Thanks once again for devoting your time in reading this chapter. I truly appreciate it as well as your reviews. I feed off positive reviews - haha. Oops, did I leave you hanging? (Wicked grin on my face) Um...do you want to know what's next? Do care about what happens to Ephram?