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?

11. Second and Third Chances

(Sorry it's taken so long – I had computer problems.)

Chapter 11: Second and Third Chances

She had been busy sliding a tray of freshly made clown cones into the refrigerated front display case. If you really thought about it, clown cones were nothing but an overturned single-scoop ice cream cone placed in a paper cupcake holder, then decorated with candies to resemble eyes, nose and mouth. It was simple but kids loved it. She flashed a cheerful smile as she noticed her new customers.

"Well if it isn't Doctor Brown!!" A grizzled lady with curly silver hair acknowledged as she got up from behind the counter. "And I see you've got company." Her eyes danced as her gaze wandered over to Nina, then to the two young children hovering over the ice cream freezer with mouths watering. Sonia wiped her stubby fingers on her pink and white apron.

"Hi Sonia. We're here to pick up the cake." Andy said politely.

"Oh right! You are the vanilla-chocolate Oreo cookie ice cream cake." She often associated the person with what they ordered. It made it easier to remember names this way. "Let me go get it." She hopped into action.

"Have you ever tried rocky road ice cream?" Delia asked Sam. Their noses were practically touching the glass.

"No. Is it good?" Sam asked.

"It's soooo good." Delia spoke like a true connoisseur. "You would like it. How about strawberry cheesecake ice cream?"

"No. What's it look like?"

"It's that one over there." Delia pointed and pressed her tiny index finger onto the glass.

"Which one? You mean the yellow one?" Sam asked as they gazed at the round opened gallons of ice cream placed neatly in rows waiting to be scooped.

"No, that's French vanilla. You see that green one with dots?" Delia said. Sam nodded. "That's mint chocolate chip. Look at the one on the left. See it?" Delia instructed. Sam nodded his blond head again. "It's cream colored with red swirls in it." Sam bobbed his head more vigorously now.

"I see it!" Sam exclaimed excitedly.

"That's strawberry cheesecake ice cream." Delia revealed.

"Mmm!" Sam smacked his lips.

There was something magical about being in an ice cream parlor. It brings out your inner child. Nina and Andy watched their kids rave and drool all over the ice cream case. The name of the place was "Town Ice Cream" - real original name, some would ironically say. They sold ice cream, candy, sodas, and all sorts of things that can satisfy a sweet tooth. It was every kid's paradise and every parent's nightmare. This was one of the places the children of Everwood patronized in continuously spending their allowance money. Rotted teeth and cavities only meant headaches for the parents and more business for the dentists of Everwood.

"Town Ice Cream" started as a family-owned business but later got sold to new management when the going got tough. At the present time, the owner of the store was an old formerly retired couple - Jacob and Sonia Harding, who suddenly felt they were too "young" to retire. She was an outgoing, bubbly woman in her sixties, who worked the front of the store, and he was a quiet, reserved man, who worked the back. Jacob Harding had an unusual knack for making the most delicious cannoli anyone has ever tasted. It was the one specialty that Town Ice Cream was famous for. The secret recipe for cannoli ran in the Harding family from generation to generation. The mystery even baffled Nina. She tried numerous times in figuring out the ingredients but no matter how she made it, it always never tasted quite the same. There was something missing. She has not given up yet.

Sonia finally came out of the swinging doors that lead to the back room. She held in her hands a big white cardboard cake box.

"Boy is it cold in the freezer today!" She said and exaggerated a shiver. "Here is your ice cream cake." She opened the top flap to reveal a neat round circular cake decorated with two huge fancy pink and blue colored flowers made in vanilla cream on the top of the cake. "Isn't it lovely?" Sonia complimented her own creation.

"Wow. It's so pretty. I love ice cream but I don't want to mess it up by eating it. It's too pretty to eat!!" Delia joked as she took a peek into the box.

"I'll eat it!" Sam volunteered willingly causing both Andy and Nina to laugh.

"And I'm sure you will little one." Sonia cooed at Sam. She closed the top cover and proceeded to tie the box with strands of a thin string. "You've made a great choice on the cake, Doctor Brown. It's perfect, even if I do say so myself!" She said with a giggle.

"Yea, it's perfect." Andy echoed amiably.

"What's the occasion, if you don't mind me asking?" Sonia inquired trying to strike up a conversation.

"Oh, we're just celebrating Ephram's normality." Andy said as a private joke to Nina. Nina, in turn, gave a muffled laugh.

"I'm sorry, I don't follow you." Sonia replied in confusion. She looked up from her busy task of winding the box with string.

"I was referring to Ephram's test results. We had to run some tests - you know - CAT scans, blood tests, the works, to make sure Ephram was ok. He passed with flying colors." He might have exaggerated it little bit too much.

"That's good to hear." Sonia sighed as if in relief. "Is your boy doing better these days?"

"He's hanging in there. Taking it one step at a time." Andy decided to skip telling Sonia what happened to Ephram two days ago. He respected Ephram's privacy. Besides, Ephram didn't want the whole town lining up at the front door bearing fruit baskets and casseroles as an excuse to poke their noses into the Brown residence just to check and see if the boy was really alright. The door bell would be ringing non-stop. It was a domino effect. All it took was one person to start the ball rolling. You tell one person the news and rumors would spread like wildfire and before the night is over, everyone will know about it.

"Is Ephram in the car?" Sonia asked as she continued to tie the box.

"He's at home. Said he wasn't up to trekking out into town today." Andy answered truthfully. "The kids had a craving for fried chicken for dinner tonight so we just stopped by Pudgies to pick up two buckets of chicken, a pound of cole slaw, a pound of mac & cheese, and a box of potato wedges. After we stuff him up with some food, he should be ok again."

"The poor dear! You tell him that the next time he comes in with the two little ones." Sonia nodded to Delia and Sam. "Ice cream cones are on the house." This made Delia and Sam's eyes light up. Their ears perked up at the free offer. They couldn't wait to go home and drag Ephram out to town just so they can get a free ice cream cone.

"I'll let him know." Andy replied.

"OK, you are all set, here's the cake – you better get it home real quick before it melts." Sonia instructed as she pushed the box carefully towards Andy.

"Will do and thanks again." Andy took the cake box. With his little entourage by his side, Andy turned around to head out of the ice cream parlor.

"OH! Wait! Doctor Brown!" Sonia exclaimed trying to hail the group back. "I forgot to give you this!!" She quickly pulled out a medium sized brown paper bag from one of the shelves in the refrigerated glass case. "I packed you some of our famous cannolis. It's free of charge. Send my love to your boy. Hope he's feeling better soon."

"Thank you. I appreciate it. I'll let Ephram know your kind wishes." Andy said and accepted the gift.

They walked out of the store and headed for the car.

"You know, I don't think we've ever gotten this many free things in my life. Lately, that's all we've been getting. Every store we go into, my tab miraculously seems to be on the house. All I have to do is lug Ephram around with me." Andy said as he closed the car door. "He's my walking meal ticket. I find it a bit awkward – maybe even guilty a little – on how every time we go somewhere, we end up getting something for free. We certainly never asked for any of it but then it just feels funny. I don't mind it much. They're all just trying to be nice. But Ephram hates it. He doesn't believe in free lunches and certainly don't want anyone's charity."

"Everyone's touched by what happened to him. Like you said, they're just trying to be nice." Nina replied. "Ephram's got an independent mentally. He likes everything fair and square. Kinda gets it from you, I guess."

"Yea, I know." Andy laughed.

"Well, getting free stuff isn't always a bad thing." Nina pointed out.

"That's right!" Delia piped in spontaneously from the back seat. "Me and Ephram got free popcorn at the Cineplex last weekend – plus free refills on the Cokes!! Now how good is that!?"

"See?" Nina said to Andy as she thumbed comically at Delia.

It wasn't a bumpy ride back to the Brown residence but Nina balanced the cardboard cake box on her lap carefully so it did not shift around inside too much. The passing scenery gave Nina time to reflect on her current surroundings and came to the conclusion that life was good. She's had more shares of smiles than frowns lately. All she's ever wanted was stability and spending time with the Browns defined stability. She was grateful to be included in their activities. Although much pleasure was taken in their company, she respected their need for privacy at times so she and Sam made it a purpose not to tag along every time. Nina did not wish to suffocate them with her presence. She felt wanted and needed around them and that was good enough.

And Sundays were the best. They always did something together – whether it was a movie, a picnic lunch, flying a kite at the park, tea time and video games, or dining in or out. Andy and his kids got along great with Sam and she already hit it off with them. It was perfect. They were perfect.

"Race ya to my room." Delia challenged Sam when they entered the house. "Ready? Go!" She said quickly and gained a head start. She stomped up the stairs taking two steps at a time leaving Sam far behind.

"Hey! You cheater! That's not fair! I wasn't ready!" Sam complained and ran after her.

"Take it easy kids!!" Andy hollered up the stairs. He turned back to Nina, still with the Pudgies purchases in his hands. "They have so much energy."

Nina agreed with a nod of the head. "Andy, look. Someone's been busy here." She gestured to the dining room table. Apparently, Ephram had set the table in their absence. The kitchen and dining room light were on but the boy was nowhere to be found.

"See, this is what I mean. He's such a good kid." Andy said to Nina. "Ephram! Food's here!!" He called. He moved into the living room with his bags of food desperately looking for somewhere to drop his heavy load. "Ephram?" He called again but louder after hearing no reply.

"I'm here." The boy finally said. His voice sounded like it came from the kitchen but there was clearly no one in the kitchen.

Nina and Andy exchanged confused glances. "We hear you but we don't see you." Nina shouted as headed casually for the kitchen to put the ice cream cake in the freezer. "Where are you sweetie?" She added.

"Stop playing hide n seek and show yourself." Andy joked. "Usually, when he smells food, he comes running." He said to Nina as he trailed behind her with both hands full holding a total of three large white plastic Pudgie bags.

"Dad! I'm here." The boy called again. It sounded like his voice came from thin air.

"Ephram, how do you throw your voice like that? You gotta teach me how to do it sometime." Andy mocked.

Nina has used extreme caution with the cake since the first moment it was placed into her hands. She treated it like she would something super fragile. That was until she reached for the handle of the freezer door. Her eyes caught something moving on the floor, she turned her head to see what it was and nearly dropped the cake box entirely. Luckily, she maintained her balance and placed the box next to the kitchen sink.

"Oh my God! Ephram!! What are you doing on the floor???" Nina shrieked. "Andy!!! Come here!!!" She shouted anxiously.

Ephram was sprawled on the floor behind the kitchen counter island. He had fallen on his stomach and was struggling to get up. Nina rushed to Ephram's side immediately. Upon hearing Nina's scream, Andy dropped the bags onto the dining room table and scuttled over to her immediately.

"Can you help me get up?" Ephram pleaded.

"Ephram, don't move. Lie back down." Nina instructed as she held him down on the floor with a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Do you feel dizzy? Are you hurt? Did you faint?" She demanded.

"Nina." Ephram began.

"Son? Let me take a look at you." Andy knelt down and went on groping the boy's body to check for injuries. "This is why I was apprehensive about leaving you home by yourself. Somehow, I suspected something like this was going to happen. I don't know why I let you talk me into letting you by yourself."

"Dad. I'm ok. Really. Let me explain." Ephram began only to be cut off by Nina, who totally ignored his remark.

"And it's a good thing we came back when we did too. Andy, how is he? Is he alright? I don't like this string of fainting spells he's been having lately. Isn't there something you can prescribe him? Maybe the blood tests and CAT scans missed something. I'm worried now, Andy. Should I call an ambulance?" Nina interrupted.

"I don't need an ambulance." Ephram interjected but no one was paying attention to his comments.

"His health has been rocky these past few days. I don't understand why his tests came back clean and yet he's collapsing nearly every ten seconds." Andy exaggerated. "There is something seriously wrong with him and I intend to find out what it is." He quipped. "He seems especially weak all the time. I mean weaker than usual."

"But –"Ephram started but only to be cut off by Nina again.

"You know, maybe I SHOULD call an ambulance. In fact, I'll go do that right now. I can't stand to see him like this." Nina suggested. "What if he's alone the next time he passes out and we won't be there to help him."

"He's been under an enormous amount of stress lately. It doesn't go unnoticed. But I never suspected it would be this bad." Andy admitted.

"We've got to put a stop to his fainting." Nina said with determination.

"YOU GUYS!!!" Ephram hollered trying desperately to get their attention. And it worked because both Andy and Nina grew quiet and stared at the boy who was lying on his stomach and held down by the two adults. He felt like one of those baby calves being roped down at a rodeo. "Will you two can it and let me speak?" He demanded in annoyance.

Andy and Nina released their grasp on the boy and helped him sit up. He leaned against the cabinet under the sink.

"Ephram, we're only trying to do what's best for you. We can't have you fainting like this all the time. Whatever it is, it can't be good if you keep passing out. Your health is very important." Andy scolded.

"He's right. We're not mad at you for being sick. We just care about you and want you to be well. Maybe you need some special medicine to make you feel better. But we have to figure what the problem is first before we can administer a solution." Nina said.

"And until we know what's going on inside of you, we need to run the tests again." Andy spoke authoritatively.

"Dad, will you listen to me for a second?" Ephram breathed with frustration. "First of all, I know what it looks like, but I did not faint."

"You didn't?" Andy said exchanging a puzzled look with Nina.

"No. I was going to get the paper cups out of the cabinet and I tripped." Ephram explained.

"You tripped?" Nina's voice sounded skeptical yet relieved at the same time.

"Yea, do you know how hard it is for me to get up when I fall? My side still feel like mush." Ephram stated.

"You tripped." Andy repeated. "What did you trip over? Floor's not slippery."

Ephram darted his eyes nervously as the adults waited for a response.

"What's that Ephram? I can't hear you." Andy encouraged since the pause was a little too long for his liking.

"Myself. I tripped over my own pant leg." Ephram mumbled sheepishly and felt flustered at his own clumsiness.

"You did what?" Nina mused.

"Tripped over my pant leg." Ephram said slightly louder.

"You know, quite frankly, I'm not surprised. Just look at your jeans." Andy gestured to Ephram's current attire. "Those pants are a million sizes too big for you. The pant legs are way too long and wide. It doesn't fit you."

"Da-ad, will you stop already? It IS my size." Ephram whined. "This is fashion." He defended his super baggy jeans.

"No, it's not. The crotch of the pants is all the way down to your knees. It's no wonder you tripped." Andy said.

"You're exaggerating. It's not that low." Ephram fought back.

"The designer should be sued for creating a wardrobe hazard. How are you gonna run when there is an emergency?" Andy asked rhetorically.

"So, I'll take it off first, and then run, ok?" Ephram retorted in frustration. He attempted to get off the floor.

"Here, let me help you." Nina said while lending Ephram a hand. "Really, sweetheart, you ought to be more careful."

"I know. I told you I was a klutz and this proves that I am. I start off trying to be helpful but I end up being a nuisance instead." Ephram sighed dramatically hoping to have Nina eating out of his hands. "I can't win."

"Oh Ephram. Don't talk that way. You are very efficient. You've already helped us out a great deal and we just don't want you to strain yourself." Nina said before turning to Andy. "And you, you shouldn't yell at him all the time. He's just a kid. Maybe it's hard for you to see but at his age, he only wants to get with the program. You know, be updated. This is the style kids are wearing nowadays. We old folk will just have to grin and bear it." She continued.

"Nina, you're always taking his side." Andy pretended to feel hurt.

"Aw, Andy, don't you remember the 80's when everyone had the big hair and jeans riddled with holes because the ripped look was in? I don't know about you but I find it hard to forget my wild make-up, spandex legging, oversized sweater phase, with the big dangling earrings. All the girls wanted to look like Cyndi Lauper and all the boys wanted to look like Duran Duran. And how dorky did we look in the 70's?" Nina snickered.

"You have a good point there." Andy said and watched his son stand up.

"While you two have a flashback, I'm gonna go sit down." Ephram said. Andy eyed the boy walking towards the dining room chair.

"Ephram, are you alright?" Andy asked when he caught the boy rubbing his chest.

"Yea, fine." The boy replied as he pulled out a chair out and sat down. "Mmm, smells good. Did you get potato wedges?" He said as he looked into the bags on the table.

"Don't change the subject." Andy said making his way to the table. "You're rubbing your chest. What's wrong? Does it hurt?"

"It's nothing. I ran my ribs into the edge of the kitchen counter when I fell." Ephram shrugged.

"Let me see it." Andy insisted. Nina placed the ice cream cake into the freezer and made her way to the dining room table.

"It doesn't hurt anymore. It's nothing, really." The boy reasoned.

"I still want to see. Now, lift that shirt up." Andy demanded. Ephram obeyed and rolled his shirt up to reveal the aftermath of his wound.

He no longer sported bandages because he complained that they made him uncomfortable and itchy. Since Ephram's wounds have closed properly and with the majority healed, Andy gave his consent. There was no risk for infection from open flesh.

"Ephram." Nina gasped in horror as she stared at Ephram's bare chest. "Oh my God." Her eyes traveled from his chest to his face.

The skin slightly above Ephram's navel on his left side was bumpy and discolored from where several stitches were made. A patch of skin about the size of an opened palm was slightly raised when compared to the rest of his smooth body. The closure of the skin around it was a deep pink color indicating where the healing process had taken place. This new skin on his chest was a shade lighter than the tone of the rest of the area. The deformity served as a constant reminder of how much pain and suffering he went through as a result of the bear attack.

It was an ugly and repulsive sight, Ephram knew that. He picked at it every day when he showered. He often traced his index finger along the deep cracks of uneven skin. Then there were the endless hours of time spent topless in front of the mirror inspecting the extent of the scars and grafted skin on his chest and shoulder. Sometimes, he found himself dwelling on the grotesque nature of his mangled body. It was bad but he had to give a lot of the credit to Gwen for stitching him up the best she could. Everyone seemed to be amazed at what a wonderful job she did. They all applauded her, even Andy, so there must be some truth to it. Ephram realized that it could've looked worse and he was honestly grateful that Gwen was at the right place at the right time.

One time, Andy caught Ephram starring at the scars on his chest through the closet mirror of his room. Andy was heading to his room one night when he noticed Ephram's opened door. He saw a light escaping from the crack and felt compelled to poke his head into the room to see if the boy was ok. Ephram was in the process of changing his clothes when he became distracted with the scars. He stood in front of the mirror clad in just a pair of sweatpants. His eyes focused onto his chest. Andy could see the look of despair and gloom planted in his son's young face through the reflection in the mirror. Andy watched the boy trace the scars with his fingers. The boy's physique was not an overall pleasant one. As much as he had been eating lately, he was still thin as a rail. The scars only added to the unattractive appearance. Ephram couldn't help the way he looked. Andy heard the boy's heavy sigh. There was a sadness that burned in his heart seeing his son this way.

He knocked lightly on the door. Ephram spun around and when he saw his father standing in the doorway, he quickly grabbed his T-shirt off the bed and pulled it on. He was embarrassed of the way his body looked and didn't want anyone to see it. Andy asked if everything was alright, and Ephram confirmed that all was just peachy. Andy may not have been the perfect father and he may have been slow at times, but lately, he was learning and picking up things that he never would've noticed a year ago. He caught the lie in Ephram's voice almost immediately.

Andy knew certain rules of successful parenting. He'd been reading adolescent behavioral and psychology books supposedly written by top psychologists he's never heard of. This was his secret reading material every night when the kids were asleep and he retired to his room. How else was he going to get help on raising his kids? There was no one to ask or consult. He was on his own. In all of Andy's life, what he knew, he learned from reading books. Books were his direction and sometimes, he trusted them more than he trusted people. He had encountered a few flaws and challenges here and there, but in the end, the books have never failed him.

He asked Ephram if he may enter his room. (Rule number three: Respect his space and he will respect you.) Ephram's smart-ass reply was, "Sure, it's a free country and this IS your house, after all. You can enter any room you damn well please." Andy couldn't help but laugh.

Andy stepped into the boy's room and sat on his bed. He invited the boy to sit down next to him. Ephram obeyed. He waited for his father to start talking. Andy hit briefly on a few random subjects and made a few comments on the mind-boggling graphic posters plastered all over the walls. Andy didn't how to start talking about what he intended to talk about. But that was ok because Ephram already knew.

"You know, I'm never gonna look the same. This is me forever." Ephram stared down at his toes.

"Ephram..." Andy began.

"You don't have to say anything, dad. You don't have to comfort me. I knew from day one." Ephram's voice cracked. It sounded like he was about to cry.

"Son, it's still too early to tell. The truth is, the scars won't go away completely but within time, they will blend in with your skin and become less noticeable. Maybe five or ten years down the line – can't make promises – but – "Andy stopped when he saw Ephram quickly brush away a few tears that escaped from his eyes. "Oh hey, Ephram." He soothed.

"I'm alright. I'm fine. No big deal." The boy said strongly. He tried to hold back the tears at least until his father left. "It doesn't matter how I look, as long as I'm healthy, right?"

"That's right. Scars don't change things. Me and Delia are still crazy about you. We love you regardless."

"Yea, I know." Ephram played with a loose thread on the hem of his long T-shirt. He grew quiet for the next few seconds. Andy gave his son a good-natured nudge on the elbow.

"What are you thinking?" Andy said hoping to provoke the boy to talk.

"Oh nothing much, I guess." Ephram shrugged. "It's just my occasional I-feel-sorry-for-my-ass moment. I think how I'll never be able to take off my shirt in public without feeling the awkward stares. I don't suppose I'll ever go swimming or to the beach again." The boy's tone started off strong but ended up shaky. "Who would want to look at my chewed up flesh? I know I wouldn't. Sometimes, I say it doesn't matter but it really does matter. I can't imagine how it would be like in gym class. There is no way to hide from the showers. Kids'll stare and point and whisper. And it's hard because I didn't ask to be like this." Ephram heaved a quivering sigh. He quickly dug his fingers into his eyes to hold the tears in.

"Ephram, life doesn't stop because of a few scars. You'll still be able to go swimming and do all those things you used to do and more. Of course, it'll take time for you to feel comfortable with the way you look. I know it's not easy. Nobody said it was." Andy spoke softly. "If people look, it's only because they don't understand. They're curious and want to know but don't want to ask for whatever reasons. You can't blame them. They're only human after all. And don't think for a second that everyone sees you as a monster because they don't. I'll tell you now that there is no one – absolutely no one – in this town that doesn't feel for you."

"I know it. I guess I needed to be reminded." The boy sniffled. "Sometimes I feel like God is punishing me."

"Punishing you? Now, that's the most absurd thing I've ever heard! You are such a good kid, why would God punish you? If anything, He was punishing ME. He almost took you away. But God showed mercy. He didn't take you. I'm glad He didn't." Andy smiled at his teary-eyed son.

"I wish – I wish I didn't have this huge scar on my body." Ephram muttered.

"Aw, a scar is just a scar. It doesn't decide who you are as a person. Ephram, you're a sweet, gentle, caring, and passionate kid with a big heart. You're smart and cunning, energetic and funny. That's what everyone likes most about you. Scars don't change that. People like you for you." Andy said. "Even when you're trying to be a wise-ass. Take it from me, I have to deal with it on a daily basis." He sighed jokingly.

Ephram's big moist eyes blinked at his father.

"But you know, I wouldn't have it any other way." Andy added. "Life would be dull without some drama. Ephram, you are the glue that holds this family together. I admire you."

"You admire me?" Ephram quit crying.

"Yea. You probably didn't know that." Andy smiled. "I must admit that I totally underestimated you in the beginning. But after this whole mess, you proved yourself worthy of being admired. Don't get me wrong – I always knew you had a little bold streak in you but it never occurred to me what you were capable of - until lately. I'm proud of you. I'm proud to have you as my son." He said. "I know you're tired of everybody telling you how brave and courageous they all think you were. I don't blame you. It gets old and tiresome after a while. And I know you never meant for things to turn out this way. You were only protecting Delia. That was your goal. You've always put her first – even before yourself. I get that now. Delia considers you her very own guardian angel. You're her hero. You're my hero too." Andy concluded.

"Really? I'm your hero?" Ephram looked up with a tiny smile forming on his lips.

"Never thought that was possible, huh?" Andy admitted without reluctance. "I can learn a lot from you. In fact, everyone can learn from you. Don't you ever see yourself as anything less than extraordinary. Ephram, you hardly give yourself enough credit sometimes. Why don't you just cut yourself some slack and don't be so modest all the time. It's ok to allow yourself some fame and glory – as long as it doesn't go to your head, you should be fine. You've got a bright future. So, don't let scars take over your life."

"Ok." Ephram vouched.

"Try not to be so miserable about it ok? I hate to see you depressed." Andy patted Ephram on the knee.

"I'll try." He gave his father a grin.

"That's my boy." Andy said affectionately.

The rosy color in Nina's cheeks disappeared as she looked at Ephram in shock. She had an impression that his wounds were bad but this was literally the first time she'd seen his bare chest. Since Ephram had been released from the hospital, Andy had been the one to change the bandages. It was a routine – once in the morning and once at night. No one else got to see what became of his wound from the moment he left the hospital.

"It's really not that bad, Nina." Ephram offered.

"Does it hurt?" Nina gasped referring to the old wound. Ephram held up the hem of his shirt up to his chin.

"Show me where you got hit when you fell." Andy shot at Ephram.

"Here." Ephram touched a spot on his ribcage. "It's sore sometimes. And sometimes, I get a pinching feeling because of muscle cramps but it's nothing I can't handle. It used to wake me up at night. The pills I've been taking help." He described to Nina.

"You're still suffering." Nina said with empathy. She looked like as if she might snatch the poor boy into her arms for a comforting hug. "Forgive me for staring but I never imagined it to be so – so..." She was at a lost for words to describe her feeling.

"Deformed? Vulgar? Repulsive? A nauseating carcass too disgusting for even vultures to pick at?" He exaggerated as his father pressed his coarse fingers against his soft skin.

"I was thinking more like – blemished." Nina cleared her throat nervously.

"It's ok. You don't have to be so honest." He said ironically. "It's like a treasure map. See, X marks the spot." He pointed jokingly to a slightly deeper indentation in his skin.

"I'm glad you're taking it so casually." Nina smiled awkwardly. "How's your shoulder then?"

Ephram gave a grunt when his father touched the sensitive spot. "Dad!!" The boy whined. He swallowed loudly. "My shoulder's ok, I think. I've been exercising the muscles of my left arm a lot. That squeezie ball that Gwen gave me really helps. It's great. I use it everyday and the strength in my arm and hand is getting stronger. I can play Copland pretty damn well on the piano." He raved.

"Well Andy?" Nina asked impatiently.

"He's going to be a bit bruised but other than that, it's nothing serious." Andy diagnosed and rolled his son's shirt back down.

"Isn't it convenient to have a doctor who lives in the same house?" Ephram kidded.

"Yea, especially since this one is always being so careless." Andy said.

"Alright! I'm starved. What's in these bags? Looks like you guys bought enough to feed an army." Ephram stuck his nose into the bags on the table and pretended to be interesting in the food.

"Notice how he changes the subject whenever he knows there's gonna be a lecture." Andy said to Nina, who raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"Honey, why don't you let us do that?" Nina offered when Ephram had started taking the contents out of the first bag. "Just sit there and relax."

"Where are the potato wedges?" Ephram demanded hungrily while rummaging each bag to find his item.

"It's here." Nina said producing a medium sized rectangular paper box from the bag nearest her and handed it to Ephram.

Andy went into the kitchen and retrieved a big round flat glass plate from the cupboard to hold the chicken. Nina was placing the pieces of chicken onto the plate when Ephram opened the box of potato wedges for a sneak taste. A single potato wedge, which got caught between the top flaps, did a somersault when Ephram opened the box and bounced off the table. Landing right next to the table leg on the floor, Ephram spotted it and quickly made a lunge for the escaping potato wedge. He snatched it off the floor and stuck it into his mouth.

"Oh Ephram! You shouldn't eat that!! We have plenty." Nina exclaimed in disgust.

"What?" Ephram said innocently as he chewed.

"You shouldn't eat stuff that fell on the floor. It has all sorts of dust and dirt attached to it. It should have been thrown away." Nina said.

"Oh, you don't know the three-second rule!" Ephram replied with an amazed voice after swallowing the food in his mouth.

"Three-second rule?" Nina repeated and looked quizzically at Andy.

"Beats me." Andy shrugged. "Maybe it's one of those secret teenage things that you're not supposed to know."

"Ok, what's a three-second rule?" Nina asked Ephram curiously.

"The three-second rule says that dropped food is still edible if it is picked up before three seconds is over." Ephram spoke like as if Nina was the only one in the world who didn't know the famous "three-second" rule. "See, less than three seconds means the food is technically still good. After three seconds, the food is not salvageable anymore."

"What?! That has got to be the most absurd thing I've ever heard in my entire life!!" Nina shouted humorously. "And who told you this rule?"

"That information cannot be disclosed." Ephram said as he grabbed another potato wedge from the box.

"Which means, he made it up himself." Andy justified.

"No, that's not what I mean." The boy objected.

"Ephram, you do realize that whether or not you pick up the food within three seconds, it doesn't change the fact that it still touched the floor, right?" Nina eyed him suspiciously.

"Yea, I know." Ephram said with a full mouth.

"So your three-second rule is not logical." Nina ruled out. "From now on, please don't eat stuff you dropped on the floor, ok sweetie? No matter how clean the floor may appear, it's still got germs and who knows what else that'll make you sick. Alright?" She added motherly.

Ephram looked at his father, who gave him an I-told-you-so look. The boy turned back to Nina.

"Fine." He said while rolling his eyes. In a way, he was glad to have someone like Nina to nag him on what he should or should not do.

The talk around the dinner table revolved around Ephram's second favorite subject – New York. His first favorite subject lately was a tie between Gwen and Angelina Jolie. As much as he liked talking about it, when the subject was brought up, he preferred to keep certain things a secret. New York always had a place in Ephram's heart. He missed it terribly, but he remembered what Gwen told him - take with you the good memories, release the bad ones, make a fresh start, meet new friends, and establish new traditions. He knew she was right. It took someone like Gwen to make him realize he had been doing ok all along.

Nina's never been to New York. In fact, she's never ventured out of the state much. Everwood was all she ever knew. Born and raised in Everwood, Nina did not have a reason to relocate. All her family and friends lived there. Everwood was filled with childhood memories and familiar faces around every corner. Some would think it to be quite mundane but to Nina, it was comforting and reliable. She went to school with all types of kids. They boiled down to three categories: 1) those who hated Everwood and would leave in a heartbeat, given the chance. 2) Those that didn't care one way or the other. 3) Those that chose to stay and make a life in the town they've grown to know and love. Nina fell into category three. She's spent her entire life in Everwood. It was her hometown and she was proud of it. She knew the town like the back of her hand. There was not a single part of the whole town she did not know or have not seen.

Of course, she often wondered about the world outside her picturesque town. She was amazed at all the exhilarating city stories Ephram brought to the table. One of the reasons she liked the Browns so much was because they were new and in a way, they were like a breath of fresh air blowing in from the east. Hearing the city adventures and highlights sparked an interest and made her curiosity and enthusiasm grow. It brought her excitement, fear, and pure joy. It was like reading a good book only better. She had so many questions about New York but Ephram was the perfect gentleman and explained everything thoroughly.

Ephram talked about the reliable but filthy subway system, the endless sea of yellow taxi cabs swarming the streets, and the scores of people that crowded the sidewalks like ants storming the picnic grounds in dire search for food. Ephram loved telling the story of a time not too long ago when he witnessed a mugging on the streets of Manhattan. He relayed the occurrence step by step and with such vivid detail that only one who was there could have noticed. Nina did not doubt Ephram for one second.

For some reason, the boy didn't find the mugging frightening. Especially since he got to witness one of New York's finest in action. A cop, who happened to be around the corner, chased the perpetrator down the street. The cop tackled the mugger onto the pavement and cuffed the guy's hands behind his back. Ephram thought it was cool. It was pure New York City action. This incident only happened roughly a year before Ephram's mother's passing.

It happened some time in the month of October because Ephram remembered the tacky Halloween decoration that adorned the windows. It was a Tuesday and school had let out hours ago. He was thirteen years old. Ephram spent the entire afternoon at the library cramming for information on a history paper that was due the next day. The sky was getting dark and Park Avenue fell into the shadows. Regardless of how late it was getting, he stopped by a convenience store for a soda. He was walking out of the store with a Coke in hand when he heard a shriek and stopped dead in his tracks. The sharp scream came from a woman about half a block down, where some of the stores had closed for the day. Apparently, a shady fellow in a hooded sweatshirt forced the woman into a corner and robbed her at knife-point – took her whole wallet out of her purse on the spot. The woman looked rich. She had a wealthy air about her. The Louis Vuitton handbag and Armani leather pea coat kind of gave it away. But after all, it was Park Avenue and the rich weren't totally unexpected to be milling around the area in their expensive threads.

A uniform cop a block away heard her scream and came running. The mugger sped passed Ephram, almost knocking him over entirely. The cop ran shortly after, whizzing by Ephram. The boy watched in awe as the cop gave chase. The hot pursuit came to an end the next block when the cop tackled the mugger and brought him down onto the pavement. He disarmed and handcuffed the mugger. The officer then radioed for backup. It was just like watching NYPD Blue on TV. The woman got her wallet back and the mugger was arrested. A full report was in the works. Ephram saw it all.

"WHAT?! The guy had a knife?! Ephram!! He could have stabbed you if you were in his way. You should've gone back into the store the minute you knew something was wrong. Why were you standing there watching? You could've gotten hurt." Nina gasped after Ephram told the story.

"That's exactly what my mom said when I told her." Ephram marveled at the coincidence.

"Well, she was absolutely right." Nina puffed. "There are a lot of crazy people out there and there's no telling what they might do. You kids are so busy thinking about how cool and glamorous it is to watch a police chase when you fail to realize how much danger you're putting yourselves in. Did it ever occur to you that you could get caught in the crossfire? It's not a TV show. It's the real deal."

"Oh Nina." Ephram sighed in annoyance. It was identical to the way he used to say "oh mom" when his mother had given him the same lecture. Ephram smiled when he realized this. He was getting used to Nina.

"Sweetie, I know you don't like to hear the spiel but I only say it because I care about your safety." Nina responded.

"I know." Ephram grinned. "I was young at the time. I didn't think. You know how kids are." He said making himself sound much older than he really is. "But you can relax because I know better now." He reassured.

"Oh yea, he's fifteen going on twenty five." Andy gave Nina a wink and took a sip of his soda. She returned the wink with a smile. It truly amused Andy when Ephram starts talking like he was an adult.

The ice cream cake after dinner really hit the spot. It was like a happy ending to a story. Nothing beats a sweet treat. All three kids had two slices. The adults watched the three kids at the dining room table quietly enjoying ice cream. Something about the magic of ice cream brought peace to the table. Nina noticed that the moment ice cream was dished out, all argument and discrepancies around the table were silenced. The children got along and all was well. Ice cream is what the world needed more of these days. Nina insisted on cleaning up afterwards but Andy shooed her out of the kitchen and made it clear that he was going to tidy up later. Nina was one of those neat freaks and hated seeing a mess on the kitchen counter. But she let it go since it was Andy's house.

The rest of the evening was a bit of relaxation for everyone. Andy and Nina had coffee and watched the news together while the kids went into the den for several rounds of Super Mario Brothers. It was the perfect ending to the day. Ephram was sad to see Nina and Sam go home. It wasn't like they were separated between miles, but he was having so much fun that he wished the day would never end. Nina and Sam lived just a few paces away – the conveniences of being a next door neighbor certainly had advantages. Ephram knew he was going to see them the next day, but he wanted Nina and Sam to stay the night. Though, that step was probably too soon for Andy. And Ephram didn't want to make things awkward for his father. As much as he wanted to speed things up, he knew he couldn't be hasty in the relationship between his father and Nina. Stuff like that doesn't happen over night. Ephram was in for a big surprise.

A small smile kept creeping onto Andy's face as he was clearing the garbage off the kitchen counter. Ephram, who was putting leftover chicken and miscellaneous items away, couldn't help but notice.

"Alright, what's going on?" Ephram said. He placed a cover on the Tupperware holding the mashed potatoes. "If you got something to say, then say it."

"Can I tell you something?" Andy said hesitantly.

"Sure, son. You can tell me anything. Unless it has something to do with sex, then I don't need or want to hear it." Ephram joked in a deep voice imitating his father. He pulled the refrigerator door open and got down on his knees to look for space to put the container of mashed potatoes. He placed it on one of the bottom shelves on top of another plastic container.

"Ephram." Andy said slowly. "I asked her out."

Stunned, Ephram stopped in his tracks and got up. With the refrigerator door still open behind him, he looked at his father. "What did you say?" The boy asked in a dumbfounded stupor. His heart raced at the excitement.

"I asked her out." Andy smiled coolly.

"W-who?" The boy stuttered quizzically. His eyes grew large.

"Who." Andy mimicked. "You sound like an owl. Who do you think? Nina. I asked her out."

"You mean like on a real date?" He eyed his father suspiciously to see if he was kidding around. Andy appeared way too calm to be joking. Ephram's face turned into one of complete mirth and gave his dad a Jack-o-lantern smile. "Oh my God, you're not kidding, are you?" Ephram gasped in excitement. "When?" He pressed.

"Why don't you close the refrigerator door first?" Andy laughed at his son's sudden burst of animation. Ephram slammed the door shut without ever turning his face away from his father. "You know that you look real cute when you get that surprised look on your face. Your eyes get all big and glossy. Girls will go crazy for that look." Andy chuckled.

"Dad, stop goofing around!" Ephram pouted before changing his expression. "So? When did you ask her?"

"The opportunity came when you kids went into the den for video games. It was somewhere between a Phillip's milk of magnesia commercial and the five-day weather forecast – I think." Andy replied.

"Gee, that's real romantic dad." Ephram said ironically. "So, she said yes??" He asked excitedly.

"Of course she said yes or we wouldn't be having this conversation."

"Great!! When's your date?"

"Tomorrow night." Andy began.

"Don't worry about Delia and Sam. I can baby-sit." Ephram volunteered. "You just concentrate on having fun."

"Oh, it's just Delia. Nina's mom is going to watch Sam. Nina didn't want to impose on you."

"So, tomorrow night, huh?" Ephram grinned. "What are you wearing?"

"Dunno. Haven't decided yet."

"You know that green and blue plaid shirt – the one with the bone buttons?" Ephram said eagerly.

"Yea – I know the one." Andy nodded in recognition.

"Well, don't wear that one. It's hideous as hell. It should be burned." The boy said.

"Ephram – "

"If you're wearing the blue shirt – the one with the pocket over here." Ephram pointed to the upper left hand side of his chest. "Don't wear navy slacks – or else you'll end up looking like a Smurf. And that red Rugby shirt that you have is totally outdated. You should definitely not wear that either. And – and don't wear checks or stripes – it makes people dizzy when they look at it too long and you don't want that to happen on a date."

"You don't have to tell me what I should or shouldn't wear. I'm an adult."

"Hmm. I think a nice gray dress shirt with black trousers and a blazer will do just fine." Ephram rubbed his chin in thought as he sized his father up from head to toe. "But we gotta do something with that hair – like gel it back or gel it up or something."

"Ok, wait a minute. Are you going on this date or am I? I think I can manage to throw together an outfit." Andy shot back humorously.

"Come on dad, this is serious. You can't blow your chance."

"Is that what you're afraid of?" He laughed. "Look, we're only going to dinner and a movie. It's not a black tie event. It's gonna be real casual."

"You know Nina's gonna look pretty. So, you have to give some effort into looking pleasant too – even if it is a dinner and a movie." Ephram followed Andy into the living room.

"Fine, I was thinking jeans and a polo t-shirt."

"Jeans?" Ephram said in disapproval.

"What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing – if you want to look like a bum." The boy shrugged.

"Ephram, you're blowing this whole thing out of proportion. It's just a date. If she's gonna like me, she's gonna like me for ME – not for my clothes. Besides, it's Nina we're talking about here. We know each other so well already. It's practically a hangout – not even a "DATE" date." Andy ranted a bit too harshly.

Ephram looked hurt in reaction to his father's callous tone of voice. He was, after all, just as excited as Andy was about the big date. Andy knew his son was only trying to help. He suddenly felt sorry for speaking to his son that way.

"Look, I know you share in my excitement." Andy began. "This dating stuff is new to me and I'll probably need your help and moral support. I'm sorry I snapped at you. I didn't mean to be so blunt."

"It's ok." The boy mumbled. "I just wanted you to look good."

"I know you mean well." Andy said. He gazed at his son, who looked like he was going to cry. "Tell me what you suggest I wear. I'm sure we can come to an agreement on something. You want to go through my closet and see what we can dig up?" Andy finally gave in. His son wanted to be involved so badly that it would be unfair to shut him out completely. "Come on." He motioned his hand for Ephram to follow him. "Tell ya what, it's only 10 pm. You're not tired yet, are you?"

"No. I'm wide awake now." Ephram said truthfully.

"Your sleep is important but maybe we can look for the next half hour or so." Andy suggested. "You want to do that?"

"Ok." Ephram agreed. "So, what movie are you guys gonna see?" He asked as they climbed up the stairs.

"Haven't decided yet. I think I'll let Nina pick." Andy replied.

"Good call." Ephram said in approval.

The final settlement on the suitable attire consisted of a button down red, khaki, and white plaid shirt with pleated khaki trousers, a denim jacket, and brown leather lace-up Dr. Martens. It only took two hours of convincing. Time was slipping away and Andy was running late. He was scheduled to "pick up" Nina promptly at 7:00 pm but Ephram talked his father into thinking he had more time because, as convenience would have it, Nina lived next door.

"Are you sure you're gonna be alright by yourself?" Andy asked Ephram in a worried tone.

"Dad! We went over that already. Everything's gonna be fine. I promise I won't burn the house down." Ephram said. "Hey, I thought you trusted me."

"It's not a matter of trust. I'm just worried about your health. What if you get sick again and there won't be anyone here?" Andy said as he fixed the collar or his jacket.

"I'm not gonna get sick. You'll only be gone for a few hours. What could possibly happen??" Ephram pointed out.

"Yea, don't worry dad, I'll take care of Ephram." Delia said hoping down the stairs.

"Good. You keep him out of trouble, ok?" Andy said while giving Delia a hug.

"Waitaminute, who's babysitting who now?" Ephram mocked.

"No problem dad. I can handle him." Delia replied saintly.

"I knew I can count on you!" Andy bent over and gave Delia a kiss on the cheek.

"Dad, you better get going." Ephram finally suggested.

"You're sure you'll be ok?" Andy asked again on his way out the door.

"Yea. We're gonna order pizza and watch a movie. It's gonna be fun." The boy said.

"You'll call if anything – "Andy began.

"Yes, I'll call you if there's an emergency." Ephram cut in. "I swear." He added. Andy smiled at his son.

Given other circumstances, the boy would've reeked of mischief. But after what happened, the kid didn't seem to have all of the naughty-rule breaking-rebellious-wise cracking streak back in him. Maybe it was a sign of maturity, or maybe it went away with the injury. Whatever it was, Andy was a little relieved and this made the boy more trustworthy. It broke Andy's heart every time he looked into those big glassy eyes. All the awful stuff came back and it reminded him of how horrible things were a few months ago. No one knew it, but it was his weak spot.

"Alright. No wild parties while I'm gone, ok?" Andy joked.

"Wouldn't dream of it." Ephram shook his head. "Now hurry up. Nina's waiting."

"Ok, how do I look?" Andy said as he glanced into the hall mirror one last time.

"You look perfect!" Delia exclaimed.

"Thank you, my darling. You always say the right things." He landed another kiss on top of Delia's head. "Where are my keys?" Andy suddenly remembered. He patted his pockets in search of his keys.

"They're here." Ephram said calmly as he dangled a chewed up rubber Commerce Bank key ring in the air.

"Thanks." Andy grabbed the set of keys and stuffed them into his pocket. "I have my keys. I have my wallet." He patted the back pocket of his trousers. "I have my cell phone." He reached in his breast pocket. It was his pre-date check. Ephram could tell his father was a bit nervous.

"Dad, it'll be fine." Ephram encouraged.

"Yep. I know and thank you for the vote of confidence." Andy replied as the kids rushed him out the door.

"Don't mention it." Ephram answered. "Don't worry about us."

"I'll try to come home a bit earlier." Andy said.

"Like hell you won't. Stay out as long as you like. We'll be ok, right Delia?" Ephram retorted.

"Yep!" Delia agreed with a nod.

Andy walked half way across the porch when he turned around to find Ephram and Delia still standing in the doorway. Ephram had an arm around across Delia's shoulders. At that moment, he was reminded just how lucky he was to have kids like Ephram and Delia. They gave him support and understanding.

"I love you guys." He said feeling like Cinderfella being whisked off to the ball.

"We love you too, dad." Ephram responded.

"Have fun!" Delia exclaimed. Ephram and Delia watched their father's car pull out of the driveway before closing the front door.

Ephram and Delia spent the rest of the evening gorging on delivered pizza and watching rented DVDs of "Chicken Run" and "Monsters, Inc." Ephram picked these two movies because they were suitable for eight year olds and Delia hadn't seen either one of them yet. He definitely didn't want to pick something violent or scary, which in the end, will only result in giving Delia nightmares. Even then, Ephram protected his sister.

After putting Delia to bed, Ephram went back downstairs into the living room and played the DVD he rented for himself – "Van Helsing." He was considerate of Delia sleeping upstairs so he used caution in keeping the volume low. Whether the volume was high or low, it didn't make a difference because Ephram wasn't really paying attention to the movie. It was about 11 pm and Ephram was already anxious for his father to come home. He couldn't wait to hear the details of how the date went. Each time he heard a passing car come down the street, he felt compelled to look out the window to see if it was his dad.

When Andy finally did return, he found the living room lamp on. He also found the TV still turned on. Apparently, the DVD that was playing had ended and all that was showing now was a blank blue screen. He spotted the body of a sleeping Ephram who was uncomfortably sprawled on the couch with a copy of a Car & Driver magazine opened to about the middle and overturned on top of the boy's chest. Andy shook his head in amazement. The boy was waiting up for him.

Andy went over to the coffee table and took the remote control. He switched the TV off and then removed the magazine from his son's chest.

"Ephram. Hey Ephram." Andy called softly.

"Hmm?" Ephram's reply came sleepily.

"It's time to go to bed." Andy said. He took a seat next to Ephram's stretched out body on the couch.

"Dad?" Ephram muttered. "You're home. What time is it?" He grumbled.

"It's after 1." Andy replied. "I told you not to wait up for me."

"After 1?! Then I guess it was a good date." The boy said and rubbed his eyes. "Want to hear about it. How did it go?" He sat up, suddenly attentive.

"I'll tell you tomorrow. It's time for you to go to bed now." Andy insisted.

"No, tell me now. C'mon, please?" Ephram begged. "I waited all night. And I'm not tired."

"Alright, but only if you promise to go right to bed."

"I promise." Ephram smiled. "So? Was it good? Be honest."

"Yes. It was better than good. I took Nina to The Red Lantern – that new Thai restaurant that opened on Main Avenue. The food was amazing. Gotta take you and Delia there sometime. The shrimp pad Thai and the lemon grass beef were the best."

"Sounds delicious. What did you guys talk about?"

"Oh, lots of things. We talked about books, politics, movies, music, you know – the stuff you normally talk about on dates. But a funny thing is that no matter what the subject of conversation we pick up, it always brings us back to one thing. You, Delia, and Sam. It's weird. I know."

"I'm flattered." Ephram batted his eyes in humor.

"The after dinner, we went to see Ladder 49 at the Cineplex."

"You picked Ladder 49 over The Grudge??" Ephram said in disbelief.

"Nina doesn't like horror flicks and neither do I. It's something about being scared out of your wits doesn't make it too appealing."

"How was the movie?"

"It was alright. It lacked something. I enjoyed Nina's company more. I found out she was a Travolta fan. Afterwards, we took a nice long walk, had some coffee, and talked some more."

"So, it was a success!" Ephram's eyes lit up.

"I guess you could say that." Andy laughed.

"Did you kiss her?" Ephram was curious.

"Ephram!!" Andy said not wanting to reveal too much to his teenaged son.

"Alright, alright. I get the picture. When's the second date?"

"The second official date is Friday night." Andy answered. "But we'll see her tomorrow anyway."

"I like Nina. She's cool." Ephram replied.

"I'm glad you approve." Andy placed an arm around the boy's shoulders and gave him a good-humored pull. "So, how were things at home? Did Delia give you a hard time?"

"Things were normal. Nothing out of the ordinary. Delia's always an angel. She can never be difficult to handle. I put her to bed after Monster Inc. I tucked her in, gave her a kiss good night and she's sleeping like a baby." Ephram said, not minding his father's affectionate arm on his shoulders at all.

"Yea? That's good." Andy said. "And how were you?" He said after a pause.

"I was ok." Ephram answered.

"You sure?" Andy eyed the boy carefully.

"Well, yea. Other than the nose bleed, everything was fine."

"Nose bleed? You had a nose bleed?" Andy said. Ephram could sense the worry in his father's tone.

"It was no big deal. I didn't even know my nose was bleeding until Delia told me. We were watching Chicken Run. It was the part where the chickens were beefing up on their martial art moves. It was real funny. So we laughed and when she looked at me, she kinda freaked out. I knew I felt something wet in my nose but I thought it was just mucus so I didn't pay much attention to it. Delia gave me a start when I saw her cute innocent face turn from joy into horror in a blink of an eye. She pointed to my face and told me I was bleeding. It was then that a few drops of blood fell from my nose and landed on my shirt. I touched my nose and all this blood appeared on my hand. I went to the bathroom to wash up and Delia never left my side. You know, making sure that I didn't pass out or anything while I was in the bathroom. I think seeing the blood brought back certain memories." Ephram described casually. "I went back to the couch, pinched my nose with a tissue and leaned my head back for a few minutes and it stopped. I think I swallowed some blood that dripped down my throat because I tasted something salty. Totally gross."

"You didn't think to call me?"

"It was just a nose bleed, dad. It's not what I would call an emergency. Besides, in case you haven't forgotten, Everwood is 7,210 feet above sea level. I figured I'm not used to the high altitude change. It's hard for someone who comes from a place like New York where we WERE at sea level. A nose bleed isn't unnatural. Delia wanted to call you but I told her not to."

"Was it a really heavy nose bleed?" Andy inquired taking a look at the smear of dried blood on the front of Ephram's shirt.

"Um, kind of medium, I guess." The boy said.

"Delia was right. You should have called me." Andy said.

"I didn't want to ruin your night. Knowing you, if I called, you'd come running home immediately - even for a little nose bleed." Ephram reasoned. "What's wrong?" He asked looking into the worried face of his father.

"It's not unusual that your bloody nose could have been acquired from all the drugs you've been taking lately – the antibiotics, the pain killers, the tranquilizers for your nerves. It could be the start of something serious."

"You mean like side effects?" The boy asked.

"Yes. Have you had a nose bleed before?"

"No, this is the first time." Ephram reported. "Honest."

"Well, if it happens again, you let me know. Is that clear?" He said firmly.

"Yes." Ephram's little voice shook.

"I'm just looking out for you. Delia's strong as an ox. It's you that I worry about. All the medical procedures, tests, and drugs have taken a lot out of you. It's worn your body down. Maybe you don't know it or believe it. But I'm a doctor - I know what's going on. Did you know how scared I was when I saw you lying unconscious on the floor of my clinic?"

"I know, dad." The boy leaned his head on Andy's shoulder. "I'm sorry." Andy threw his arm around the boy and gave him a squeeze – sort of a semi-hug.

"It's not your fault. It just builds on my fear to think that something like that can happen again. All the pain and frustrations you go through – I wish I can take some of it away. You are so important to me."

"You're important to me too." Ephram tightened his bony arm around his father's waist. Andy smoothed the boy's hair. "I know it's late but can we just sit here for a while?" The boy requested.

"Sure." Andy replied. He had all the time in the world for his son. Sometimes, it was obvious how much the boy needed his attention. Andy savored rare moments like these. He placed a kiss on top of the boy's head. "You're a sweet kid. Nina's crazy about you."

"I really like her a lot." Ephram replied.

Andy rubbed the boy's back in a stroking motion. The room was still and the only sound was the ticking of the wall clock.

"Dad?" Ephram finally broke the silence.

"Yea, baby?"

"When we make our trip back to New York in July, can we take Nina and Sam with us? They've never seen New York. I'm sure they would love it. Besides, Leo would like to meet her. He only caught a few glimpses of her when he came to visit me when I was in the hospital. He was never officially introduced."

"Leo? How did Leo get into all this?"

"We email." Ephram said. "I tell him stuff."

"In other words, you talk about me." Andy laughed.

"Not all the time. I keep him posted. He knows how great Nina is and how much you like her." Ephram giggled.

"Is that so?" Andy raised his voice.

"So, can we? Can we invite Nina and Sam to come with us?" Ephram asked again. "Please? I'm sure she'll say yes. It'll be so much fun." The boy looked at Andy with big round anxious eyes.

"Well see what happens." Andy gave a wholehearted laugh.

Ephram was getting attached to Nina. Surprisingly enough, so was Andy. It was a rather pleasant feeling - even though they would never admit it to each other. Ephram and Andy both shared the same feelings about many things but neither one would be likely to start that conversation. At times, they both felt guilty for loving someone else. Nina could never replace the devoted wife and loving mother that Julia had once been to Andy and Ephram. But something inside father and son told them it was time to let go. It was time to move on with life. It was time to be happy. Julia would've wanted that.

Andy never thought he could feel this way about someone other than Ephram's mother. It was refreshing and life seemed worth living again. The world of dating was suddenly new to him. He hadn't dated anyone other than Julia in twenty years. He was out of practice. Rules and regulations have evolved and he had to learn them all over again. With his son's help, he'll do just fine.

"Nina's never ridden a subway train before. Can you believe it?" Ephram exclaimed in astonishment.

"Well, a lot of people have never ridden a subway train." Andy said. "You and I are the fortunate ones."

"She seems very excited about wanting to ride a subway train. She would love New York." Ephram reiterated. "Can you bring it up on your date on Friday? You know, talk to her? Tell her it'll be like a vacation. Delia is cool with the idea. We talked about it already." He looked his father in the eye. How could Andy refuse the look that his son was giving him? The boy always looked like as if any minute he was going to burst into tears. Ephram was becoming more and more fragile and sensitive. He was hard to turn down.

"Alright. If it means that much to you. I'll see what I can do." Andy finally said.

"But it has to come from you. You can't say I'm the one that wants her to come. You have to say you want her to come." Ephram advised.

"Ok, master of the scheme. I get it." Andy ruffled the boy's hair lightly. "I'll ask her."

"You're the best." The boy said.

The room was quiet for a short while before Andy started talking again.

"So, do you still get the shakes?" Andy asked curiously after watching Ephram's long fingers playing with the buttons on his shirt. He wanted to know everything.

"It's not as bad as it used to be. It usually catches me off guard. It's mostly my hands. They tremble a little when I get nervous." Ephram replied.

"How's the bump on the back of your head?"

"It's fine."

"And the nightmares?"

"I've been nightmare-free for four days now." Ephram said like if it was a big accomplishment. "By the looks of things, one of them is probably due tonight."

"You know where to go if you need to." Andy said. "My door's always open."

"I know."

Although Ephram's night terrors have diminished, they resurface on occasions. And when they do, it torments the boy tremendously. Four nights in a row without a single nightmare – or at least one that he could recall – was breaking the record. He couldn't go on one whole week without at least one episode. Andy was the backbone that supported Ephram in his weakest moment.

Coincidentally, Andy was awakened one night by uneasy dreams. He decided to take a stroll to the bathroom to calm his nerves and splash some cold water on his face. On his way to the bathroom, he heard whimpering sounds coming from Ephram's bedroom. He opened the boy's door slowly. The sniffles became louder.

Through the limelight of a street lamp, Andy was able to see Ephram's figure huddled in a seated position on his bed. Ephram had his eyes covered with his hands, sobbing as quietly as possible. It was apparent that another nightmare had taken its toll on Ephram's emotions. Andy called the boy's name. The boy did not look up.

Andy called again but stayed by the doorway. He did not want to make any sudden movements that would startle the boy. He remembered that terrifying night in the kitchen when Ephram went ballistic with a mere touch. Something triggered Ephram's nerves to go haywire that night. It left him with a temporary memory lapse. He had no knowledge of who he was, where he was, or what was going on. It took him a while to snap back into reality. Andy has never seen so much fear consumed by a single person. And he could never forget that hollow look in Ephram's eyes. The boy was treading on thin ice and another one of those episodes, would either make him turn crazy or scare him to death – literally.

The boy finally looked up.

"Ephram, it's dad. I'm going to come in." Andy spoke softly. "It's ok." He perched at the edge of Ephram's bed. "Sweetheart, it's ok."

Andy clicked on the lamp on the nightstand. Ephram's boyish features were highlighted by the soft light cast by the lamp. Tearfully frightened, Ephram was too ashamed to look his father face to face.

"Dad – I" Ephram tried to explain.

"It's ok. I know." Andy pulled his son into a hug. "Shhh. It's ok. I understand. I understand." He felt Ephram's wet face rub against his neck.

"I-I didn't mean to w-wake you." Ephram said in uncontrollable heaving sobs. "I was t-trying to be quiet but-but I couldn't h-help it."

"I was awake anyway." Andy said.

"I –I can't breathe." Ephram choked.

"It's ok. You just got too excited. You gotta breathe, ok? Take deep breaths." Andy advised when he heard his son wheezing slightly in his panicky state. "I know it was a scary one. Just try to relax, ok?"

Andy continued to rub the boy's back gently. The boy was hugging his father so tightly that Andy could feel the pulsing of Ephram's heart through his shirt. "It was only a dream. It can't touch you." Andy soothed while giving the boy an occasional kiss on the side of the head. "Are you taking deep breaths like I told you to?" He spoke tenderly.

Ephram wheezed and choked on a cough. Andy couldn't help but be a little concerned that these intense night terrors were causing such anxiety. It left so much stress on the boy that he was having trouble breathing. His face usually went bloodless like as if he was either going to faint or vomit. It was hard for Andy to put into perspective the power of such unforgiving dreams that made Ephram this scared when he was awake. There were several instances where Andy was convinced he should take Ephram to see a psychiatrist. He had great references. But every time he brought it up, Ephram would beg him not to. Andy didn't know what to do sometimes – be the good dad or the bad dad.

"It's ok, sweetie. Dad's got you. Daddy loves you. You're gonna be ok." Andy whispered the same way he whispered to a sickly five year old Ephram at the pediatrician's office. Those were the exact words he used to comfort his son back then and those were the same words he used to comfort him now. Ephram has always craved those words. Andy sensed it from the first moment he felt poor little feverish Ephram give him a tight squeeze. "Breathe, ok?"

Ephram remained in his father's comforting hold until his nerves were calmer and breathing steady.

"Better?" Andy asked when Ephram ended the embrace to reach for a Kleenex. Ephram nodded shyly. "You want to come and sleep in my room? You want to do that?"

Ephram shrugged and blew his nose into the tissue.

"Look, the nightmares are racking your brain. I thought -" Andy began.

"But it's embarrassing. It's not like I'm three years old. I'm too old to be sleeping in your bed just because I was spooked by some bad dream."

"Ephram, those dreams are not normal. It's not your run-of-the-mill nightmare. Your type of dream is classified as a night terror. I spoke to a good friend of mine who is a cognitive-behavioral therapist specializing in children and adolescents."

"You talked to a shrink about me?" Ephram sounded shocked.

"Before you jump to any conclusions, I want you to know that it was just a friendly phone conversation. I told him about what happened to you and the reoccurring nightmares that you have been having." Andy spoke quickly.

"You told him about me? About the dreams?" The boy's voice squeaked.

"Ephram, don't hate me for doing it. I didn't know who I could turn to for answers. The nightmares are killing you piece by piece. You're suffering, Ephram. I want to help you. I know I should've run it by you first but even if I did, you'd say no. So, what was I supposed to do? Sit here and pretend like it's nothing and maybe it'll go away? I'm not an ostrich Ephram. I won't bury my head in sand when the going gets tough and fool myself into thinking everything outside is ok, when it's not. No, I can't do that." There was adrenaline all over Andy's voice.

Ephram remained quiet for a while. He only stared at the blanket that was covering his feet.

"Say something, Ephram." Andy's tone changed.

"I don't hate you." Ephram finally said avoiding eye contact.

"Well, my friend suggested putting you on a benzodiazepine for your anxiety and guanfacine for the post traumatic flashbacks."

"Just what I needed – more drugs." The boy sighed.

"It was only a suggestion. It's not something that I MUST follow. But, you know, we should consider our options. Honestly, I feel hesitant about giving you so many different drugs."

"Tell me about it. I feel like a walking pharmacy." Ephram said. "So, what else did the shrink say?"

"He also explained to me that since your night terrors are extremely violent and brutal, your initial reaction is the feeling of fear and vulnerability. I have to do whatever it is that makes you feel safe and protected." Andy was gentle as a lamb. "I was thinking that since these terrors come to you at night, if you know I'm next to you, maybe you won't feel so alone and scared. I want to be able to say I understand the difficulties you've been going through. The night terrors frighten you – that much I know. And if there is anyway I can make things better, hell, I'll do it."

Ephram blinked and a tear fell out of his eye. Andy caught the tear with his index finger as it rolled mid-way down Ephram's cheek and kept it on this finger tip. "Your pain is my pain." Andy said before sticking the finger with the teardrop into his mouth. The boy was touched. Nobody ever drank his tears as a symbol of devotion. That kind of tenderness only made him cry more. He fell into his father's arms once again.

"Did the shrink say he wanted me to see him?" Ephram asked timidly after the tears had subsided. He dried his eyes with the Kleenex.

"Well, no. Like I said, it was just a friendly conversation. Besides, he's located in Philadelphia – kinda far and expensive for weekly sessions – don't you think?" Andy asked rhetorically. "You know Ephram, I wouldn't make you do anything you didn't want to do – unless I felt it was critical."

"Thanks, dad." He looked at his father with shining greenish-gray eyes. Ephram looked so pitiful after a cry.

"However, my friend offered me his extended expert advice, which I'm glad to have. I can call him anytime if I have any questions." Andy said. "Don't worry, you're going to be fine." He gave the boy a playful nudge on the shoulder. "Why don't you grab your pillow and sleep the rest of the night in my bed?"

"First nightmares. Next thing you know, I'll be wetting my bed." Ephram joked and took his pillow.

They took a detour to the kitchen before heading back to bed. Andy heated some milk in the microwave. A warm mug of milk always calmed the nerves and made it easier to fall asleep. Ephram hated to admit it but the night terror made his hands tremble again. In fact, Ephram didn't have to say a word. Andy saw the edginess – that was the reason for suggesting they drink some warm milk. It was one of the few secret home remedies Andy picked up from Julia.

Ephram had to use a straw. The straw always came in handy when his hands trembled. He sat on his hands hoping the shakes would go away soon. When they finished the body-nourishing warm beverage, they went to Andy's room. Andy tucked his son under the light covers next to him. Ephram was facing his father and very much awake. He showed no signs of lethargy. Andy gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Any time you have a nightmare and need to sleep here, you just come in ok?" Andy smoothed the boy's hair. Ephram nodded. "Close your eyes, baby. Go to sleep. I'll be right here." Andy said in a fatherly tone.

"Aren't you gonna turn off the light?" Ephram sounded puzzled.

"Nah, I'm gonna leave the lamp on for a while." Andy said with a smile. "It doesn't bother you, does it?"

"No."

"Good. Now sleep." Andy spoke. Ephram closed his eyes and leaned his cheek deeper into the soft pillow. "See you in the morning." Andy added.

The nightmare did not come back the rest of that night and Ephram slept soundly until morning. When Andy asked Ephram how he slept, the boy responded by telling him the interesting dream he had. He dreamt that he was slow dancing with Gwen and all of a sudden – out of nowhere came this giant animated yellow peanut M&M – the one from those M&M commercials on TV – and started talking to him. Ephram laughed at the silly impossibility. Andy was relieved his son finally had a decent dream.

"Are you free on Monday nights?" Andy asked his son.

"I guess so. Why do you ask?" Ephram gave his father a perplexed glance.

"I got this crazy idea. How about every Monday we have a family night? You know, just me, you and Delia – some quality family time – just the three of us."

"That's not such a crazy idea." Ephram said. In fact, he liked that idea.

"We can dust off the Monopoly game board and order Chinese take out. The M in Monday stands for Monopoly – remember?" Andy said humorously. He saw the surprised expression on Ephram's face – probably due to the fact that he remembered the story. "But, you know, we don't HAVE to play Monopoly every Monday if you guys don't want to. We can rent a movie or do something else. I'm open to suggestions."

"Monopoly sounds fine. I still own the race car token. Everyone else is powerless. I am untouchable." Ephram chortled.

"I thought it would be nice to have a routine and keep your mother's tradition alive. I realize that we get so caught up with our lives – me with work and you and Delia with school – that we hardly have time to talk or hang out. I want to change that. I want to get to know my kids and give them a chance to know me – even if it is only for a couple hours out of an evening. We can build a little at a time." Andy explained.

Ephram remained quiet for a while.

"Hey now. What's this?" Andy said after feeling a warm wet droplet soak through the sleeve of his shirt. "Are you crying?" He pulled his head forward to get a better look at Ephram.

Even though Ephram tried to hide his face, Andy was able to see the tears glistening on Ephram's cheeks.

"What's wrong?" Andy asked in bewilderment.

"Nothing." Ephram mumbled.

"I don't believe you." Andy said softly. "Was it something I said?"

"No."

"Then tell me what's bothering you. Maybe we can figure out a solution to the problem together. Two heads are better than one, you know." Andy said with a warm tone. "Hmm?" He gave the boy a gently shake. "Why are you so sad?"

"I'm not sad." Ephram finally said.

"You're not?"

"I used to think my life sucked. I had so much anger and resentment locked inside me. I wasn't just angry at those around me, I was mostly angry at myself. I was afraid that I could never be happy again. Since mom died, I thought my world ended. I hated everything, including myself." Ephram said. He sniffled softly. "I didn't want anyone in my life except Delia. I was so sad and full of grief when mom died. I think you know that feeling – like being so depressed that you don't even want to get up in the morning. You can't eat, you can't sleep, you can't bring yourself to going outside, and you can't function because every song on the radio, every show on TV, everything you looked at reminded you of her. And the only way to get any sleep is to cry yourself to sleep. Some days, you think things are starting to look up. Some days, you just want to die."

"Ephram!" Andy gasped in awe.

"I didn't believe things could get better. I lived my life under a dark cloud. I had myself convinced that everything was going from bad to worst – especially when we moved here. I felt like I was running away from something. I felt like I betrayed mom. I didn't understand why you made us move. I thought life was bad and horrible but I didn't stop to think that maybe we came here for a reason. I didn't see how good life really was. It was right there in front of me and I didn't even see it." Two new tears escaped his eyes. "I was so blind - blinded by the anger and pity."

"Well, I can't say I'm one hundred percent surprised." Andy said. "I think I'm starting to understand the close bond you had with your mother."

"The point is - my life doesn't really suck. I know it now. I have you, Delia, Nina, and even Sam. I'm so glad I have Nina. She's the best." The boy said with a quivering sigh. "But don't worry, I won't pressure you into going steady with her or anything like that just because I like her. You can't hurry something like love. It takes time and nurturing with space to grow. It's between the both of you." He continued appearing to have a thousand years of experience with women.

"Thank you for that input, Mr. Casanova. I'll remember it" Andy joked.

"I don't think anyone - unrelated to us - would've spent as much time and energy on me as Nina had done when I was in the hospital. She was always there to hold my hand when I was awake and when I was unconscious. I know it's kind of hard to believe and science can prove me wrong, but during the times I was unconscious, even though I was not able to feel anything, I felt Nina's hand. Maybe it wasn't her hands I felt - maybe it was her presence. Whatever." Ephram rambled. "She cared about me. She comforted me and made things better. I didn't think anyone had the power to do that besides mom."

"Yea well, she kind of adopted you and took you under her wing from the start." Andy admitted.

"I used to think how God could make me so unlucky and so blessed at the same time. He took away mom then gave me Nina. I don't try to understand God's mysterious ways. He does things that nobody can explain. But one thing is for sure, He's made me see what I have in front of me."

"Nina is a wonderful and considerate person." Andy vouched.

"She gives a damn about whether I live or die." Ephram said with a small sob.

"Ephram...we all do." Andy breathed and hugged the boy.

"I know. And I'm sorry for giving you and Delia so much grief these passed few months."

"Don't even think about it anymore. That part of our lives is in the past. As hard as it was, we got through it together." Andy said. "If you start saying stuff like that in front of Nina, you're going to break her heart."

"What I'm trying to say, I guess, is that life is good. And I'm very happy now. I feel like this big weight has been lifted off my shoulders – like I'm finally free. I've learned so much about myself and those around me. Nina is great but I owe a lot to you. When my world came crashing down around me and my life was shattered into pieces, you were there to help me up and put me back together. You were always there for me – even when I doubted you." Ephram's voice cracked. "I love you, dad. I love you so much." He said in a near whisper.

Hearing this really touched Andy. "Oh silly but sweet boy, I know you love me. I love you too." He stroked the back of Ephram's head.

Ephram wiped his tears with the back of his wrist. "You've bent over backwards for me and helped me beat the odds. I don't think I would've had the strength to make it this far if it hadn't been for you." He said.

"I would have to disagree with you there. I think you had the strength in you all along. You just needed someone to make you see that." Andy said. "Don't cry, ok? You're my precious baby. I don't care if it's happy or sad tears. I just hate seeing those big tear drops coming from your eyes."

"I'm sorry. I can't help it." The boy sniffled. "I'll try to stop now."

Andy gazed down at his son still gently stroking the boy's head. His massive hands came across Ephram's ear with each stroke. Andy loved looking at Ephram's ear. The boy definitely inherited his ears from Andy. He saw the resemblance – the way the bottom of the earlobe kind of curls up slightly. It reminded Andy of a time long ago.

"You wanna hear an interesting story about you?" Andy asked.

"That depends. Is it something embarrassing? If it is, then I don't want to hear it." Ephram said.

"No. Actually, it's rather cute. It's about your ears."

"My ears? I'm afraid to ask."

"Before you were born, your mother and I lived a short stint in this old apartment building in the village. It was a shabby four story apartment building on Spring Street. We knew it wasn't exactly Buckingham Palace. But it was our attempt at being independent, which didn't last too long."

"I thought Nanna and Grand pop were rich. Didn't they give you money?"

"You have to understand that we were a couple of really proud kids back then. We didn't want help. Not that we didn't appreciate it, but we wanted to try and make it on our own. The money was always there. Our parents told us that financial help was always there if we needed it."

"You guys are crazy. You had money and you didn't take it??"

"We weren't dumb, we were just young and gullible." Andy said. "We had just gotten married not too long ago and we thought it was us against the world. Romantic – yes, sensible – no. Anyway, it was the only place we could afford on our pay at the time. I was still doing my residency and Julia was working as a paralegal. It was our first place together so we were willing to make sacrifices. The apartment – let me tell you about the apartment. It was a one bedroom studio with a small living room and an even smaller kitchen. I like to call the place a mouse hole. Julie used to laugh when I say that." Andy reminisced. "When we moved in, the faucets were drippy, there was mold forming on the ceilings, mildew growing in the bathroom, rust eating away at the window frames, and a colony of something breeding in the refrigerator. It took us months before we got it to look halfway decent."

"Sounds gross." Ephram said.

"You don't know the meaning of luxury." Andy said. "At least the plumbing worked. I don't know how we lasted in that place for a year and a half."

"So, what made you guys move?" Ephram pressed.

"Well, our living habits kinda changed when Julia found out she was pregnant."

"Was I planned or unplanned?" The boy asked. The question was unexpected and caught Andy off guard.

"Um, well." Andy began feeling a little embarrassed.

"It's ok to say you didn't want me." Ephram said, hoping to break the ice. "I could take the truth."

"Ephram, it's not like that at all. You were kind of both planned and unplanned. Julia and I wanted to start a family. We talked about it all the time. But we didn't know it was going to happen so quickly. So, you were more like a surprise. Your timing may not have been perfect but we definitely wanted you."

"That makes me feel a little better." Ephram murmured sarcastically.

"Of course, it made us real nervous because neither of us knew the first thing about taking care of a baby. It was pretty scary. But we still believed that we could still make a life in that apartment – just the three of us." Andy said. "We got a crib and all this baby stuff. Actually, once we got used to the idea of being parents, the more exciting it became. It kind of grows on you."

Andy paused.

"I was the happiest man alive when I first held you. Here was this tiny six pounds and five ounces of pure joy wiggling in my arms. Your skin was wrinkled and pink. You looked like a newborn piglet." Andy laughed lightly at the image in his mind. "But I can never forget those big greenish-gray eyes looking up at me. You had the smallest nose. And you totally broke my heart when you opened your tiny mouth and yawned. I couldn't believe you were mine. Well, I knew you were MINE but I just thought it was amazing what I took part in creating. Amazing." He smiled.

"What does this have to do with my ear? You said this was a story about my ear." Ephram sounded tired.

"I'm getting to it." Andy said as he looked down at his son, who was still leaning against his chest. Andy was able to see the back of Ephram's head. "The hospital gave you a little light blue hat and matching booties. I wish I had a picture to show you. The day we brought you home from the hospital, something in us knew that we couldn't live in that apartment anymore. To be quite honest, it was filthy. It wasn't safe, at least not when a baby was in the picture. You know, the lead, the peeling paint, the lack of heat. Not a good thing. A baby changes everything. So eventually, we needed our parents' money after all and they were happy that we finally decided to accept it. But during those few weeks that we still lived in our apartment, Julia and I took extra caution in making everything sanitary for you. We even took turns watching you throughout the night because we were afraid the roaches might get to you." He told.

"It was all about you Ephram. You were our obsession." Andy continued. "Boy, Julia absolutely adored you. She was worried that the roaches would crawl into your ears since you were so tiny. We checked your ear with a flashlight every now and then to see if a roach had found its way into your ear hole. We never found any but we were always suspicious – your mother especially. Your mother was so paranoid that she even held you in her arms while she slept at night in fear of the roaches. She was always rather protective of you. She never could let anyone hold you for too long a time. It wasn't because she didn't trust people, it was because she couldn't bear to be apart from you too long." Andy spoke without pausing. "Ha! Roaches – can you believe that? Your mother was afraid roaches might lay eggs in your ears!! Pretty silly, huh?"

Andy expected some response from Ephram but the boy was silent.

"Ephram?" Andy called. He tilted his head to see the boy's face. Ephram had fallen asleep. "Ephram." He called again. The only reply Andy got was a deep, sleepy sigh. "OK, let's get you off to bed."

Andy peeled Ephram gently off him. He slid an arm around Ephram's shoulders and the other arm behind the boy's knees. Scooping the boy up like a ragged doll, Andy proceeded to carry him up the stairs. "Man, you're light as a feather. You gotta put on some more weight, buddy." Andy spoke softly to the sleeping child in his arms. Ephram's built was always rather small for his age. When he was five, he looked two. When he was ten, he looked seven. At fifteen, he looked twelve. In the past, Andy used to scare the boy by telling him that he was shrinking. It was a tactic used to get a young Ephram to eat more. It worked for a while but it became less effective as Ephram grew older. Well, looking young had its advantages.

Ephram must've been super-tired because he did not stir the whole time Andy carried him up the stairs. It was true that when Ephram slept, he slept like the dead. Andy remembered the last time he had to carry Ephram off to bed.

It was during one of Andy and Julia's dinner parties. Andy and Julia occasionally invited a few of their friends over on a weekend for a dinner gathering. It was a pot luck dinner, where everyone brought either a homemade or a store-bought dish. One of the advantages of a pot luck dinner was taking some of the dinner preparation pressures off the host. On such nights, the Brown's big apartment was filled with at least three other couples, along with their children, if they had any.

For a six-year-old, Ephram was very friendly and often got excited when he saw other kids. Every kid was a potential playmate. At his parents' dinner party, Ephram spent the whole evening playing with and chasing after the other children, who happened to be just a few years older than him. After dessert, he was all tired out. It was hard to keep up with those who were more energetic and so much bigger than him in size. Eventually, Ephram disappeared from the action. Andy and Julia were too busy entertaining their guests to realize it until one of her friends randomly mentioned how much taller Ephram had grown since the last time she saw him.

Suddenly, Julia flew into a panic when Ephram didn't come running when she called for him. The adults looked everywhere for the boy and finally, someone found him. Little Ephram had fallen asleep under the card table that was set up in the middle of the dining room to use as an extended table for the food.

The long plaid tablecloth that draped over the sides of the table made it difficult to see Ephram right away. But when he was discovered, everyone ooh-ed and aww-ed at how simply adorable Ephram was in that position. Sleeping soundly, he curled up into a ball and sucked lightly on his thumb. Andy made a joke about how Ephram looked like a cashew nut, as the boy's body appeared to have curled up to a C-shape.

Andy picked the boy up from under the table. Ephram's arms and legs dangled as Andy carried him to bed. In Andy's big strong arms, the boy looked like an oversized-stuffed animal. And from then on, "The Little Cashew" pet name stuck with Ephram for a while.

'Some things never change.' Andy thought as he entered fifteen-year-old Ephram's room and placed the sleeping boy onto the bed. He flipped on the lamp on the nightstand.

Andy originally wanted to carry Ephram into in his room and let him sleep the rest of the night there, but he decided it wouldn't be such a hot idea if the boy has another night terror and wakes up somewhere other than the boy's own bed. It would freak him out. If Ephram should have another night terror, let him come to Andy's room.

Andy smoothed the boy's hair and gazed at the boy's face for a while. He noticed a dirty spot on his son's left cheek and proceeded to wipe it away with his thumb. Ephram stirred slightly. "You have a dried tear-stain on your face." Andy explained. His eyes traveled to the blood stain on the middle of his son's shirt.

'Poor kid. I hope he'll be alright.' Andy thought to himself. He wanted to keep a vigil by his son's side the whole night. But he figured it would be silly to appear so over-protective. But that was a father's job – protecting his young. Andy couldn't imagine how different his life would be without Ephram and Delia. Caressed by the love of his children, he felt like he was the wealthiest man in the world. Nothing can top that feeling.

Looking squarely at Ephram's docile and angelic face, Andy suspected maybe this whole bear incident happened for a reason. It was like as if God gave him a very important, yet risky lesson. Ephram was never meant to die. God would not let that happen. But He needed to show them that even though certain things were not visible to the naked eye, it didn't mean it never existed. Out of sight does not mean out of mind. For example, Ephram's love for his father was stashed away in the obscure regions of his heart. The padlocks were harder to open when he allowed the anger and rage to build and accumulate after his mother's death. It took time and occurrences to find the keys again. Andy found them.

In so many ways, Andy's discovered things about his son that he normally would've overlooked. Ephram's love for him had always been there. It just took a while to get it out in the open. Andy knew this when the boy started remembering simple little things in his past – the bare essentials – that may have seemed very trivial at the time but was more significant now than ever. It was apparent that Ephram was capable of hanging onto those good memories. Somewhere underneath all that bottled anger and resentment, was a selfless and compassionate boy with a heart of pure gold.

Andy was glad Ephram was surviving and looking onto him for support. This was what he wanted all along. Ephram needed Andy as much as Andy needed Ephram. Andy couldn't believe it was possible to love someone so deeply and genuinely like the way he loved Ephram and Delia at that moment. It was almost unnatural. He would die before letting any harm come to his beloved children.

Finally, Andy tucked the light blanket around Ephram's body. He leaned in and pressed his lips against the boy's temple. Ephram's eyebrows furrowed slightly at the coarseness of Andy's beard brushing on his skin before continuing his peaceful slumber. "Good night, my little cashew." Andy whispered tenderly and switched off the lamp.

Life is full of unexpected hurdles. Once you jump over one, you never know when or how high the next one will be. But life has a way of allowing everyone a turning point. Sometimes it's hard to see but it's there. You just have to find it. Even though we all have our unique set of dilemma we deal with on a daily basis, it is good to know that no one really walks alone. We have our family, friends, and God to give us strength and guidance. Ephram managed to jump over this hurdle with success – at least so it seemed at the present time. The boy has learned how much he is needed in the lives of his father, his sister, and Nina. It would indeed be too cruel to rob them of such bliss.

The wounds covering Ephram's body have healed and the boy is inching his way towards health but we all know that appearances can be ultimately deceiving. Evil lurks in the darkness and strike when we least expect it. The invisible demons are waiting and plotting to release its wrath on Ephram. When that happens, will he be prepared to battle the darkness? Will he have the strength to fight off the viruses slowly taking over his weak body? Or is the end drawing near for our beloved young hero?

the end

Author's note: I just wanted to extend my thanks to all of you who have followed this story from beginning to end. I truly appreciate your reviews and comments.

Does it sound like there should be a sequel to this story (smiles)?

A new story is in the works. Hope to post the first chapter soon!