Carol, Diane, Denise and Patti were at the restaurant when the Higgens family came in. Carol spotted them coming across the parking lot, father, son, mother, daughter, with the two women wearing slacks who were walking with difficulty. Denise saw Carol look out the window and followed her eyes. The other two women did likewise.

“That is them.” Denise observed.

“Yep.” Carol confirmed.

Diane looked over, “How can you be sure?”

“Slacks. Walking with difficulty.” Denise offered.

“It could be someone else.” Patti mused.

Carol smiled, “The walk is pretty distinctive. Heavy cosmetic leg, not well fit to the socket, they are probably in some pain, not good training on how to use the appliance.”

Denise continued, “With a little help they could do a lot better. First thing is to take off the cosmetic cover when they are wearing slacks. That cuts the weight.”

“Are you two kidding or can you really tell that?”

“Carol knows a lot more than me, but it is really easy to spot an AK with a bad fitting socket. They have been amps for over three years. That is a long time. They should be better than that with a good fit and training. They didn’t get the level of support I did or any where near it.”

Carol looked around the table. “If it is money there is a way I can possibly help them. I will try to look for an opening tonight.”

The Higgens’ were introduced, seated and they ordered. Julie, Janice, Carl Higgens and Carl Jr. were quiet at first. Finally Denise looked over at Janice. “I really wanted to meet you. I am not sure why but I have learned that when I get a gut feel to do something I should do it.”

“Thanks. I nearly said “no” because neither of us are comfortable being out.”

Denise looked at Janice. “How long ago was the accident?”

“It is over three years.”

Before anyone else could say anything Carl Jr. spoke up. “It wasn’t an accident. Dad saw the guy coming and got out of the way. If I had been driving the cycle I would have gotten out of the way. I wanted to take the cycle that day but mom insisted she drive. Women aren’t made to make quick decisions like that.”

Everyone was quiet for a minute then Carl continued.

“The guy came over the line a little. When you ride a cycle you have to assume the guy with a car is going to try to kill you. You have to get out of his way.”