Day 156

At seven Jack was awake.  He reached over and touched Sandra’s arm.  She stirred and slowly opened her eyes.  “God, tell me this is real.  Tell me I am not dreaming.  This is so good.”  She wrapped on the cast and smiled.  “It is real.  And it is wonderful.  Except this cast of course.  Can you unwrap my stump and help me get dressed?”

“Sure.”

It took nearly a half hour to get both of them dressed.  They went to the kitchen, fixed breakfast and sat down to eat.  They seemed to work together like they had for years.  They were just finishing when the phone rang.  Jack picked up the phone. 

“Farley’s.”

“Good morning dad.  This is Sarah.  Is there anything you need this morning?”  Sandra looked at him questioning.  He answered both of her questions, who was calling and why with his reply.

“Sarah.  Well we are sitting here in the kitchen eating breakfast.  But we could use a half dozen donuts if you can bring them over.  Cops can always use donuts.”  Sandra looked at him and mouthed, “Jack, that was terrible.  She can’t bring us donuts, she is in the hospital.”  He smiled, put his hand over the phone, “She’s checking up on us.  That was the best ruse she could think of.”   Sandra smiled and nodded.  He took his hand off the phone.

“You still there?”

“Oh.  Yes.  I’m a little foggy.  It is a little early for me.”

“Sarah.  I’m a cop.  Remember.”

“Yes.”

“So I’m used to asking questions.  Right?”

“Yes.”

“So I know when someone wants to know something but doesn’t want to ask.  Do you want to just ask me or do you want to talk to your mom?”

“Please don’t get angry but I think I need to talk to mom.”

“Sarah.  I have no intention of putting myself between you and your mom.  I’m just another person who cares about her.  I know you do very much.  That makes you and me allies not enemies.  And I care about the people she cares about.”