Bridge to a Distant Star - Carolyn Williford [64]
His eyes narrowed, brows drawn together. “How’s that possible?”
“Technology for prosthetic limbs is just … just incredible. Dr. Owens was telling us how amputees ride bikes and ski and play sports—all kinds of sports, Charlie. But it’s going to take time. You’ll need fittings. Therapy. We all have to be patient with this process … your healing.”
Fran was already nodding affirmatively, anticipating Charlie’s question of “Soccer? You think I might be able to play soccer again?”
“Possibly. Someday.” She studied his face, the wide open and vulnerable expression. The depth of hope that only a child can possess. And the faith to fuel that hope.
A firm knock at the door interrupted them, plus Charles’s greeting of “Hey, how are my two favorite people in the whole world?” He leaned down to meet Fran’s upraised face with a kiss, reached out to ruffle Charlie’s hair. Taking in the scene before him, Charles commented, “You look much better today, son.” Giving Fran a quizzical look, he added, “You two … talking over some things, I take it?”
Charlie was suddenly subdued, serious. “I knew, Dad.”
Probing, Charles asked, “You knew what, son?”
“I knew they were gonna cut off my leg.” He sounded older, far more mature than his years. “I’ve known the whole time.”
Fran and Charles exchanged dubious looks. “The whole time? What do you mean, son?”
Charlie frowned, avoided their searching faces by turning toward the window.
“In the emergency room, after the tests. The way everyone reacted. Kind of tiptoeing around me. I figured it out then.”
Charles fidgeted with the keys in his pocket. “Son, we’re going to get you the absolute best. The latest technology. We hear it’s astonishing what these prosthetic limbs will let you do.”
“Yeah?”
“I was talking with Pastor Greg. He knows a guy who has a prosthetic leg—one that fits just above the knee like yours will. Runs in marathons, Charlie.” Charles moved closer so that he was right next to Charlie, inclining his head toward him. “As a matter of fact, this guy ran in the Chicago marathon last October. Plans to run in it again this fall.” He paused for effect—gauging Charlie’s reaction—and noted that Charlie hung on his every word. “Remember I was talking about us starting to jog together? How ’bout if we start training for the marathon? We’ll do it together. Deal?”
Intuitively wary of Charles’s overwrought enthusiasm, Fran had been observing the give-and-take between the two. She no longer existed; father and son were so absorbed in each other it was as though they were the only two people in the world. Alert, defensive, and scrutinizing Charlie’s every reaction, Fran searched for any sign he was feeling overwhelmed. Her reflexes—physical and emotional—were timed to coordinate with the smallest hint of fear on Charlie’s part. When she caught a subtle shift, a slight widening of Charlie’s eyes and a quick intake of breath, Fran found she had to tightly clasp her hands together to keep from pushing Charles back.
At the same time, Fran watched how Charles pulled Charlie into his fierce vortex, eyes glowing, intense, and focused on his target.
“You can do it all, son. I know you can.” Charles had positioned both his hands on Charlie’s shoulders, looking him squarely in the eyes. “You’re going to work hard, aren’t you?”
Tears slipped from Charlie’s eyes as fear and alarm blanketed his features. He appeared to face an inner battle, shifting his eyes downward and away from his dad’s unrelenting stare, finally resting his gaze on his elevated leg.
Charles gripped Charlie’s arm, momentarily forgetting the IV only inches away. And then his face slowly morphed into a mirrored image of his son’s; panic moved across and possessed Charles’s own glistening eyes, and his mouth fell slack. He mechanically followed Charlie’s line of vision and stared at all that remained of his son’s leg.
Though only seconds had passed in the poignant exchange between father and son, it played out in slow motion to Fran. Her response felt equally delayed and lethargic, like she was underwater or