The doctor checked the bandage on Carsie’s abdomen and the leg alignment one more time. “Everything looks good. You shouldn’t need the traction more than a couple of days. Then we’ll put on a cast and send you home to recover. I’ll send the nurse in to give you some medicine for the pain. I’ll check in on you tomorrow morning.” He shook hands with both of them and bid them goodnight.
Once Carsie was settled down for the night, Alice made her way to the nearest hotel and checked in for a two-night stay. She used their phone to call the Bridal Veil School office to inform her father of Carsie’s successful surgery. He assured her that he would pass the news along to the rest of the family and the hotel.
Three days later, Alice stepped off the train and helped Carsie down. Tucker was supposed to be waiting for them. It was Sunday, so he didn’t have to take any time off of school to meet them.
Alice scanned the station platform and the street beyond. “Now where is that brother of yours? It’s just like him to be late”
“Maybe he’s on the other side of the train,” Carsie replied. He has a knack for being in the wrong place. I think I’ll sit down and put my foot up while we wait for him.” He hobbled over to the bench and sat on one end. Alice helped him put his foot up on the other. “Ah, now that’s better!” He handed his crutches to Alice, who propped them against the wall of the station.
“This reminds me of the time your father came home on crutches from the high camp, right after New Years,” she sighed.
“Yeah, I remember that. How old was I then?”
“Well, let me see… I seem to remember that it was just after the Indian funeral. We moved to West Linn the next summer, so you were about six or seven.”
Carsie chuckled, “Oh, yes, West Linn. I remember that house!”
*Alice stiffened; a look of disgust on her face. “Don’t remind me! That house will haunt me the rest of my life!”
Carsie chuckled, then broke into his infectious laugh, holding his belly. “Oh, that hurts!”
Alice tried to stay stern, but his laughter soon won her over, and she couldn’t help but join in. They shared memories as they laughed. They were wiping tears from their eyes when she heard a familiar voice behind her.