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subsequent operation to relieve the pressure the blow
had put on his brain. Opening his eyes and finding
himself on a beach and not in bed might trigger some
horrible response. The doctor had spoken of post- traumatic symptoms. I recalled, Perhaps this was one of them. He might go into a hysterical rage and harm
himself. and I wasn't strong enough to stop him. He continued to walk toward the house. but I
think if I hadn't nudged and turned him when we drew
closer, he might have gone past it Fortunately, he
made it to the loggia and then permitted me to guide
him gently down the hallway toward his bedroom. I
anticipated my mother waking, but she didn't, and so
it was left to me to get him back into his bed. He was
stiff. but I was able to get him under the blanket.
Amazingly, he never woke, he never uttered a sound. Standing beside the bed and gazing down at
him. I brushed his hair from his face and looked again
at that scar, that horrible reminder of his sadness,
anger, and loneliness. Linden's lips twitched and his
eyes moved rapidly behind his closed lids. Then he
opened his mouth and moaned softly. After that he
was very still again, his breathing regular. quiet. Satisfied he would be all right. I returned to my
own room and tried to go back to sleep, but that
wasn't to happen very quickly. Chasing after him and
bringing him back to the house had put needles and
pins in my stomach. It actually took hours for me to
fall asleep again, and just as I did, the bright sunlight clapped its hands in front of me like a mesmerist snapping me out of a hypnotic state and made me
open my eyes.
I could hear the muffled sounds of the servants
above preparing to go to work at the main house for
the Eatons. and I could also hear my mother talking
softly to Linden. I did not hear him speak. My body
moaned complaints from toes to the top of my head
