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Late afternoon, Samuel naps at the same time as Rose. I decide to check in on Amy, so I head out onto the balcony and sit on the recliner and stare at the boats fishing at sea for a few minutes before calling.
“Hey, Edes.” She sounds chirpy.
“Hey. Just wanted to make sure you made it home safe?”
Amy chuckles. “If you thought Ethan was a serial killer, why did you leave me with him?”
“It was his idea. Admittedly, I enjoyed watching him fuss, and he wanted to take care of you. And a little bit of me hoped you’d see how he’s changed. I want my friends… well, to be friends.”
Amy is silent for a moment.
“I thought you plotted it because he wassooonice it was sickening. But you’re right. He’s changed. Although you need to make it up to me after pulling that stunt.”
I laugh. “Sure. Name the place, and it will be my shout.”
“Or maybe you could come and visit me?”
“What a great idea. If Samuel and Rose came, they could enjoy some fresh country air while I hang out with you.”
“Sam would enjoy the slower country life. Maybe working as a rural GP would interest him?”
The more I thought about his work, the more I realized his stress and inability to gain weight related to his choice to continue working as a doctor in modern city hospitals.
“I’m not sure working as a doctor is right for him anymore. Or at least in a busy hospital. I’m still worried about him.”
“Plan to visit me sooner. Just saying, it could be the best thing for him.”
“Hey.” Samuel sits on the chair beside me. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to sleep for as long as I did.”
“Ames, I must go. I’ll call you later in the week.”
“Think about what I said.”
“I will.”
Samuel stares out at the ocean, where the sun shines a bright column of light over the water. Light sparkles over the surface like a dance of minuscule firecrackers.
“Is Amy okay?” he asks softly.
“Yeah.” I rest a hand on his leg. “She invited us to visit her in Berri on your next free weekend.”
His expression falters. “You realize my parents will be here soon?”
I take his hand in mine. “Then we should go next weekend after Dana’s party.”
27
SAMUEL
Samuel locks his bag in the locker and steps out of the staffroom into the hallway, almost colliding with Dr. Tolley.
“MVA in the emergency room,” she says without looking at him.
Sliding his arms into a navy jacket as he walks, he falls into step alongside her. The distinct stench of hospital cleaning products assaults his nostrils. He begrudges taking the deep breath to prepare himself for the chaos awaiting them.
“Do we have numbers?”
“Eight.” She checks the time on her wristwatch. “Two DOA. A provisional driver lost control on the freeway.” She says it as if talking about what she ate for lunch. Her demeanor doesn’t change. Motor vehicle accidents are part of their work life, and Dr. Tolley has seen her share of death.
