Someone's Son Chapter 19

CHAPTER NINETEEN

The next few days were pretty hectic for one happy boy, or anyone else. Larry was hailed as a Hero.

          Sheldon's mom was ecstatic. So was Troy. He had worried so much about his best buddy and could hardly wait to visit him in the hospital. The doctor insisted on Sheldon having a good checkup and ordered him to stay put overnight. Sheldon was also treated for insect bites that covered him from top to bottom. His cuts were only superficial, looking much worse than they were. And the swelling in his leg was being treated.

          "Well what do you say, chum?" Troy began. He couldn't believe his friend lay before him, here, safe in a hospital bed.

          "I'm still pooped," Sheldon answered.

          "You sure know how to scare a friend. I'm a dunce for doing that rock business…" He suddenly realized Sheldon didn't need any speeches. At least not right now. "Man, I'm glad you're back," Troy said. "Give me five, chump."

          Sheldon leaned on one elbow and looked at his friend. He missed Troy. He also remembered his promise in the woods to forgive him. And he would keep it. Then he gave his friend five smart ones with his right palm. And he accepted Troy's gentle 'nougie' with a smile.Then his friend was gone.

          Sheldon's mom could hardly control herself when she brought her son home. Larry insisted on pushing the wheelchair from the hospital to the car, helping Sheldon into the front seat. "Watch your head, fella!" he said. And Sheldon smiled back at him. Like old times he thought, Larry looking after him. He felt refreshed at being given another chance to make up for the past.

Friends and neighbors were waiting. They formed a surprise welcome that afternoon. "Yay Sheldon! Welcome back!" Shouts of friendship and clapping and "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow!" accompanied their noise making.

          Sheldon spent a quiet evening sitting at the table over a light supper of soup and sandwiches.

          He enjoyed every bite. He wondered how things would be now? Would they ever be the same? Larry and Troy had been invited for supper and Sheldon was pleased. Both mom and Larry kept the conversation low key. The doctor asked they not ask further, of his experiences. Another day of rest would be fine.

          "Mom do you mind if I go to bed early?" It came out suddenly catching them off guard.

          "Of course not hon," she replied hastily.

          "Do you think it would be a good idea, Larry? I remember what happened last time you asked," she smiled, looking at her son.

          "I agree with your mom, Sheldon. Get your rest. I don’t think the boy has the energy to go on another trip just yet,” he laughed. “Do you need help up the stairs?" Larry asked with concern.

          Sheldon cocked his head and really looked at this man who was so much like his father. He remembered his other promise made in the woods. He wasn't angry with Larry anymore. His adult friend was wearing an old fashioned suit. Not stylish, but neat. He isn't such a bad guy after all, the boy thought.

          "I’m okay, but thanks Larry." He went over and gave him a huge bear hug. Sheldon saved one for mom.

          Troy shyly accepted his too.

          Upstairs in bed, Sheldon’s pajamas were warm and cozy. His tired eyes surveyed the room he lived in all his life. The photographs, books, and model planes were still here as if suspended in time. Tomorrow, he would read his notebook. It was nice to be home.

          A short time later Sheldon heard a familiar squeak from his doorknob as someone quietly turned it. Should he oil that with WD 40 tomorrow?

          He pretended to sleep. His mother walked silently across the floor.

          His heart swelled and a lump formed in his throat. He felt her watching him closely. She had said she was so proud of her son. There were millions of stars shining brightly. They seemed to understand the drama unfolding. A mother and son waited. One was watchful, the other pretending. It was that way for a few minutes while time paused.

          The tick-tock of Sheldon's clock interrupted the silence. As his eyelids opened, a smile promised to bring out the sun instead of just moonlight falling across his bed. Sheldon looked up at his mom. All the good thoughts he had about this special person washed over him. He felt light-headed.

Arms raised up, fingers widely extended.

          "Sure love ya mom," the only sound heard in the house that moment.