A Song for Kenny Novel (Part 11)

BACK HOME AGAIN

The next few days were pretty hectic.

            Larry was hailed as a Hero. Kenny's mom was ecstatic. So was Troy. He had worried so much about his best buddy and finally got to visit him in the hospital.

            The doctor decided to keep Kenny overnight. The boy was also treated for insect bites that covered him from top to bottom. Thankfully, his many cuts and scrapes were only superficial.

            And the leg wound was now dressed and on the mend.

            "Well what do you say, dude?" Troy began.

            "I'm still pooped," Kenny answered.

            "You sure know how to scare a friend, you know. I'm glad you're back. Give me five, man."

            Kenny leaned over the bed and gave his buddy five smart ones. He also accepted Troy's 'nougie' with a smile.

            Then his friend was gone...

Kenny's mom could hardly control herself when she brought her son home. James had insisted on pushing the wheelchair from the hospital to the car. And Kenny let himself be helped into the front seat.

            "Watch your head, big fella!" James said proudly.

            Kenny smiled back. He was happy to be given another chance to make up for the past.

            Friends and neighbors were waiting. They formed a chorus of "Yah Kenny! Welcome back!" Shouts and clapping and "Right on!" were part of their noise making.

            A quiet supper of soup and sandwiches included a very select group around the table. Kenny was pleased.

            Larry and Troy watched quietly, as Kenny enjoyed every bite. His mom and James kept the conversation low key. They were under doctor's instructions not to talk further of his experiences. Another day or two before asking questions would be fine.

            "Mom, do you mind if I go to bed early?" It came out suddenly, catching everyone off guard. Yet, they understood.

            "What do you think James?" she asked.

            "I agree with you, Kenny. I want you to get a good rest. Do you want some help up the stairs?" He really looked concerned.

            Kenny looked at this man who might someday be his father. He remembered his promise from the woods, about giving James a chance.

            The boy noticed the crinkled brow and the old fashioned suit. Not stylish, but neat. Maybe he isn't such a bad guy after all.

            "Sure … thanks." He went over and astonished his watching mom as he gave James a bear hug. Kenny saved one for mom, Troy and           Larry. Upstairs in bed, Kenny's pajamas felt warm and cozy. His tired eyes looked all around his room. The photographs, books, and model planes were still here. They were just the way he had left them.

            It was nice to be home...

A short time later, Kenny heard a familiar squeak from his doorknob. Someone was turning it slowly. His eyes pretended sleep. He knew it was his mother. She walked slowly across the floor.

            His heart swelled and a lump formed in his throat. He felt her watching him closely. She had said downstairs she was so proud of him.

            There were millions of stars brightly shining this night. They felt the drama beneath a certain roof on Elm Street.

            A mother and son waited, one watchful, the other pretending. It was that way for a few minutes while time paused.

            The tick-tock of Kenny's clock interrupted the silence.

            Eyelids opened and his smile was like the sun.

            Kenny 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. "Love Ya mom," were the only sounds heard in the house this moment.

            Kenny let his mom give him a goodnight kiss.

Richard L. Provencher, is retired, and lives with his wife, Esther, in Truro, Nova Scotia. They have been married since March 27, 1975. His poems blend a love of nature with contemporary issues. Many are in print and online with: Ottawa Arts Review, Hudson View, Caduceus, Windsor Review, Paragon 111, Parenting Express, Time of Singing, Bacopa, Phati’tude Literary Magazine, and many others. Richard and Esther co-authored many short stories and novels. They have four grown children, five grandchildren, and one great grand-daughter. They enjoyed working on these stories and hope you enjoy reading them. May the good Lord Jesus bless you and also your loved ones.