Page 14 of Something Like Winter

Ben exhaled. “I’m afraid there’s no other option, but just think how cool your new peg leg will be. I hear the pirate look is all the rage in Europe right now. A frilly shirt and an eye patch, and you’ll be the most popular guy in school.”

Tim considered the idea. “Do I get a parrot?”

“Of course.”

“Then you’ve got a deal.”

Ben’s expression grew serious. “Seriously, though. You’re going to be okay.”

“Thanks, Doogie Howser,” Tim retorted. “I’m not really scared for my life, you know.”

“Sorry. I just feel so guilty.”

“Don’t start that again!” Tim shifted, the paper beneath his butt crinkling. Ben had really loosened up on the drive over, and kept flashing smiles that caught Tim’s eye. Those teeth were perfect, lined up like little soldiers that saluted him every time he tried to be funny. Something about that smile made Tim want to be wittier than he’d even been before, and oddly, that pressure made finding the right words so much harder.

They were quiet for a moment. Then Ben nodded at the exam table. “Why do they always put paper down? It’s so weird.”

“No kidding. I figure it’s for sanitary reasons, but how many naked people show up at the ER?”

Ben laughed. “Huh?”

“You know. Most people sit here in their clothes, so I don’t see how they could get the table messy.”

“Unless a lot of people wet themselves.” Ben suggested thoughtfully. “Or worse.”

“Yuck!”

“Who knows how many years of fecal matter have soaked through the paper to stain the exam table?” Ben’s grin was wicked. “I dare you to pull the paper back and lick the spot where you’re sitting.”

“Dude! Shut up!” Tim laughed, even though he was repulsed. “You’re crazy, Benjamin!”

“It’s Ben.”

“Yeah,” Tim said, wiping tears from his eyes, “but Benjamin is better.”

“Better?”

Tim shrugged. “It’s a nice name.”

Ben didn’t respond, an awkward silence trying to ruin their fun. Tim didn’t want their banter to end. Talking to Ben felt good, maybe because if Tim screwed up, it wouldn’t count against him like it would with his friends. He wasn’t sure how to jumpstart their conversation again, but thankfully a distraction walked in the door and introduced himself as Dr. Baker. The doctor barely needed to look at the ankle to see what was wrong. Ben’s diagnosis seemed to be right. Most likely they were looking at a class three sprain. Tim would need X-rays and probably a cast so it would heal right. He could live with all of that. The words Tim really dreaded came next.

“I’ll need to inform your parents about this, of course.”

“They’re in Switzerland.” Right now it was probably late there. Tim could imagine them being awakened in the middle of the night and told they needed to come back home.

“Any other family in the area?” the doctor asked.

“Nope.”

Ben piped up. “My family can take care of him until they’re back.”

Tim raised his head. Was he serious? If Tim could avoid ruining his parents’ trip, he would get a lot less grief.

Dr. Baker was less enthused by the idea. With no family to look out for him, Tim would have to stay in the hospital overnight. It was getting pretty late anyway, so that wasn’t a big deal.

“I have to get home,” Ben said. “Can I pick him up tomorrow?”

“I suppose,” Dr. Baker replied. “Could you please bring the phone number of his parents’ hotel with you? Or better yet, phone it in tonight?”