Reality An Unwelcomed Visitor

Miss Peeg turned on the lamp on hall table and then back to Johnny and Amanda who was holding the ice filled towel around his ankle.

"Do you think you might just lie down on the floor here and we can get your ankle elevated a bit?" she asked.

Johnny was beyond it so Amanda pulled him down on the floor while Winnie got his ankle situated. His head was resting in Amanda’s lap and as he turned his face to the wall she saw tears in his eyes.

"It will be okay Johnny, I know it hurts but help is coming." She said quietly to him.

He shook his head slightly it was more than the ankle, he’d lose his job, he wouldn’t be able to drive, and with no way to earn a living…he’d have to go back to the farm…a failure…all his dreams of making something out of himself blown out the window and all for what a big night out with the blokes. He closed his eyes tightly trying to black it all out.

"Johnny is there someone we should call?" Winnie Peeg asked

Johnny shook his head no, what use would it be to call his mother, she was hundreds of miles away. He felt Amanda’s hand on his forehead and she made a swipe at the tears on his cheeks, saying nothing. He felt nauseated again.

"I’m going to be sick" he moaned clutching at the towel and Amanda held it for him wiping his mouth with the corner.

Amanda looked up and saw that her Auntie was watching her tender ministrations over Johnny. Winnie sighed…she recognized that look…her mother had it…so she said nothing.