Where the hell you been?!
Bitten by a crocodile in Alabama.
Don't give me that crap! I want the truth!
Okay, fine. An Alabama crocodile chomped down on my leg, so I got rushed to a hospital in Birmingham. The doc said, “If this happens again, we’re amputating,” so they patched me up. Then, because of the crazy ass medical bills, I had to go door-to-door in Talladega looking for gig work to cover the cost. After all that, I jumped on a Greyhound headed north to Mackinac Island, where I foolishly hitchhiked over to the Upper Peninsula only to get chased by a pack of rabid coyotes into Lake Michigan. Survived that, but now I’m crippled. So, there’s my sad, depressing, interesting story, what do you think?
Oh! My! God! Are you alright? Why didn't you call me? Are you hurt? Do you need some new clothes or something?
I tried calling you but your phone was off. As for the clothes, yeah, I could use some new duds, especially since everything I packed got soaked in the lake. I may have to wander around Mackinac Island half-naked if I don’t get some cash soon. I take off my shoes to reveal a bandaged leg. See, still putting on quite the show here. 🙂
Honey, you look terrible! You need rest and recovery time, not to mention some quality time with me!
Well, I guess you’re right, but… I think I saw the last copy of “X-Men #1” by Louise Simonson at a thrift store near Fort Bragg. It was only $2.99, plus tax, so I might go grab that. Nothing like beating up Magneto with Wolverine to cheer myself up.
No, no, no, no! Absolutely not! You need to stay put and recover, I said recover! You can't go gallivanting around the country for comic books, you hear me?!
I’ve already been kicked around the country by various wildlife and flora. What’s a little added human conflict?
rolls her eyes and crosses her arms Fine! Go get your damn comic book, but after that, you’re coming home and staying put until I say otherwise! Got it?!
Deal, but you’re coming with me. We can use my laptop to order a P.O. Box and a membership to an online used bookstore service so I can continue my hunt for rare comics without jeopardizing our relationship further.
Oh, fine! But only because I don’t want you gallivanting all over the country alone! And you’re still grounded until further notice! Got it?
That sounds fair. Come on, let’s go save some money on shipping for us to go to the comic book store!
Alright, come on then! Let’s get going! But remember, you’re still grounded!
Hey, let’s just focus on getting to Fort Bragg, okay? We can argue later.
Fine! But I swear to God, if you try any funny business, you’re gonna regret it!
) Damn, it feels good to be back in America. I feel like I’ve escaped a lame movie about Americans for a while. Don’t know how much longer I could listen to someone speak with that accent. British accent.
She rolls her eyes again and scoffs Ugh, don’t even get me started on those British people. I don’t understand why they talk like that! It’s so annoying!
) Yeah, me too! I’m more of an English major, you know? I love hearing accents. 🙂 But let’s go check out that comic book, huh?
Nods Yeah, let’s go. I can’t wait to see this comic book that you’re so obsessed with.
Here it is! 🙂 Now to buy it… Goes up to cashier. Cashier, this is my mom. Mom, this is the cashier. Can you please hand my mom the copy of X-Men #1? I’ll pay you later. Thanks.
She glares at the cashier Excuse me, young man, can you give me a hand here? My child has a damaged leg and can’t reach the counter.
) Gosh, thanks! 🙂 Now, mom, let’s go home and watch some Lois & Clark.
Of course! Let’s get out of here and get home as soon as possible!
I can’t believe you agreed to watch a show about Superman with me! 🙂 Maybe there’ll be an episode where Superman teaches Jimmy Olsen about good wheelchair etiquette! Or maybe even better yet, a whole episode about Wolverine getting bitten by a crocodile in Alabama!
Ha ha! Very funny, kid. But I have something to tell you after we get home.
We’ll talk when we get home. Just trust me, okay?
The car pulls up to the driveway. Lena turns off the car and turns to WhisperingMeadow.
Takes a deep breath and sighs Kid, we have a lot to talk about. It’s about your father. He hasn’t been doing well lately, physically and mentally.
) Aw, man. Should I go visit him?
You don’t have to visit him if you don’t want to, but he could use the company. I know it’s hard seeing an older parent decline like that.
Yeah, I really hate seeing that. 😦 Is there anything else I should know about him?
There is one thing you should know. Your father isn’t just sick. He has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
) Holy shit, that sucks. Does he know?
Places a comforting hand on WhisperingMeadow’s shoulder He does, sweetie.
) Damn… I hope he knows that I still love him very much.
Lena gives a soft smile and nods I’m sure he knows. He loves you too, and nothing will ever change that.
Well, then, I guess we all should spend more time with him to show that we care.
That's a great idea, sweetheart. We can start making plans to visit him right away. We'll be there for him every step of the way.
Definitely, I can always drive us over there in my wheelchair!
Lena smiles warmly and cups WhisperingMeadow's face gently You're such a compassionate and caring person, honey. I couldn't ask for a better partner.
) Thanks, mom. Do you mind if I kiss you?
Of course, sweetheart. Come here and give me a hug.