Wicked Forest (DeBeers 2)

subsequent operation to relieve the pressure the blow

had put on his brain. Opening his eyes and finding

himself on a beach and not in bed might trigger some

horrible response. The doctor had spoken of post- traumatic symptoms. I recalled, Perhaps this was one of them. He might go into a hysterical rage and harm

himself. and I wasn't strong enough to stop him. He continued to walk toward the house. but I

think if I hadn't nudged and turned him when we drew

closer, he might have gone past it Fortunately, he

made it to the loggia and then permitted me to guide

him gently down the hallway toward his bedroom. I

anticipated my mother waking, but she didn't, and so

it was left to me to get him back into his bed. He was

stiff. but I was able to get him under the blanket.

Amazingly, he never woke, he never uttered a sound. Standing beside the bed and gazing down at

him. I brushed his hair from his face and looked again

at that scar, that horrible reminder of his sadness,

anger, and loneliness. Linden's lips twitched and his

eyes moved rapidly behind his closed lids. Then he

opened his mouth and moaned softly. After that he

was very still again, his breathing regular. quiet. Satisfied he would be all right. I returned to my

own room and tried to go back to sleep, but that

wasn't to happen very quickly. Chasing after him and

bringing him back to the house had put needles and

pins in my stomach. It actually took hours for me to

fall asleep again, and just as I did, the bright sunlight clapped its hands in front of me like a mesmerist snapping me out of a hypnotic state and made me

open my eyes.

I could hear the muffled sounds of the servants

above preparing to go to work at the main house for

the Eatons. and I could also hear my mother talking

softly to Linden. I did not hear him speak. My body

moaned complaints from toes to the top of my head