Celeste (Gemini 1)

walked a step toward Noble. "Sit next to him and

don't let him move this leg if he wakes up before I

return. Celeste."

I hurried to his side.

"Keep him calm," she ordered. I had no idea

how, but I took his hand into mine and sat while she went off toward the barn. Noble was just starting to groan and move his head from side to side when she returned with two pieces of wood slabs. I saw she also

had some tape.

"Mommy." Noble muttered.

"Just stay still, Noble, completely still. You've

broken your leg," she said.

He looked up at her. dazed.

"Someone pushed me," he said, and she stopped

working. "I could feel it," he muttered and closed his

eyes. "Someone pushed me."

Mommy looked at me for a moment, the

expression on her face confusing. She looked like she

wanted me to explain. I bit down softly on my lower

lips and shook my head. I didn't know what he was

talking about. I hadn't seen anything.

"Go into the house and get the antiseptic I use

on your cuts and bruises. Celeste. I want a wet cloth

with soap. too. Go on," she ordered. and I jumped up

quickly and ran into the house.

By the time I returned, she had the splint on

Noble's leg firmly put together. She took the cloth and

soap and washed off his forehead scrape, and then she

applied the antiseptic. Noble continued to cry, his

whole body shaking with sobs. Mommy slipped her arms under him and then, with great effort, lifted him as she stood. He let his head roll against her breast and closed his eyes as she carried him toward the

house.

"Will he be all right?" I asked, following. "Get the door for me." she said in return. I