Gates of Paradise (Casteel 4)

"And don't stop fer nothin' or no one nuttier,"

Fanny commanded.

"Right, boss," Luke said and gave Aunt Fanny a

mock salute. It felt so good to smile and laugh again. "Oh, go on wit' ya. Ever see such a boy , s'cuse

me, young man?"

"He's a wonderful young man. Oh, Aunt Fanny.

I'm so glad you came. I never was so happy to see

you."

"Betcha was. Don't talk about it all now. Let's

git on outta here. What do I hafta do ta help?" "Yesterday 'rit would have done it all myself,

Aunt Fanny, but Fin feeling tired and weak, so just give me a hand with my undergarments. I promise, I'm not going to be a burden to you back at

Winnerrow."

"Oh, ya poor child," she said, her eyes

softening, even glazing over with tears. I never had

realized how warm and loving Aunt Fanny could be.

"Ya think I care. Be all the burden ya hafta be and

don't worry yerself about it. We're family, no matter

what anyone says."

"What do you mean, Aunt Fanny?"

"I don't mean nothin'. Let me get yer clothes on

ya."

She helped me dress, and Luke returned with

the wheelchair. He lifted me out of the bed as if I were

a precious baby and slowly lowered me into the chair.

It felt good and secure being in his arms. Then he

began to wheel me out of the room.

I looked back at the canopy bed, the vanity

table and dressers, the bedroom that was supposed to

be a warm and wonderful place for me, my mother's

old room.