Post Op Pressures 10

Suzanne thought she felt the slightest of vibration.So slight in fact she could not be sure If she had imagined it. Arlis woke as she worked her hand down the leg feeling for the searing heat it was enveloped in when they arrived last night.It was much improved.For good measure she administered an Injection of penicillin above the site of injury.Perhaps this and care would tip the scales in his favor.Their favor .They needed his knowledge and skills.Donny needed a father.She did not think beyond these necessities. Francis only left Arlis' side to care for Donny.Her face was drawn with worry and fatigue.Brewing mild tea and bringing him crackers she urged him to try to eat.He was deep within healing mode dozing on and off throughout the day. Arlis talked as he slept often mumbling his pet name for the girl,Francie. After one such outburst Suzanne looked over at her and said he says your name like it is the only name on earth.He used to use mine in the same way.He called me SUZ .He hardly ever calls me anything but babe anymore.Sounds like a pet name but when you hear the tone,the inflection it is plain it is not.Just a way to address me yet distance himself at the same time.I never noticed till I heard him use yours in that way he has. Francis was speechless with shame.Suzanne was a good woman.She certainly did not deserve the situation that she had helped to bring to bare upon her.Looking at her wearily sitting chin in hand staring into the fire,Francie wanted to go over to her to do what?What would make this right? She was carrying a secret that she had not even told Arlis yet . She was almost two months pregnant. On the second day after his surgery Arlis accepted the soup offered to him gladly accepting its nourishing warmth.He was light headed and unsteady as Suzanne helped him to go outside to the woods edge to urinate.His legs trying to buckle as they returned to the cave.Suzanne calling out to Francie to help. She came running when she heard Suzanne using this as yet unused choice.She always called her Francis. Francis made her feel less motherly towards this girl who had captured her husband's heart.This slip of a girl whose very presence made one want to protect,to shield her. They got him back to the cot as he fainted fully. They worked together to ease him down.To facilitate his sweet release. They were jolted by the first shock close to three, just as they slept themselves.It shook violently for an eternal moment.