Chapter Thirty-One

While Dr. Brandon examines Sam, Miss Perkins waits in the clinic.

Will Sam be released tomorrow? Or the day after? Miss Perkins knows that it will be soon. She blows her nose and tries to get her mind off the prospect of Sam in the ward.

Now that Miss Perkins has worked at Mannville for a week, she’s learned a lot more about the residents. Although a few have cerebral palsy, polio or other problems moving around, most of the kids are simply retarded. The institution is understaffed, and many of the kids are quite active. With Sam so weak, she’s afraid that one or two of the bigger boys will be a danger to him. Particularly, she’s worried about a boy named Ralph.

No sane parent…But she won’t allow herself to think about Mrs. Davis either. She’ll just get angry. Before Mrs. Davis left for Europe, she spent an afternoon at the clinic. The poor boy was so sick that Miss Perkins doubts that he even remembers her visit, but Miss Perkins will never forget it.

On her way out, Mrs. Davis had cooed, “I’m so relieved that you’re here, Miss Perkins. I know we had our disagreements, but I’m not sure that I could leave the country while Sam was sick if you weren’t with him.” She smiled. “Thank you.”

“Are you ready to tour the ward, Mrs. Davis?” Miss Perkins snapped.

“I’ll do it when I get back. I know Sam is in good hands.” Then, Mrs. Davis had batted her eyes at Miss Perkins as though she was trying to charm a boyfriend.

“I’ll call you both often. Tell Sam that I’m sorry to leave him for this long.”

The sound of approaching footsteps interrupts Miss Perkins’ musings.

Dr. Brandon is a tall man. His white coat is crumpled. Often, Miss Perkins has overheard him complain to Nurse Beck about his hundreds of patients. With his ashen complexion, he indeed looks overworked. He sits down in the chair opposite her.

“Sam’s lungs are clear,” the doctor assures Miss Perkins, but his smile doesn’t reach his eyes.

“I know he’s over the illness,” Miss Perkins argues, “but he hasn’t eaten much, and he’s so weak. I worry about him in the ward.”

The doctor shrugs. “I think Sam should do just fine.”

Miss Perkins says slowly, “When?”

“Tomorrow morning,” Dr. Brandon answers. “Good luck.”

Miss Perkins nods and exits.

“Abigail, you’re wanted on the phone,” Nurse Beck calls to her.

In the clinic office, Miss Perkins goes to Nurse Beck’s desk and picks up the receiver. It is Mrs. Davis. Her voice is faint. Miss Perkins presses the phone more tightly to her ear.

“I can’t talk long,” Mrs. Davis says. A crackle sounds on the line. “Long distance is too expensive. I’m in Paris. France! How’s Sam?” she asks.

“The doctor says he’s well. He’s moving into the ward tomorrow.”

“Can I talk to him….?” Mrs. Davis asks eagerly.

Miss Perkins puts her hand over the receiver. “Nurse Beck, would you do me a favor and bring Sam in here to talk to his mother?”

“Sure,” Nurse Beck answers. She rushes off.

“When are you coming back?” Miss Perkins says into the phone. She works to keep her tone polite.

“I’ll be there in ten days,” Mrs. Davis pauses. “With big news.”

“I see,” Miss Perkins says.

“I don’t know if you can understand this, but I’ve never gotten to travel before. I’ve seen palaces. Museums. We’re going to London next week. I’m having the best time,” Mrs. Davis says.

Miss Perkins feels herself losing her patience.

“Now, can I say hello to Sam?” Mrs. Davis asks. “I’ve bought him a football. It’s the French sport.”

Nurse Beck pushes Sam into the office. He has a big grin on his face.

“Sam will like your gift,” Miss Perkins lies. His mother’s return, she knows, is the only thing Sam wants.