The Unquiet Heart
Page 25
“Harold Bennett,” the tech called. On the way to the examining room they passed Susan in the hallway. She recognized the pair and smiled but Major Bennett pretended not to notice her. He had deliberately made Harold’s appointment with the other pediatrician, ostensibly because of the man’s reputation among the wives of all of his friends. But as he strode by the captain he realized that he had made it out of malice. He didn’t like Captain Ryan. He didn’t want her prying into his personal life or criticizing the way he cared for his son.
Major Astaldi concurred with his colleague’s course of treatment and suggested further tests. “How is this young man adjusting to life in the desert?” He asked pleasantly.
“Fine. Just fine. He likes it here.”
“Harold?” The child blinked. He missed his mother, especially at night when he had to go to bed in a strange room, but he was afraid he would displease his father if he admitted it.
“I like it,” he whispered.
“Speak up, son,” his father said in a loud voice.
“I, I like it here,” Harry repeated. His father smiled.
“There are lots of activities for youngsters on the base. Especially during the summer,” the doctor said. “What about swimming? Do you like to swim?”
“I don’t know how.”
“Well, you’ll have to get Harold enrolled in swimming lessons. It’s a great sport, builds up stamina and muscles.”
The prospect of any swimming lessons at all terrified Harold; he was afraid of drowning. But he knew better than to admit such a failing to these two confident looking men.
“Swimming lessons it is then,” his dad said cheerfully.
On the way out of the office they saw Captain Ryan once again. His father mumbled a hurried good morning.
“How is your son?” she inquired politely.
“Great. Now if you’ll excuse us … ” Martin said as he propelled Harold along the corridor and out of the clinic.
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