by Grady, D. R.
She couldn’t even call Max and Ryan. With so much equipment attached to so many patients, they had discussed using cell phones, and whatever type of electronic marvel Lainy’s specially built phone was. All of them had agreed that it was too risky, so phones using those types of cellular waves were banned based on necessity. So she didn’t even have that outlet.
Therefore, the emails they exchanged had become vital.
She struggled to open the door of her quarters, and finally, using her foot, KC managed to wiggle the door open enough to squeeze through with her package. She dropped the box on her cot and ripped through the tape. And came up with a huge container of brownies. Prying the lid off, she shoved one into her mouth, so thankful for the chocolate she nearly burst into raucous song again.
Janine breezed in as KC haphazardly removed items from the carton. Her friend helped herself to the new supply. “Bless whoever sent these,” she said on a sigh as she sank gracefully onto her cot next to KC’s.
“Amen,” KC replied and tugged out some DVDs. Grinning at the discovery, she savored the thought of being able to watch more family DVDs. Hoping Ryan would feature in these, she set them aside to continue her unpacking.
Another container, this one with assorted cookies, was also met with relief by her and Janine. They started in on those too. The brownies were good, but a woman really should mix up her carbs, KC decided.
She dug out toiletries, a much welcome sight. Fearing she might run out of deodorant earlier, this was most satisfactory. As were the bars of soap and razors and feminine products. There was plenty, so she could share with Janine, who she learned didn’t have much in the way of family.
Digging to the bottom, KC came up with some papers and blinked back a tear or two when she saw what they were. Ryan had painstakingly drawn some pictures for her. They were of her little family, including Max. At least she assumed the taller, bigger figure in the picture was Max. Sniffing, she peered closer and saw the larger stick person wore glasses and had dark hair.
She and Ryan were also in the picture, as was Spuds. What nearly broke her heart was that between the figure depicting her and Ryan, Max, and Spuds was a large blue blob. Her stick figure stood on one brown and green surface and her boys stood on the other with the blue blob between them. Their hands were outstretched, as though trying to connect, despite the distance between them.
Janine trod up behind her and peeked over her shoulder. She placed a strong, steady hand on KC’s shoulder and squeezed.
“Hey girl, it hurts, but he hasn’t forgotten you.” Janine’s voice was as soft as usual, and wise.
“True. He tells me he wants me to come home every time I get an email from him.” She sniffed again, and rubbed her runny nose with a tissue. “Max tells me the same thing.” She laughed, but her effort sounded wobbly.
“They miss you,” Janine said and sank onto the bed.
“I miss them too.”
“Of course you do. You wouldn’t love them if you didn’t.”
“No, I suppose not. They’re the most important people to me.”
“And that’s evident.”
KC nodded as she gazed at the picture again before moving on to the next one. This one featured Spuds solely. And it wasn’t a bad rendition of him.
“I’d say your son has some talent there,” Janine remarked.
“My brother has loads of talent, and I think Ryan’s mother was a budding painter. So he should have some ability.”
“He does.” Janine squeezed her hand. KC squeezed back as they continued through the pictures. Then Janine and some of the nurses helped her hang them.
The ache in her heart didn’t lessen, though.
*****
Max saw another email in his box, and clicked eagerly on it. Another message from KC, he liked that.
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: I got another package!
Dear Max and Ryan,
I got another package, bearing the name, Morrison. So I assume this was a Morrison Family Effort? A big container of brownies and another of cookies, which were well received – some sorely needed toiletries, a few DVDs and some most wonderful pictures by Ryan’s own hand. The most precious part of the package.
My roommates helped me hang those pictures, as they’re all as pleased with them as I am. It’s nice. There’s little to relieve the starkness of the landscape, so we’re grateful. Mitch definitely didn’t lie about that!
Our work schedule is almost back to normal, finally! I’m hoping to be able to call soon, but we’ve one man on a delicate machine, and we could still lose him, so we’re continuing to restrict cell phone usage.
I’m glad you folks had a good leaf-raking day. And that Ryan participated, even if he didn’t necessarily behave. And I agree with your mother, Ryan does exhibit some of your qualities. He has learned some of your worst habits, Mr. Morrison! Or should I say, Dr. Morrison? Why don’t you or Lainy ever use that title? You’ve both earned it.
I suppose by now you’re finished with Thanksgiving and are ready to move into Christmas? We were so busy, I didn’t even notice that a major holiday had passed. One of our food shipments got delayed, so we didn’t even celebrate the day here, yet. I’m sure they’ll get around to it eventually. But being out in the middle of the desert just isn’t terribly festive-invoking. Ah, well, something besides the slop we’ve been eating would be nice.
The cookies and brownies are most welcome!
There goes the call for all hands again, so I’d better cut this short. Happy Thanksgiving way late! (It is somewhere in the middle of December, right?)
I miss and love you,
KC
P.S. We’ve held an impromptu Rocky-had-the-puppies party. If you can get pictures, we sure would love to see them! Everyone had a great time. The excuse to throw a party was nice. We’re all feeling a little overworked, overheated, underpaid, underfed, and sleep deprived, so this was nice.
Chapter 27
She missed and loved him. But was she in love with him? That was the question. And one he wasn’t likely to obtain an answer to for a long time. Max pushed himself away from his desk and paced to the coffee maker.
Pouring another cup of fragrant, steaming coffee he didn’t want seemed easier than not receiving answers he did want. He ambled back to his desk, wondering how to broach the subject. “Yo, KC, do you love me as your man?” didn’t seem appropriate somehow.
Especially with her thousands of miles away for approximately five more months. Max tried not to kid himself. He understood their physical separation was only one small portion of the problem. Another, larger factor was his fear of failure. Losing what they had, losing her and Ryan entered into the equation, of course. But his confidence was another major factor. Maybe the largest issue of all.
Max settled back into his chair, and set the wonderful smelling coffee down untouched. Instead he tapped out a response to KC.
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: Thanksgiving
Happy Holidays, KC!
Yes, we were all together for Thanksgiving, at Mom and Dad’s. I had a really hard time convincing Ryan to settle Wednesday night, but eventually managed. It didn’t help that I was about as excited as him. LOL
He played with the herd all day. I managed to watch football and eat all day. Whoever invented Thanksgiving should be given extra privileges. We had a wonderful time. Even though Mitch and I got stuck with the dishes, again, we made the best of it.
Lainy couldn’t eat much. Her stomach still hasn’t settled. But Laurie, Melly, Dory, and Mom assured us this is perfectly normal, again. (I think they ganged up on us, but maybe after hearing it fifty times, we’ll catch on.)
Greg pulled us aside and said that Lainy being sick is far better than the alternative. Mitch was brave enough to ask what that was. (I figured what I didn’t know couldn’t
hurt me.) Apparently some women are crabby the entire time they’re pregnant? I knew they could get a bit cranky, but Greg claims his sister and brother-in-law nearly divorced, she was so bad.
Mitch is counting himself lucky, but he still hates to see Lainy so miserable. She tells him all the time she doesn’t mind pregnancy sickness. I think she’s being honest, even. But he’s not taking chances. I told him I expected more from a Marine. He brained me.
My team actually won, so I was happy to see that. You’ll be pleased to know the Steelers have a good shot at the Super Bowl too. Anyway, that’s all I’ll say on that subject since I figure you probably don’t care.
Lainy recorded some good holiday coverage for you, so hopefully you’ll sort of share in the day. She did the same for Mitch and Ben last year, so no worries. I think she interviewed Ryan, so just be forewarned. (Better have some tissues handy.)
The house and office still feel empty without you here. You really do have a presence here that’s sorely missed. I’m glad you’re there, helping our country’s war efforts, but I also want you here. I suppose everyone feels this way. Pulled in opposite directions and opposing needs. What we know is right and necessary, versus what we want.
Hope you’re well!
Love,
Max and Ryan
P.S. Think about having a doctorate in my family. I’d never hear the end of it if I used Dr. Morrison. I shudder to think about the teasing and harassment! And, I just don’t think about that degree. I needed it at the time for my business plans, but really, I’m just Max.
KC could practically see him holding his hands out, palms up in that universal gesture of come-on. He was Max, but he had earned an advanced degree yet never used it. She smiled. It was true that his family would harass him to no end if he did use the title Doctor. Ed’s contribution alone was scary enough not to contemplate too deeply. The Morrisons certainly kept each other humble.
*****
KC popped the DVD in that read Morrison Family Thanksgiving. She and Ryan had spent last year with them, so she understood what she missed. That didn’t mean she wasn’t super excited to see what antics this family who had adopted Ryan and her got up to while enjoying the holiday together. She was super excited, and also super sad. To be here, rather than there was a little depressing.
She leaned back on her cot, heart heavy, but happy to see those she loved, even if only via DVD. The video started and she saw the surfaces in the kitchen heavily laden with dishes. She recognized the desserts table, and selected a cookie from her stash. At least she had something to nibble on while she watched. The camera scanned the many vegetables simmering on the stove. KC grinned.
Some of those colorful veggies had better appear on both Ryan’s and Max’s plates. They would hear about it if they didn’t. Her men needed to eat right. And since she wasn’t there to monitor them, KC realized she could use Lainy’s videos to keep track.
Hungrily, she took in all the preparations and each face that ambled across the screen. She knew every one of them, and it nearly broke her heart to know she couldn’t join in. When told the video was going to her, everyone smiled, waved, and told her they missed her.
Some of the children were heart wrenching. “Aunt KC we miss you.”
“We’ll eat lots of cookies for you.” “Why can’t she be with us, Mommy?” “Aunt KC isn’t hewe? Whewe is she?” “Aunt KC, you haff t’ come home, now!”
Then Lainy told Ryan the video was for her. And already teary eyed from the herd, KC sniffed as his big blue eyes filled with tears. “Mom, Dad and me miss you. We want you to come home. Pwease? Cause we love you. And you should be hewe for Than’sgiving. Gwanme said families should be togethew.”
As Max had predicted, KC had to lunge for more tissues. She paused the video and sat staring at her son, aching and empty for him. How would he do at Christmas without her? With no answer to that heart-wrenching question, she hit play again.
This time Lainy trained the camera on Monica, Max’s mother, and that good lady smiled sadly into the camera. “Don’t you worry, KC, we’ll take good care of your son for you. He doesn’t understand, and I’m sure you’re worried about Christmas, but don’t be,” she smiled at something off the camera before continuing. If she could choose any mother in the world, KC would choose Monica Morrison to be hers. With a few choice words Max’s mom managed to make her feel better.
“I’ll talk to him. And we’re proud you’re helping our men. Just as we were proud of Mitchel last year. We missed him. And we miss you. But we understand too. You come home safe and sound, girl,” Monica finished in a motherly tone and KC blew her nose again.
Each of the adults added a similar message and KC felt gone, but not forgotten. A good feeling and it helped to assuage the emptiness in her heart. The Morrisons expected her to be with them next year, and in the meantime, they would make certain her son had a good holiday season.
Shaking her head, KC watched the DVD to the end. And she liked how Lainy closed the video. Max’s face filled the screen, laughing as he watched something behind the camera.
“Dad, can I get another cookie?” Ryan asked.
“How many have you had?” Max replied, and KC felt her heart twist. He was a natural for the role. Perfectly comfortable being Ryan’s dad.
“I don’t know,” Ryan prevaricated.
“Why don’t you ask Granme if you can have some milk instead?”
“Okay,” Ryan agreed and loped off.
Max turned to Mitch, seated beside him. “That means he’ll get milk and a cookie, you know.”
“Yeah, I figured that out. I’m thinking maybe I’ll go see if ‘Granme’ is giving out milk and cookies to anyone who asks.” Mitch surged to his feet.
KC heard Lainy laugh and Mitch’s impressive chest filled the screen followed by kissing noises before Max showed up on the screen again. He was shaking his head.
“This video is for KC, Max,” Lainy’s voice said.
“Oh. We miss you! And please come home soon. Thanksgiving isn’t the same without you.” He looked sad for a moment, and KC wanted to reach out and kiss the furrows away. The screen faded as she heard others calling they missed her too. Then someone started singing For She’s A Jolly Good Fellow and KC laughed through her tears.
Chapter 28
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: Thanksgiving Video
Hello Max,
I watched one of the videos from Lainy. The Thanksgiving Special. I enjoyed the DVD and feel happy and... sad. Wishing so badly I could be there, but grateful that you all were thinking of me.
You were right about needing tissues for when Lainy interviewed Ryan. Wow! As usual, your mom’s interview helped. Mitch seems so happy and enjoying the holidays with you all this year and that makes me content. Knowing he was here last year, but this year he can share in the family celebration gives me hope for next year! And I was with you last year, so I’m not complaining. Maybe he and I can both be there next year.
Also knowing Ryan is having a good time is a relief. He’s taking this better than I am. How can he have such understanding when we don’t? I’m pretty proud of him. And you.
I loved hearing him call you dad. It’s so fitting, why haven’t we initiated that before? He’s so comfortable at your folk’s house and with you. I’m so happy he’s got a parent looking after him.
Max paused to think about what KC had written. He was sure she’d cry. She was also right about this whole dad thing. Why hadn’t they had Ryan call him Dad before now? Probably because the little fellow needed to adjust to that way of thinking first and do it on his own. Whether Ryan called him dad or not didn’t discount Max’s place in his life.
He kept reading.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love what you’re doing, Max. You don’t have to love my son like you do. You don’t have to care for him, or take him in, but
you did and you have. It’s humbling to think about what you’re doing, and you didn’t even hesitate! How, why? I can’t comprehend your willingness to open your life to my son, but I’m very, very grateful you have.
He stopped again and swallowed as he reread that paragraph. He didn’t have to love Ryan so much. Yet he was aware of that feeling of Ryan being his, and had felt this from the start. Like most pet owners claimed their pet chose them, he felt someone else had chosen Ryan to be his son. Max had simply fallen in with those plans.
I suppose that’s why I feel so strongly that he should be calling you Dad. Because you are. That’s why I didn’t balk when the two of you cooked up the scheme to have Ryan come stay with you. You’ve been his dad all along, haven’t you? In some ways, he’s yours as much as he’s mine. He certainly acts like you. Even your mother pointed that out!
Laughing out loud felt good. He hadn’t done so in a while. Well, not since this morning when he and Ryan had played with the toy car they found in the cereal box. They had a blast seeing how far it went. With and without Spuds help. Unfortunately, he lost track of time and they’d nearly been late. As it was, he breezed into work on time. Barely. Yet, Max hadn’t felt too guilty. He’d never get these years back with Ryan. Therefore, he intended to make the most of the time they had.
He had no intention of being a dead-beat dad. Since the kid already had one of those. Greg Gilmore had never come back from wherever he flitted to see his son. Not once, as far as Max knew. Thinking about Ryan, Max couldn’t imagine not wanting to share in that precious little life.
Having so many siblings, he’d seen the joy kids brought into their parent’s lives, but he never experienced that joy personally. Now, now because KC chose to share her son with him, he could do so.