Fading Thunder

by Sheila Hollinghead

Maybe she’d let me cut her hair. It had grown until it flew around her shoulders. Strands of hair covered her face as the fan blew the hot air through the kitchen. If she’d only let me braid it, that would help. Her fingernails needed cutting, too. She had been scratching herself, leaving sores on her arms and legs.

  “You think I don’t know what you’re doing?” She was whining now. “You taken my boy from me.”

  “His heart stopped during the operation, Momma, and the doctors want to find out why. They’ve discovered he has an irregular heartbeat, maybe a heart murmur, and they’re monitoring him.”

  “Pshaw. Why can’t Dr. Burch keep a check on him?”

  “The doctor at Fort Benning has the results of the test and knows what he’s looking for. Dr. Burch told me to send him back.”

  “Well, Ezekiel ain’t Dr. Burch’s son, is he?”

  “No, but he’s a good doctor. Besides, I’m sure we’ll hear from Zeke soon. When he’s released, I can go get him.”

  “You won’t if they find something wrong.”

  “You think they might find something wrong?”

  “I ain’t no doctor.”

  Michael and James Colton came in from outside but didn’t come into the kitchen. “Momma, you want to go to the sitting room?”

  “If I want to, I know the way.”

  “James Colton is in there,” I coaxed. “He probably has something to tell you.”

  A stubborn look crossed her face and her jaw line hardened. I pushed my chair back and got up.

  She reached a hand across the table. “Don’t go. I ain’t finished talking to you.”

  I sighed and sat back down. “What?”

  “When’s Ezekiel coming home?”

  I shoved my chair back again and left her there. I went into the sitting room.

  Michael looked up from the magazine he was reading. “I’ve got some catching up to do.”

  “The Marines didn’t use the latest techniques on the dogs?”

  “We took good care of the dogs, but no, a lot of what we did was badly outdated. You know how slow the military can be. Besides, dogs were the only animal I worked with. Here I’ve got to learn one end of the cow from the other.”

  “You seem to be holding your own.”

  “Just barely. Too bad I didn’t have time for study while I was in the Marines.”

  “You should have time now.” I paced around the room until Michael looked up from the magazine.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I don’t know why they can’t find what’s wrong with Zeke or go ahead and release him.”

  “Just ignore your mother,” he said quietly, his eyes going back to the magazine.

  “Zeke was always here before, to help me deal with her.”

  “Well, you’ve got me now.” He raised his eyes to me.

  “And I’m glad you’re here. Is that the latest Journal of Animal Science?”

  He flipped to the cover. “No, this is from a few months ago.”

  I needed something to read. James Colton was playing quietly, and Momma was still in the kitchen. I went into the bedroom and looked until I found the book Mr. Drake had let me borrow, The Odyssey. When I got back to the sitting room, Momma had staked a claim on her rocking chair.

  I went to her. “Would you like for me to braid your hair?”

  “Braid my hair?”

  “Yes. It’s gotten long, and braiding it will help keep it out of your face.”

  “My hair’s fine.”

  “Why don’t we try it? If you don’t like it, I’ll take it out.” I lifted her hair and smoothed it back from her face.

  She slapped at my hand. “Leave me be.”

  I let go without comment and settled on the couch to read my book.

  On Saturday, Michael left to pick peas at Uncle Colt’s farm. I finished the laundry, and then went ahead and cooked dinner, knowing the job of shelling and canning the peas lay before me. The heat and smells from the cooking made me nauseated and weak. Things would get easier when my all-day sickness eased and the weather cooled. It was going to be a long, hot summer.

  The phone rang, and I moved the fryer off the stove before I went to answer it. “Hutchinson residence,” I said, expecting it to be a farmer with an emergency. Instead it was Zeke.

  “Hey, sis.” His voice was so quiet I had to strain to hear him.

  “Hey, little brother. How are you? What are the doctors saying?”

  “I’m fine. The doctors are keeping tight-lipped — but they want to see you.”

  “When?”

  “Monday, if you can make it.”

  “I’ll head up tomorrow.”

  “All right. I’ll tell Marla. Bye.”

  “Wait —” But he had hung up.

  I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to say; I only knew I wanted to talk to him. I missed him so much, especially with Momma here. I replaced the fryer on the stove and finished frying the pork chops. I mashed the potatoes that had already boiled, and then went into the bedroom and pulled my suitcase down, planning to pack so I wouldn’t have to do it later. I was halfway done when Michael came in.

  He leaned against the doorframe, his eyes following my movements.

  When he didn’t speak, I stopped and faced him. “Zeke called. His doctors want to see me on Monday.”

  “Anything wrong?”

  I shrugged. “He says he feels fine. Maybe it’s to tell me he’s being released.”

  Michael’s smile was calm and reassuring, reminding me of Uncle Aaron. “I’m sure that’s it. I’ll go with you.”

  I shook my head. “No. I can drive. Good thing we have two vehicles now, right?”

  “You fainted, not that long ago. I’ll worry if you go alone.”

  “Wilbur has emphysema, and I would hate putting all the work on him again, especially as hot as it’s been.”

  Michael nodded slowly, reluctantly. “So, I’ll keep James Colton?”

  “I reckon.” My words were hesitant.

  “We’ll be fine,” he said.

  “I’m sure Aunt Jenny will feed y’all while I’m away.”

  “We won’t starve. As a matter of fact, I can cook SOS while you’re gone.”

  “SOS? What’s that?”

  “You don’t want to know.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t mind trying something new. Anytime you want to cook is fine by me.”

  “Sure. I can take on supper duties sometimes.”

  I smiled. “That would be great. Are you ready to eat? If you are, we’d better go ahead so I can get the rest of the peas shelled. I can finish packing later.”

  “I worked up an appetite. I’m starving.”

  James Colton was playing in the sitting room, and I took him to the outside faucet to wash for dinner. When we got back in, Michael had set the table with three plates.

  “You didn’t set a plate for Momma.” I muttered.

  He grimaced. “Sorry. I forgot.”

  I grabbed an extra plate while he poured everyone a glass of tea. I went to her door and knocked. “Momma, we’re fixing to eat dinner.” She swung the door open, and I stepped back, surprised.

  She followed me to the kitchen, and James Colton smiled at her. “Hi, Grammy.”

  She had always been kind to James Colton, as she had been to Zeke, at least most of the time. After she gave him a kiss, she went to her regular seat.

  She complained that the pork chop was tough and the potatoes too salty, but she ate more than I’d seen her eat in years.

  After a few minutes, I had eaten as much as I could. I put down my fork and faced her. “Momma, I’m going to Plainsville tomorrow.”

  “I ain’t going back to Colt’s house.”

  I glanced at Michael, whose face remained impassive. “You can stay here. Michael and James Colton will be at home most of the day tomorrow, but Michael has to go to work on Monday.”

  “I’ll be fine by myself. Why you running off to Plainsville?”

  I fingered th
e locket at my neck, the locket Michael had given me when he left for Basic. “Zeke called. He said the doctor wants to see me.”

  Her eyes brightened. “You bringing my boy home?”

  I shook my head. “Don’t count on it. I don’t know what the doctor will say.” I hoped to bring him home, but I didn’t want Momma to have false expectations.

  Momma pointed her finger at me. “I don’t care what them doctors say, you bring him home. Probably lying anyhow.”

  “We’ll see.” I got up and began clearing the table.

  Michael protested. “I wanted another pork chop.”

  I set the platter of pork chops back down. “Sorry.”

  “Go on and start on the peas. James Colton and I’ll clean the kitchen.”

  I shot him a grateful look, grabbed a pan for the peas, and headed out. Shelling peas was a relaxing job. If it weren’t so hot, the day would have been downright pleasant.

  Various bugs flew about, mainly gnats, and I continuously fanned them away. The small gnats were annoying, landing at the corners of my eyes, no matter how many times I swatted at them.

  A while later, Michael and James Colton came out, both with pans. I gave James Colton a few peas to pretend to shell. Michael was a faster sheller than I was, and we were soon done. I was reluctant to go in, although I needed to can the peas now that they were shelled. Michael didn’t seem to be in a hurry either.

  I used the side of my arm to push back a strand of sweaty hair. “I’ve been thinking. I won’t leave in the morning. There’s no need to leave you alone with Momma for that long.”

  He laughed. “Thanks. Why don’t we go to church, and you can wait until after supper to go?”

  “That sounds good.” I licked my dry lips. “I don’t think Momma will go to church with us. I’m not sure how long it’s been since she’s attended services.” I shrugged one shoulder. “But she doesn’t have to go.”

  “Are you sure she’ll be all right by herself?”

  “So far, she has been. She only needs someone to cook for her.” I grinned at him. “I wonder how she’ll like your SOS.”

  “We’ll have to wait and see, won’t we? Ready to go in?”

  “If I have to.”

  James Colton pulled my hand. “Look, Momma. I shell peas.”

  “Good job! You’re going to be faster than your daddy pretty soon.”

  Michael dumped his peas with mine and swung his son up to ride his shoulders into the house. We were becoming a normal family. I breathed a sigh of happiness and thanked God we had come so far.

  Chapter 30—Plainsville

  I looked around, checking that I hadn’t forgotten anything. I ran my fingers through my hair and stuck my hat on my head. Momma went into her bedroom without telling me goodbye. I considered going after her, to admonish her to behave while I was gone. But it would probably make her act worse instead of better.

  Michael placed his hands on my shoulders. “Jay, I’m concerned about you driving when you’ve hardly eaten anything for the past few days.”

  “I ate a little supper, and I can take some crackers and cheese.”

  “You barely ate. And you need something more nourishing than crackers and cheese. Plus you need to at least drink something. I don’t want you dehydrated.”

  “All right. I can take some food and water with me.”

  He poured me a large glass of water. “Drink this.”

  I sighed but took the glass from his hand. “I said I’d take it with me,” I grumbled.

  “Can you drive with a glass of water in your hand?”

  “I guess not. We should have gotten an automatic transmission.”

  Michael snorted and then smiled. “Too expensive, right?”

  “I reckon.” I finished the water and put the glass in the sink. I wrapped up some of the leftovers from supper.

  Michael grabbed my suitcase, swung James Colton up with one arm, and walked out.

  I picked up my purse and followed them to the car. I took my son, giving him hugs and kisses while Michael double-checked the oil and gas.

  When he finished, he walked around the car, kicking the tires. “Everything looks okay. Just keep an eye out — this is a pretty old car, and no telling what might be wrong with it.”

  “I could take the truck.”

  He grimaced. “Ha! I do know what’s wrong with the truck — it’s falling apart.”

  I handed James Colton back to him and was glad when my son went so willingly. “Remember, Aunt Jenny will help and Laurie if you’ll let her.”

  “We’ll be fine.”

  I gave him a kiss, and he pulled me close. James Colton threw an arm around my neck, and all three of us remained in an embrace before Michael released me.

  “It’s getting late. You need to get going.

  I slid under the steering wheel. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Hopefully with Zeke. Bye, James Colton.” He grinned and laid his head against Michael. I had to force my eyes away, the scene squeezing my heart. “Bye, Michael.”

  “Don’t forget to call.”

  I nodded. I’d go and get Zeke, and my family would be united. Even with Momma, we could be a happy family. Everything was going to be okay.

  The drive was uneventful. The sun had set by the time I arrived. Zeke met me and brought the suitcase in. Marla was waiting, but Grace and Mr. Drake were not around.

  I hugged Marla, and she patted my back before pulling away, searching my eyes. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Anything wrong?”

  “We’ll talk later.” She turned but not before I caught a glint of tears in her eyes.

  I threw a sideways glance to Zeke. He had seen her distress, too, but he only shrugged at my look.

  “Are you hungry? Do you need anything?” Marla asked.

  “A hot cup of lemonade would be nice.” The motion and the stifling heat of the car had my stomach churning.

  “I’ll tell Aliénor.”

  I put a hand out. “Please don’t disturb her. I can make it myself.”

  “She won’t mind.” Marla smiled and left us standing in the hallway.

  I turned my attention to Zeke. His color was good, and he seemed fine. Surely that’s what the doctors would tell me. It would be a relief to get him back home with me ... with us. Momma and Zeke moving back, the baby coming; our house was going to be bursting at the seams. The baby could sleep in our bedroom for a while and then move in with James Colton. But there was no need to think about that now. The baby was not due until the end of February. And Zeke wouldn’t be with us forever. A few more years and he would be graduating, perhaps going away to college.

  I smiled at him. “I’ve missed you.”

  “Missed you, too.”

  “Why don’t we go in the radio room?”

  Zeke followed me, and we sat down side by side on the couch.

  I turned toward him. “How are you, really? Are you tired? Can you tell if your heart is beating irregularly?”

  He laughed at me. “I told you on the phone that I’m fine. I’ve never felt better, actually.”

  “That’s good to hear.” And he did look good, as if he’d put on weight. He had always been a tad too slim, and the extra weight suited him, made him look more mature.

  Marla came into the room but didn’t sit down. “Aliénor is preparing your drink. When you finish, do you want to go upstairs? Are you tired?”

  I peered closer at Marla. Dark circles were under her eyes, and her complexion was uneven, as if she’d been crying. “To tell you the truth, I’m exhausted. I’ll take my drink upstairs, if that’s okay?”

  Marla waved a hand. “It’s fine.”

  I stood and stretched. “If you have something to do, I can get my drink.”

  Zeke was up, too. “I’ll take your suitcase upstairs, and then Grace and I were going to catch a movie, if it’s okay?”

  I looked to Marla, and her face remained placid. I nodded at Zeke. “I guess. Will you grab my purse, too?”


  He nodded, and I made my way to the kitchen. I thanked Aliénor for my drink and took the cup upstairs to what I already considered my bedroom. Zeke had left my suitcase and purse. He was probably so eager to find Grace, he couldn’t wait for me to make it up the stairs. I took my hat off and shook out my hair.

  I undressed and changed into my gown. I finished my drink and, although it was only eight thirty, I lay down and soon slept. It wasn’t until I awoke, sometime later, that I remembered I had not called Michael. There were phones in every room downstairs and perhaps in some of the bedrooms upstairs, but not in this one. I’d have to go back downstairs to call.

  The sun had set, and the house was dark and quiet, with a few dimmed lights keeping me from stumbling down the stairs. I stopped, wondering what time it was. Judging by the darkness, it was fairly late. Everyone had probably gone to bed.

  I headed for the dining room to make my call, avoiding the library, not wanting a repeat of what I had seen the last time I was here.

  I stepped behind the dining room screen and made my call, speaking softly. “Michael, I made it here safely.”

  “What took you so long?”

  “I talked to Zeke and then went upstairs and went to bed. I’m sorry. I was so tired that I forgot to call. I woke up and remembered.”

  He was quiet for a moment before he spoke. “You’ve had a long day. Promise me you’ll eat while you’re there and take care of yourself.”

  “I will. How’s James Colton?”

  “I’ve read him a couple of stories. He didn’t much like my singing when I put him to bed.” He chuckled and I smiled.

  “How’s Momma?”

  “She’s in her room. She seems fine.”

  “Good. After we see the doctor tomorrow, I’ll call and let you know our plans.”

  “Okay.”

  “I love you.”

  “Love you, too.”

  I smiled, hung up the receiver, and walked from behind the screen.

  As in the other rooms there was a light source, discretely hidden among the molding that emitted enough light to turn the furniture into shadowy outlines. But there was another shadow that moved toward me. I gasped.

  “Jay ...”

  I let out a sigh of relief. It was only Dan.