Jay stopped and Doris was relieved. She thought he was going to make her go on forever.
Doris hobbled to the sofa. As she absently rubbed her ankle, she focused on Nancy instead of her pain, asking, "Where in the world is Nancy? How is she still not here?"
It may have sounded like a complaint, but she was really starting to worry.
"I'm not sure," Jay admitted. "It is odd, but let's not think about it right now." Jay dismissed her fears. Sitting down beside her, Jay pulled her foot into his lap. "Since you danced with me, I guess I can help massage your foot and ankle. Would you like that?"
That sounded heavenly to her, so she nodded and allowed him to continue working out the pain for her, while she dozed lightly.
Outside, the rain hadn't let up. In fact, it seemed to be driving down even harder.
Charles was pacing restlessly. He had been calling Nancy, but was still unable to get through. Her phone was either dead, turned off, or set to do not disturb. He was frustrated that she had let this happen because he was angry to think about if she had not.
Hiram checked in every so often, letting Charles know the places he had checked for her. Each time the phone rang, Charles jumped, hoping it was either Nancy or Hiram with news about Nancy. Every time it was Hiram with a dead end.
"Nancy, how is it possible that you have dropped off the face of the planet without a trace
ned out and she was slowly regaining color to her face. It did look like she was in coma. She simply fell asleep.
"Oh, good! I was so worried, but I'm glad she's here now and ok." Bobby reached out his chubby little hand stroked her face.
"Bobby, I'm sorry that tonight didn't go the way you planned," Charles said apologetically.
Bobby shook his little head and said, "I'm just happy my mommy is fine."
It was true. He didn't blame Nancy for not coming on time tonight. She was here and that was all that mattered to him.
"Well, go to bed now. When you wake up tomorrow morning, Mommy can talk to you," Charles said as he reached out and tousled Bobby's hair.
"No, I want to stay here with Daddy to protect Mommy," said Bobby obstinately.
"Okay, fine. Then you stay here and protect your mommy. I'm going to take a shower." As the water from his shower ran over his body, Charles thought that with Nancy here and well, he could finally relax.
Charles returned to the room after his shower and both him and Bobby stayed there, watching over Nancy all night. Charles finally left to cook breakfast the next morning.
That was how Nancy found herself waking in a room with only Bobby.
Bobby was happy to see his mommy finally awake.
He climbed into the bed next to her and she wrapped her arms around him as he said, "Mommy, don't go getting covered in mud and so tired again, okay?"