The second Novel: of Mary and Daniel.

The second novel. Yet unfinished, but will be soon. Even fiction is built upon truth.

D. Randall Dollaway 

20 June 2025   

           

                                    The second book of Mary and Daniel.                       

                                  27 years forever, minus 15 years is still 12 years  

     

    Daniel was graduating from the Academy.  He, like most young men, was looking forward to the freedom of not going to school anymore, unless he wanted to. For the past two summers, he had driven to Wyoming to work on Mary’s parents' Ranch.  This being the third summer, he was sure he would move to Wyoming to be with Mary.  He had turned eighteen and registered for the draft.  The lottery had been drawn, and his number won a free trip to the United States Army. All they had to do was call him by registered mail. 

    He had talked with Jeannett about the possibility of him being drafted.  She thought he should go as a conscientious objector or a Medic.  After all, Daniel had received training in the Medical Cadet Corps in his last two years at the Academy.  That’s what their religion called for: service without killing. He had even had the honor of meeting Desmond Doss, the World War Two Army Medic who had been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for Bravery and saving seventy-five men's lives at Hacksaw Ridge, Okinawa.  Desmond Doss had spoken to Daniel and the other Cadets about the virtues of serving your country and God at the same time.  

    Daniel had been inspired by Desmond Doss at the time to go as a Medic if Drafted.  But after he had his falling out with God over Mary, he had been in several arguments /discussions with his Bible teachers and Minister.                        

    The discussions where about the Ten Commandments, the exact one was Exodus 20:13 Thou shalt not kill.  

    The minister and the Bible teacher kept saying, "Thou shalt not kill."  

    Daniel said that was the translation from the Hebrew words, “Thou shalt not Murder”.  But his bible teacher and minister kept pushing the same words at him, “Thou shalt not kill”.   

    Daniel figured he could talk to these two talking heads forever and get nowhere.  So, he left the conversation with this statement.  “The f*****g college boy Murdered Mary, and I had set out to Kill the f*****g college boy”.  

    Daniel caught some hell when he got home, because a phone call had been made to his parents from the two talking heads.   

    Daniel’s father said, he had a right to his opinion, and he agreed with what Daniel had said. “Just in future discussions, don’t use the F word, especially when talking to those two heads”.  

    His father had backed him, “Daniel said he would try not to use the F word in future discussions”.  He felt and knew, he was his father's son.  

    From that day forward, Daniel started picking up pamphlets at the post office and Johnson’s News stand on the United States Marine Corps.  If he had to go, he was going to do it right, as the best.  After all, David, a shepherd boy, had killed Goliath, Solomon had killed his enemies to the north, east, south, and west, defending Israel. They were servants of God.  

    He had also decided he was not exactly a servant of God, but of Mary, the Angels, and Jesus.  He was still pissed at God, and he felt with good reason. 

     On the twentieth of June, he decided, he wouldn’t wait for a registered letter from the government.  He would join the United States Marine Corps, Daniel thought, if you're going to war, you go with the best. Marines' Motto: Honor, Courage, Commitment. The same Daisy Mae had shown him that night two years ago. 

     Daniel had seen fear that night when the Mountain Lion had attacked him.  And Daisy Mae, had shown him, what Courage looked like.  He knew both now and Courage, was taking Fear and controlling it, using it to sharpen your steel, for use against your enemy. 

    Daniel walked out on the back porch of his parents' house, looking towards the tree line his father had cleaned up.  The sun had finally made its way through the clouds, lighting up the tree line, making sure there were no shadows. Today, he would go see Jeannett just to talk. 

    Daniel hopped into his VW Bug Rev'd the engine, listening to the deep rumble of the header.  He let the clutch out; he could feel the two Holly carbs feeding the engine, which fed torque to the wider tires. Then the smell and sound of burning rubber on the pavement, 80mph was nothing, he had to go faster.  He felt, he had to burn through this life faster.   

    He drove over to Jeannett’s house to tell her his decision to join the Marines.  She had been persistently after him, to tell her what he was going to do with his life after graduation. Well, he had an answer now; he’d see if it had wings and could fly with her. And he, hoped her answer didn’t make his answer look like his mother’s white linens on the clothesline after the little winged Picassos got through with their artwork.  

    Daniel pulled into Jeannett’s driveway.  It looked like a parade, with people all over the place.  Children running and playing tag, her parents, and another set of adults. And then he saw Jeannett standing there holding an older boy's hand.  Daniel set the emergency brake on his VW Bug, got out, and walked over to Jeannett, who finally turned around and saw him coming.  She shook her hand loose from the older boy’s hand.  

    Daniel walked up to Jeannett and said, “I’ll come back later when you're not so busy”.   

    Jeannett said, “I’m not that busy”.  

    “Okay, are you going to introduce me to your friend”.   

    “Sure”, she said, sounding a little flustered, pointing to the older boy. “This is Jody, his family, and hers were missionary’s over in South Africa together”.  

     Daniel gave Jody a nod and the hardest stare he could muster, hoping it would send a shiver down Jody’s spine and up his, well, where the sun doesn’t shine. 

    Daniel then turned his attention back to Jeannett.  “I came over to tell you my answer to what you’ve been persistently asking.  I’ll come back when we can talk in private.” 

     “Better yet please, give me a call when you, find the time”.  Daniel turned and walked away, looking back over his shoulder. Jody was standing with his hands in his pockets, shoulders slouched, looking down.  Daniel knew that his hard stare had found its mark. And Jeannett, well, she waved to Daniel, a mime wave.  Daniel looked at Jeannett’s hand, it didn’t look quite as soft, as he had always felt it was.      

    Daniel got into his VW Bug and fired the engine up; he was just about ready to show her what real torque was, but then decided he would drive away slowly, not losing his temper, and let her decide whether she wanted to hold his hand or a Jody.  

     As Daniel drove away, he looked at Jeannett thinking how much he loved her. And how he thought, she was one of the reasons for him to exist, since he had lost his Mary.   

    Daniel decided today was the day he would join the Marines.  So, he drove to St. Joseph, twelve miles away, to the Marine Recruiter’s office.  Daniel parked his VW Bug and walked up the block to the Armed Forces Joint Recruiting Offices.  Using the left glass door as if someone were with him.  He entered the building, walking right past the Army’s door, the Air Force's door, and the Navy’s door.  Straight to the Marine's door.  Daniel stopped at the entrance and knocked. He waited for an answer. Daniel leaned in a little to see if anyone was in the office.  As he did so, a Gunnery Sergeant stepped from the side of the doorway directly in front of him.  Daniel just about took a step back, but he gained control of his legs.   

     “The Gunnery Sargent asked what he could help him with?”  

    Daniel said, “I have come to join the Marines. He continued to say.  “I didn’t bring any paperwork with me because I didn’t know what was needed”.   

    The Gunnery Sergeant smiled and said.  “You brought the most important part; You!”  

    Then the other Marine sitting at a desk, who was a Staff Sergeant, spoke up.  “Don’t worry about the paperwork, we’ll help you get it all together”.  

    The Gunnery Sergeant said. “Come on in and talk to us and tell us what you want to do in the Marine Corps”. 

    Daniel sat down between the two recruiters’ desks. They started asking questions, like his full name, his date of birth, his level of education, was he married?  

    The Gunnery Sergeant said that if he were, it might complicate things, meaning more paperwork.  He said if you're not married, then all the better, if the Marine Corps thought you should be married, they would issue you a wife.   

    Daniel said.  “No, never married.” 

    The Gunnery Sergeant said.  “The Marine Corps likes to have the junior enlisted single, less problems, maybe on their second enlistment when they have more rank and are more mature”.   

    The Gunnery Sergeant kept talking about all the different jobs the Marines have for an ambitious man, the training for future civilian jobs.  Then he stopped and looked really hard at Daniel.   

    “You know what, I’ve seen you somewhere before. He paused.  “Sure, two years ago, when I just started my recruiting tour here.  You're the young man in the newspaper who was run down with his girlfriend by a crazed college boy”.   

    Daniel looked at the Gunnery Sergeant and said.  “Yes, that was me, and her name was Mary”.   

    “I’m sorry about Mary, Daniel.”   

    The Gunnery Sergeant said.  “I remember, someone killed that college boy, cut his throat ear to ear, real professional job”.  

    Daniel said. “Yes, the b*****d got what he deserved for murdering my Mary”.   

    The Gunnery Sergeant looked at Daniel and then over at the Staff Sergeant and said.  “Get the paperwork started.  I want Daniel in my beloved Marine Corps before the end of the week”.  

    He looked at Daniel and said. “Do you have any plans for the next three months”.   

    Daniel said. “I was going to go out to Wyoming and help Mary’s parents on their Ranch”.   

    The Gunnery Sergeant said, “Sign him up for a three-month delayed entry program”.   

    Daniel turned to the Staff Sergeant, who loaded a government form in his typewriter and started typing, then he stopped and looked at Daniel, and said. “Some b*****ds need killing, we need men like you”.   

    Daniel nodded his head in agreement, thinking they thought he killed that bastard college boy.  Then, he thought it really didn’t matter what they thought as long as the deed was done.  And he would never tell what he knew.  Eddy had saved him from the shadows.  

    Daniel gave the Staff Sergeant all the information he had with him and was given a list of Documents he needed to bring back by Wednesday.  The Gunnery Sergeant walked Daniel out of the building, out past the Navy, Air Force, and Army doors with a smile on his face. Daniel heard him say, “f**k you”, “f**k you”, and “f**k you”, as they passed each door.  Daniel thought recruiting must be really competitive, and he knew he had made the right choice. Then he remembered he promised his father to not use the F-word. But he figured the Gunnery Sergeant was just having a little fun at the Navy, Air Force and Army’s expense. Daniel had heard that Marines were quite proficient at using certain words and phrases.  

    When they reached the sidewalk, the Gunnery Sergeant shook Daniel’s hand and said. “We never officially introduced ourselves.  “I’m Gunnery Sergeant Paul Fish, and the other Marine is Staff Sergeant Bob Renfro; he’s an Arkansas boy.  Me, I’m from Montana”.   

    Daniel said. “Well, you know where Buffalo, Wyoming is?” 

    “Sure, I do. Been there a few times”.  

    “That’s where I’ll be for the next two months, at Mary and her parents' Ranch”.    

    Gunnery Sergeant Paul Fish said. “I’ll see you in two days, right”.   

    “Yes Sir”.  

    Daniel turned to leave. The Gunnery Sergeant said. “Daniel, do you have a Cowboy hat”?  

    Daniel said.  “Yes, Mary's parents bought it for him. It's a GUS silverbelly 10X.”   

    The Gunnery Sergeant said. “That's the best, they must really love you.”  

    Daniel smiled and nodded as he walked to his VW Bug. 

    He drove home thinking about what he had just started, and he was pleased with himself.  Now he had to tell his parents, and maybe Jeannett, if she could find the time, away from that Jody.  

     Looking down at his speed odometer, 85mph, he slowed down to 60mph; he figured, maybe he had just found another reason to exist.  

    Daniel arrived home, parked his VW Bug beside the barn.   Looking at the back property tree line, he could see Eddy’s Big Rig parked in his parents' driveway.  He decided to walk over and see Eddy.  It had been almost a year since he had talked to him.  Eddy had been living on the West Coast, moving port freight and doing short hauls.   

    Daniel jumped over the short wire fence at the property line, then over to Eddy’s truck.  He started to climb up on the Fuel tanks located under the door to look inside.  When he felt a hand grab him by the nape of his neck, dragging him off the truck.  Daniel ended up face down in the driveway gravel.  He thought he heard James Cagney, the movie star, talking in his ear.  

    “Come on out and take it, you, yellow-bellied rat.”  Daniel was able to turn his head just enough to see Eddy smiling.   

    “Daniel said, thank heaven, I really thought I had James Cagney on my back, threatening to kill me”.   

    Eddy laughed and spoke. “Daniel, you know I only kill people who need killing”.    

    Daniel looked Eddy in the eyes and spoke. “It’s good to see you, brother”.   

    Eddy helped Daniel to his feet.   

   “Follow me, I’ll show you my new digs”.  Daniel followed him to the garage.   

    “Well, how do you like my summer apartment”?  Daniel looked around, a couch, two chairs, a small refrigerator, and a camp stove.  

    And of course, Eddy’s poster collection.  The Beetles, Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin and Jimmy Hendrix. 

    Eddy believed the Jimmy Hendrix version of the Star-Spangled Banner, should be played at all Baseball, Football and National events.     

   “Looks like you have everything you need, Eddy”.   

    “Hey Daniel, come over here, take a look at my grow room”.  Daniel thought, "Grow room?”  Eddy pulled back a blackout tarp, nursery lights shining like the noon sun.   

    “Holy crap Eddy, you could go to jail for this!”  Daniel couldn’t believe his eyes.  There must be forty or fifty pot plants here, all at a different stage of growth. 

    “I hauled them all the way back from California.  I built a fake wall 30 inches back from the front wall of my trailer, you can hide all kinds of s**t”.   

    “I know Eddy, but what if the police measure?” 

    “Eddy said he marks a measurement from the back door to the front of the trailer.  The first 0-10 ft. True, 10-20 ft. -2” 20-30 ft. -4” 30-40 ft. -6” 40-50 ft. -8” 50-60 ft. -10”, Total: 57’6” verses the true 60’of his trailer.  Then he drew lines on both sides of the trailer below the numbers dropping the numbers and lines 1 / 4” every 10’ over the 57’6”.  Eddy said, the mind loves even numbers, and the lines, screw with what the eyes see, and you don’t even have to be smoking Acapulco gold”.   

     Daniel declared. “Eddy, you're a genius, a combination of Einstein and Salvador Dali”.  

      Eddy said. “Come on, I’ll roll you one”.  

      Daniel said. “No, I can’t Eddy, I have to take a drug test in four days”.  

      Eddy looked at Daniel, “you get drafted”?  

      “Well, no, not exactly, I’m joining the Marines”.   

     “Jesus Christ!  Daniel, they’ll get you killed; they’re f*****g crazy.  I was online with them in Nam”. 

      “They'd send twelve grunts out and only seven would come back, sure their kill ratio on the enemy was high, but they’ll get you killed, Daniel”!  

     “Eddy, I’ve made up my mind. Besides, you made it over and back”.  

     “Did I, did I make it back”? Eddy had tears in his eyes as he pleaded with Daniel.    

    “Go home, Daniel, marry that girl Jeannett, have a bunch of kids, and grow old with her.  Or they’ll bury you next to your Mary”.  

    “Eddy!” 

    “I’m sorry, Daniel, I didn’t mean to say that about Mary”.  

    “Eddy, I’m going home.  I’ll see you before I leave”.   

    Daniel turned to leave.  Eddy said. “I should cut your f*****g trigger finger off, that would end you joining the crazies”.   

    Daniel turned and spoke. “I’d just learn to use my middle finger to pull the trigger”.   

    Eddy looked at Daniel and said, “You’re a persistent b*****d, you probably would”.    

    Daniel walked over to the wire fence, jumped over, and went into his house to talk to his parents about his decision. 

     Daniel walked into the kitchen; his mother was at the kitchen table sorting through family pictures.  Looked like she had some type of system, by labels.  Dead ones, live ones, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and the smallest pile, those who no one wanted to claim.  And on the edge of the table, a smaller box of  
8mm films, he looked into the box.  Sure enough, there was the Mickey Mouse movie; he would have to watch it before he went to Boot Camp.  Sort of an inspirational film. 

    Daniel walked on through the kitchen, the dining room, through the living room.  Stopping outside the sitting room, the two French doors were closed, but he could see his father through the glass in the two doors.  He was strumming on an old guitar and yodeling.  His father had been practicing ever since Daniel had returned from Wyoming and suggested that his parents should move to Wyoming.  His father had the guitar down, but his voice sounded like a cat fight in the alley.  Of course, Daniel had inherited his singing talent from his father.  

    Daniel stepped into the sitting room and told his father he sounded like, “Hank Williams or Eddy Arnold, I can’t make up my mind.” 

    His father laughed and said. “Working with those bulls the last two summers made him into a real bullshitter”.  

    Daniel nodded and smiled.  Then he thought “s**t” the word he had sort of taught, to little Daniel.  I haven’t written to Little Daniel and Catherina this month.  Daniel thought to himself he’ll take the southern route thru Iowa to Wyoming and see them. He hadn’t seen Catherine or Daniel for a year and a half.  Although they had been writing letters to one another twice a month, he missed them both.  If things had really changed that much between Jeannett and him, maybe “perhaps” another place, another time, had arrived.   

    Daniel sat down to supper with his parents. Two-thirds of the way through, Daniel approached the idea of joining one of the armed services since he was going to be drafted into the Army anyway.  Daniel put on his salesman hat and said.  

    “If I joined, I might have a choice of jobs and not just Infantry, Artillery, or jumping out of perfectly good airplanes with parachutes”. Daniel remembered he liked heights, so jumping out of airplanes wasn’t a bad job.  He would have to drop that from the sales pitch.   

    Daniel continued. “I talked to a couple of Sergeants, and they said I could get in on a three-month delayed entry program.  That way, I could go out to Wyoming and help John and Martha for two months and then spend a month at home before going to Boot Camp”. 

    Daniel's father was no dummy; he had been drafted into the Army during the Korean War.   

    “Daniel, what do you mean by Boot Camp? The Army has Basic Training the Marines have Boot Camp”.   

    Daniel knew the sales pitch was going south fast; time to make a closing statement.    

    But before he could, his mother broke in.  “Daniel, I know the Marines fight for our country, but they are straight by the book killers.  I know I had two brothers in the Navy during World War Two, both served with the Marines”.  Daniel's mother was adamant about what she knew of the Marines.  As for his father, he had seen what the Marines were capable of doing to the enemy in Korea.  Daniel had to change his strategy quickly or lose support for joining the Marines. 

    Daniel decided to take the tough approach, in other words, throw his age around and the fact that he was eighteen, and he could do anything he wanted.  He knew that could backfire on him quickly, so he went with a semi-tough stance.  “ 

    He said.  “I’m going to join the Marines with or without your support, but I would rather have both of you behind me.  You have raised me to be of strong character, showing compassion for others and able to control myself and keep a level head while others panicked.”   

    “Besides, with all the good qualities that they had instilled in him, maybe he could improve the reputation of the Marines.  That they were not just a bunch of killers, but men with feelings, doing what they must, to make sure that we all survive”. 

    Then his father took the floor. “Daniel, you know your mother and I love you.  But we have been noticing that you are living way too fast, you drive too fast, you take chances on your motorcycle that Evel Knievel wouldn't take.  You seem to be daring death to take you.  And to us, joining the Marines is just another step towards you running towards Danger and Death and being reckless with your life”.   

    “We didn’t raise you to think of life or treat life that way.  It’s just been since you lost Mary two years ago, and your own brush with death in that mountain lion attack, that you seem to be fearless”.   

     His father continues. “It borders on suicidal behavior, even Eddy says he’s afraid for you”. 

    “Yes, well, Eddy doesn’t know everything”. 

   “That’s where you're wrong, Daniel.  Eddy’s been there and back, and I think he fights taking his life every day”.  

    “Look, I know mother and you love me and are concerned about me, but if I had wanted to kill myself, I would have done it that night on the bluff beside of Mary.  I had a gun for protection against another mountain lion attack, and yes, the thought crossed my mind.  But I won against that thought, because it would have been making a mockery of Mary’s death.  She wouldn’t want me to end my life like that.  And Eddy’s sacrifice to save me from the Shadows that night that B*****d's throat was cut.  He knew my intentions, and he saved me from what I should have done”.  

   “I realize I have to face life and deal with it.  I ask myself every day why I exist.  And every day, I look to find another reason to exist”. 

    “Joining the Marines might just be another reason to exist, or at least a purpose to exist.  I’ll probably have to deal with this question every day of my life, but believe me, I won’t give up if I know Mary’s love is there”.   

    Daniel made his final statement.  “Saying, I’m going to join the Marines.  I’m going to deal with life the best I can, knowing that the two of you stand behind me, with confidence and love”. 

    Daniel looked at both his father and mother and asked to be excused.  He had to go talk to Jeannett because she was one of the best reasons to exist, he could think of.   

    He hugged both of his parents, and they both agreed, they would support him with any decision he made.   

    Daniel walked out to his VW Bug parked by the barn; he looked out towards the back lot line and saw Eddy standing there smiling.  Eddy somehow knew the conversation he had just had with his parents and the outcome.  Daniel waved to Eddy, and he waved back.  Then Daniel thought he would definitely keep his door locked at night until he was on his way to Wyoming and Boot camp.  He loved his brother Eddy, but he also wanted to keep all his fingers.  And he knew Eddy was right, the Marine Corps wanted you only if you had all your body parts attached. 

    Daniel started his VW Bug listening to the header and knew the dual carbs were feeding power to the rear tires as he left the driveway and hit the paved road.  

    Daniel knew, if he kept going a little faster, he would make it to where he was going.  It may not be easy, but he would arrive completing his journey.  Meeting his one and only love, walking home with her.  He couldn’t see himself lasting, but a few more years, before the end.  He didn’t care if it came faster, just as long as it was through.  And he would be with his Mary. He realized that there were two realities, one was fiction and one real, he fought hard each day to keep them separate. 

    But today he would go see Jeannett.  And if that Jody was there, he would put his size eleven cowboy boot up Jody’s a*s, sending him back to wherever he came from. 

 

 

                                  Chapter 2 

                          Jeannett's answer. 

 

    Daniel arrived at Jeannett’s house in record time.  Sure enough, there was Jody standing there, beside the reason that he would exist for another day.   

    Daniel had, had enough; he headed straight for Jody to do what he should have done the first time he met the little prick.  Jody saw Daniel coming and took a defensive stance.  Daniel took the first swing, Jody grabbed Daniel by the arm, throwing him to the ground.  The little prick can fight.  Daniel thought I’m not going to lose this one, with one swift kick up into Jody’s groin, he brought the prick down on top of him.  Daniel rolled over on top of Jody, punching him once in the nose and once in the mouth. He was about to give him one more when he felt someone on his back.  Daniel turned to see who was on him, it was Jeannett holding his arms from hitting that, Jody.   

     Daniel took hold of Jeannett and swung her around, so she was sitting on Jody's chest.   

    Jeannett said. “Daniel, don’t you hit him again”.   

    “I love him”.   

     Daniel looked at her with a look of disbelief and said. “That’s fine with me.  The Marine Corps didn’t want me to have a wife anyway”.   

     Jeannett looked at him. “You, really want me to be your wife”?  

    “Yes, And Eddy was right, he said Daniel go marry that girl Jeannett, have a bunch of kids with her, and grow old with her. Yes, Eddy was right, or so I thought”. 

    “Jeannett, I’ve loved you since we were kids.  I was just a fool not to realize it, now it's too late. The Words you just said, can’t be taken back”. 

     “I’m through, I’m leaving for Wyoming tomorrow”.   

    “Daniel, I love” ....   Daniel stopped her in mid-sentence.  Taking her soft hand in his. 

    “Please, Jeannett, just give it time, maybe someday you’ll love me again.  But not today, there's not enough time left in this day.  

    Daniel got up and walked away, looking back, thinking she was still his reason to exist.  

    He started his VW Bug and drove slowly away, wiping the tears from his eyes.   As he left, he saw Jeannett crying, and he hoped they were tears for him and not that Jody. 

    Daniel knew one thing for sure: he was Wyoming bound for his Mary. 

    Daniel drove home thinking, things had changed once again in his life.  He wasn’t sure why but sometimes change is a good thing.  And the next three months would be spent in Wyoming. He decided he would ship from Buffalo to Marine Corps Boot Camp.  Joining not for two years but for six years of reserve duty.   

    Then, Daniel remembered he couldn’t leave for Wyoming tomorrow; he had to go to Chicago for his physical on Friday.  Well, Saturday would be soon enough; besides, he needed to spend some time with his parents.  

    Daniel drove home thinking about his coming trip to Wyoming and the route he would take.  He decided he would diffidently take the southern route through Iowa and see Catherine and Daniel.   

    He had also decided that he had been gone to long from the two of them and just maybe, Catherine would see that almost two years had matured him.   

    “And maybe, another place, another time, “Perhaps” had arrived.”   

    Daniel decided to call and talk to Catherine and little Daniel tonight and let them know he was coming to see them next week and of course tell them that he loved them.  He decided to wait to tell them he was joining the Marines this Friday; He was a little worried they might protest because the war was still going, and people dying. 

    Once Daniel reach home he pulled in beside the barn.  He looked over at Eddy’s parents' garage, it was on fire with smoke bellowing out of it.  Daniel ran and jumped over the fence just as he reached the door of the garage Eddy came running out of the garage right into Daniels arms, his shirt was on fire.  Daniel grabbed him and threw him to the ground, landing on top of him tearing Eddy’s shirt off his back and putting the flames out.  

    “Eddy, what the hell happened?” 

    “I was in the grow room doing a little harvesting and knocked over a sun lamp and it broke, then s**t went up fast Daniel I couldn't save any of it.” 

    “Eddy, listen to me when the fire department gets here tell them you were cooking and the grease caught fire.” 

    “What about the smell Daniel?” 

    “Tell them you had some bales of hay stored in the back, it's natural to have pot mixed in with hay it's a weed and farmers have been growing it for hemp rope for years.” 

    Daniel thought it’s a stretch, but they might just buy it. 

    “Eddy, keep your mouth shut don’t say anything unless they ask, and keep your answer short and then faint.”  

    “Okay Daniel, and I always thought I was the smart one.” 

    “You are Eddy, remember I told you, you are a combination of Einstein and Salvador Dali, I believe that Eddy.” 

    The Firemen arrived and started to put the fire out while the paramedics began working on Eddy.  Daniel stood back from Eddy while they worked on him.  

    Daniel turned around when he heard the Sheriffs voice.  It was about to get real. 

    The Sheriff walked up to Eddy and asked.  “What happened, Eddy?” 

    Eddy looked at Daniel and then the Sheriff.  “Cooking, grease fire, hay caught on fire. 

    Daniel looked at the Sheriff he had a slight smile on his face. 

   “Eddy, why do you have hay in your garage?” 

   “For the sheep.” 

    Daniel looked at the ground and shook his head. 

    “I don’t see any sheep, Eddy.” 

    “That's what I was cooking, Lamb chops.” 

    Daniel looked at the Sheriff, he had the biggest Chesser cat smile on his face. 

    Daniel spoke up.  “Sheriff, I think he’s Delusional right now.” 

    The Sheriff looked at Daniel.  “Your Eddy’s friend, aren’t you?” 

    “Yes sir, his best friend.” 

    “Does it sound reasonable what he just said?” 

    “Yes sir.” 

    Right then the Fire Chief came over and asked the Sheriff what he was going to put in his report. 

    The Sheriff said.  “Cause of fire, cooking lamb chops, grease fire ensued spreading to stored hay.  Garage a total loss.” 

    The Fire Chief said.  “Sounds reasonable to me, I’ll use those exact words. 

    The Sheriff looked at Eddy.  “Go to the restaurant for lamb chops and no more storing hay in your garage for future sheep. Understand Eddy?” 

    “Yes sir.” 

    “Daniel, you go with Eddy to the hospital and get your hands looked at they're starting to blister up.” 

    “Yes sir, and thank you Sheriff.” 

    “No problem, Daniel, you two have gone through enough in the last few years. 

    The paramedics loaded Eddy into the ambulance and Daniel jump in the back with his best friend, the one who had saved him from the shadows' two years ago.  

    The paramedic gave Eddy a syrette of morphine to ease the pain of his burns.  Daniel heard Eddy mumbling something, he thought he heard his name. He bent down close to Eddy. 

    Eddy said.  “Daniel, I won’t cut your f*****g trigger finger off because you saved me.” 

    “Eddy you better save your thanks for the Sheriff, he’s the one who saved you today.  And if these burns on my hands are as bad, as I think they are, the Marines won’t take me.” 

    Eddy just smiled, I could tell he was beginning his trip through the land of Oz. 

    Daniel thought Eddy had better enjoy his trip. Because after the Morphine wore off, he was going to be in a world of hurt. 

    The ambulance arrived at the emergency room doors.  The paramedics brought Eddy inside with Daniel walking beside Eddy like a brother should.  Daniel, felt the dread of the surroundings.  This was the place where he lost His Mary, he decided he wouldn’t even try to pray to God.  But directly to Jesus and his Mary, he would put his trust in them.   

    “Daniel.” 

    Daniel turned to see who was calling him, he thought at first it was Mary.  Then seeing it was a nurse who had been with Mary the night they brought him and Mary into the emergency room.   

    “Daniel, come with me, I’m a friend of Mary’s, Julie.” 

    “Do you remember me?” 

    “Yes.”  

    Daniel remembered her from the first time when Mary brought him in, and the second time, when he brought Mary into the emergency room. 

    “Daniel, get up on the treatment table and let me take care of your hands.” 

    Daniel felt as though his mind was drifting back two years when Mary was treating his head injury.  

    “Julie.” 

    “Yes, Julie. Mary’s friend. I was there when Mary brought you in the first time.” 

    Daniel began to remember her with Mary, talking and giggling like schoolgirls while looking over their shoulders at him.  Yes, he remembered everything now. 

    “Julie, can you do me a favor and find out how my friend Eddy is doing?” 

    “Yes, I’ll do that for you Daniel.” 

    “Thank you, Julie.” 

    “Daniel one thing, Mary told me that she loved you the moment she saw you.” 

    “I know Julie I felt the same way about her.” 

    “I asked her how she knew she loved you the moment she saw you.  She said, because that's the way true love is, it just happens, your heart and love join and will not listen to reason, any reason against it. It wants what it wants, and nothing can stand in its way.” 

    “Thank you, for telling me what she said, Julie.” 

    “I’ll go check on your friend Eddy, and a nurse from the burn unit will come in to take care of your hands.” 

    “Alright Julie.” 

    Daniel began crying not from the pain of his burns, but lost love never to be regained or replaced. 

    Daniel heard his mother and father asking about him on the other side of the curtain.  They must have been talking to a Candy Striper, she said she hadn’t heard of anyone named Daniel come through the ER.  Daniel’s father began to describe him to the Candy Striper. 

    “He’s six foot two, broken nose, scar on his forehead and four scars on his chest if he’s not wearing a shirt.” 

    Daniel had to smile, his father had just described Shelly’s Frankenstein, or a Thug take your pick. 

    Daniel spoke up.  “Dad, you forgot I wear size eleven boots and have a mustache.”   

    The Candy Striper pulled back the curtain, looked at Daniel and said with confidence, 

    “See I found him for you.” 

    Daniel was sitting on the exam table singed eyebrows, mustache and burned blistered hands, with a smile on his face. 

    “Thanks for finding me.” 

    “No problem, that's what I’m here for.”  

    With that the Candy Striper turn and walked away, probably off to find someone else who was lost. 

    Daniel’s father smiled at him.  “I suppose you like her.”   

    “Not partially, I was thinking, with confidence like that she’ll do well in life.” 

    Daniel's mother stepped into the exam area and took one look at his hands; Daniel could see the tears well up in her eyes. 

    “It’s okay mom, it looks worse than it is.  I’ll heal up fast, I always do. 

    “I just remember when you were a child with a pure body, no scars, no broken bones, no pain.  Where did that time go Daniel?” 

    “Mom, I can tell you what Catherine told me about scars and broken bones, they are just stories written on our bodies, they lend to your character, where you’ve been, what you’ve done, who you are. They are proof that you really lived.” 

    “I’ll heal just fine mom, don’t worry about me.” 

    Daniel thought, it’s the scars that you can’t see, the scars on your heart that will end your life.  Those are the most painful and the ones, one should worry about. 

    “Sweet Jesus, I need to talk to Catherine.” 

    “Daniel, I’ll call Catherine and tell her what has happened and that you will be late coming to see her and little Daniel.” 

    “Okay mom, but don’t worry her to much with details, just tell her I’ll call her first thing in the morning when I know exactly what I need to do.” 

    Daniels mother just smiled and said she would tell Catherine only what she knew. 

    Daniel didn’t know it, but his mother had a plan.   A plan for Daniel, Catherine and little Daniel.  Because that's what mothers do for their sons. 

    Julie came back into the exam area.  “Daniel, I talked to the Doctor, he said Eddy had fifteen to twenty percent of his torso with third degree burns.  They are treating him right now soaking him in lukewarm water and keeping him from going into shock.” 

    “Thank you, Julie.” 

    “No problem, Daniel, anything for Mary’s true love.” 

    “Damm, I thought I was through with the water works.” 

    Daniel’s mother wiped the tears from his eyes since his hands were of no use to him at this moment.   

    Daniel spent the night in the hospital with his bandaged hands and Eddy was in for a longer stay and a lot of pain.  

 

 

                                 Chapter 3 

                               A Surprise 

 

    Daniel’s mother placed the call to Catherine.  On the third ring a little voice answered. “Hello, this is Daniel’s house.” she almost broke into tears remembering her own Daniel five years of age answering the phone in the same way.  

    “Daniel, this is Daniel’s mom.” 

    “No, it’s not, my mom is right here.” 

    “Daniel, it's big Daniel’s mom.” 

    “You mean my Daniel’s mom?” 

    “Yes Daniel, may I talk to your mother?” 

    Catherine overheard Daniel say my Daniel from the doorway of the kitchen, she headed over to Daniel. 

    “Mom it’s my Daniel’s mom.” Handing her the phone. 

    “Daniel, go get your grandfather, tell him to come here.” 

    “Hello Kate, is Daniel okay?” 

    Kate thought, the first words out of Catherine lips where, “Is Daniel okay?”  She knew Catherine was meant to be Daniels' final complete love. 

    “Kate is he okay?” 

    “Catherine, he’s going to be okay, he’s in the hospital at least for the night. His friend Eddy had a garage fire, and Daniel had to put Eddy, who was on fire, out with his bare hands, so Daniel’s hands are burned badly. He saved Eddy’s life.”  

    “Kate, Daniel and I are leaving tonight, my grandfather will drive us.  We’ll be there by tomorrow evening.” 

    “Catherine, thank you for coming. I know he loves you and little Daniel.” 

    “Kate please tell him I love him.” 

    “Catherine come to our house first.” 

    “Okay Kate, we’re on our way.” 

    Kate hung up the phone, knowing she had stretched the truth a little bit. She didn’t feel guilty in the least bit.  She knew Daniel loved Catherine and little Daniel, and Catherine loved Daniel. 

    Kate thought aloud. “Catherine is going to make a wonderful daughter in law.” 

    George came into the living room with little Daniel. 

    “What’s going on Catherine?” 

    “Daniel is hurt, and I need to go to him.  Will you drive Daniel and me to his home in Michigan?” 

    “Of course, I will, I’ve liked that young man right from the start.” 

    “I love him Grandpa.” 

    “I know Catherine, I believe the two of you are one another's future.” 

    “You get things packed up for Daniel and yourself, and toss some cloths in a suitcase for me, okay.” 

    “I’ll go tell Louie he can run the gas station while we’re gone, and Audrey can run the restaurant.  I’ll get the cash we need from the safe.  If we leave tonight, we should be there before tomorrow evening, before the sun sets.” 

    Daniel came out of his bedroom with his favorite stuffed animal under his arm, a dog named Butterscotch.  

     “I’m ready to go see our Daniel mom.”   

    “Catherine hugged Daniel, you come with me young man and help me pack.” 

    “Mom, do you think our Daniel will be happy to see us?” 

    “Oh yes, I think our Daniel has missed us as much as we’ve missed him.  

    “Mom, do you think our Daniel’s mom has Baloney for sandwiches.?” 

    “I’m sure she does, and I'll bet Daniel has started eating steamed broccoli and carrots.” 

    “I don’t know, I’ll have to ask him about that.” 

    “I promise you, you will grow up to be just like our Daniel.” 

    Catherine thought about the first time she met Daniel.  She wasn’t sure about him, but there was something that she liked.  Maybe the gentleness of his soul, maybe it was that her own Daniel loved him, she knew one thing now, she loves him and won’t go on through life without him. 

    “Let's go mom, we don’t need anything but our Daniel.” 

    Catherine looked at her Daniel and realized her five-year-old son just said the most wonderfully true words anyone had ever spoken.  

    George came in.  “Are you two ready to go?” 

    “Already, do you want me to drive first?” 

    “No Catherine, you two get some sleep. I’ll wake you, when I need a break. 

    All three of them loaded the truck and hopped in, three to the front seat real cozy, on their way to Michigan and Daniel. 

     

    Daniel woke up in the middle of the night and decided to go for a walk to see how Eddy was doing.  He went up to the third floor of the hospital using the stairs instead of the elevator so he could bypass the nurse's station.  

    He made it to the third floor exit door when he realized the door had a knob and not a push bar to open it. 

    “Damm.”  He was going to have to go back down and use the elevator. 

    Daniel started back down the stairs, when he heard someone crying.  It was coming from above him in the stairwell.  Daniel climbed two more flights of stairs, looking up to see who was crying.  There sat the Candy Striper who had found him.  Crying big crocodile tears catching them with a handful of tissues. 

    “What's wrong?” 

    “What? OH, it’s you. Are you lost again?” 

    “Yes, and you found me. Thank you.” 

    “So, what’s wrong?  Why are you crying?” 

    “The head nurse yelled at me.” 

    “Why?” 

    “I took a patient to the solarium.  Then went to get him some water when I came back, he was gone.” 

    “Did they find him?” 

    “Yes, he wheeled himself back to his room.” 

    “So, it was his fault, he lost himself.” 

    “I guess.” 

    “Look, you found me twice today. I would say you’ve done your job quite well.  

    She smiled, just a small one, but it was a smile. 

    “Now, you can do me a third favor today.  Help me open the exit door to the burn unit.” 

    “The doorknobs are slick as cow spit with these bandages on my hands.” 

    “Cow spit?” 

    “You know when a cow chews its cud, its spit is really slippery.  I guess you don’t know much about cows being a city girl.” 

    “I know a cow she gleeked on me when she was yelling at me today.” 

    Daniel looked at the Candy Striper and guessed she was talking about the head nurse. 

    “I think you're on the right track.” 

    “Will you help me?” 

    “Yes.” 

    They walked back down the two flights of stairs.  Daniel stopped in front of the door marked third floor burn unit. 

    Daniel said.  “This is it.” 

    The Candy Striper turned the doorknob, opened the door and said.  “That doorknob wasn’t slippery at all.”   

    Daniel looked at her and said.  “Maybe the head nurse hadn’t been by here today.” 

    She giggled, wow, Daniel thought she caught that one quick. 

    “Now let's find Eddy’s room.” 

    “Say, I helped bring someone up here earlier today.  An Eddy Angus.” 

    “That’s him, what's his room number?” 

    “I think it’s thirty-four, yes that’s it thirty-four.” 

    “Say isn’t Angus a type of cow?” 

    “Yes, but it’s also a Scottish family name.  So, what’s your name?  I can’t keep calling you Candy Striper.”    

    “Abby, Abby Normal.” 

    Daniel smiled, Abby looked at him sideways.  “What are you smiling about, my name?” 

   Daniel had to think quickly. “I was just thinking there's a city in Illinois named Normal.” 

    “Yes, my great grandfather founded the city of Normal, and my great grandmother's name was Abby.” 

    “Well, that explains your name Abby Normal.” 

    “It sure does, dare to be a Daniel in a Lion's den.” 

    Daniel realized he was just bested by a young woman by the name of Abby Normal, and it didn’t hurt his ego at all.  Why she might even do great things for the world with that sharp tongue and sense of humor along with her self-confidence. 

    “Abby let's find Eddy.” 

    “Okay Daniel, go to the left.” 

    Daniel started to walk to the right. 

    “No Daniel your other left.” 

    Daniel looked at Abby and smiled.  But he was thinking “Smart A*s.” 

    They creped down the dimly lit hall like two people on a secret mission until they reached room thirty-four.  Daniel looked into the room; its door was propped open he could hear someone moaning.  Yup, it was Eddy, the morphine had worn off, Eddy was back from his trip to see the Wizard, I wonder if he saw Dorthy and Toto.  

   

    Daniel and Abby walked quietly into Eddy’s room where he was lying on his stomach his face through a donut shaped opening on the special bed.  His back was covered with a moist cloth to keep his skin from drying out.  Daniel sat down on the floor under the head end of the bed, looking up into Eddy’s face. 

    “Hey Eddy, it’s the Wizard.”   

    “F**k off Daniel.” 

    “Eddy, here I came all the way up three flights of stairs to check on you, and you talk to me like that.”  

    “Sorry Daniel, it was the worst trip I’ve ever been on. There were munchkins running around throwing fireballs at one another, lighting each other up like Roman candles.” 

    “Sounds bad Eddy.” 

    “That wasn’t the worst of it Daniel.  Then Dorthy showed up with that flea bitten mogul, he started to snap and bite my legs.  So, I kicked at him, but he was fast, too fast.  Kept getting a piece of my leg each time he sank his teeth into me.  I looked at Dorthy, begged her to call him off, she kept poking him with a stick egging him on, screaming tear his leg off.” 

    “How did you get out of there?” 

    “I didn’t, this chick with red hair wearing a crown and carrying a bigger stick showed up and started yelling at me, blaming me for setting the Munchkins on fire.  I told her I didn’t do it.  She yelled, “Bullshit!”  And then started poking Dorthy’s mogul with her stick, yelling tear his other leg off.” 

    “Damm Eddy, sounds like a bad reaction to the Morphine.” 

    “Don’t let them give me anymore Morphine, Daniel.  I’d rather take the pain than have to fight off that B***h Dorthy and her Mogul.” 

    “I’ll talk to the Doctor, no problem, Eddy.” 

    Abby spoke up. “Red hair huh, the head nurse has red hair, and she carries a number 2 lead pencil with her and pokes people with it.” 

    “Daniel, who’s that talking?” 

     “Eddy, meet Abby Normal.” 

    “Abby Normal?” 

    Eddy whispered.  “Is she cute?” 

    Daniel looked at Abby then back at Eddy.  

    Then whispered. “Yea she’s cute.” 

    “What are you two whispering about, is he making fun of my name?”  

    “No Abby he asked if you were cute?” 

    “What did you tell him?” 

    “I told him that your cute.” 

    “Oh, thanks, is he cute?” 

    “No, he’s kind of ugly.” 

     “Shut up Daniel, I’m not ugly.” 

    “Let me see.”  Abby came over and slid under the head of the bed, looking up at Eddy. 

    “He’s not ugly, he’s kind of cute.” 

    Daniel smiled at Abby and Eddy and said.  “I guess it’s true, Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” 

   “Daniel got up and walked over to the closet, took a blanket and pillow out and handed it to Abby. Get comfortable and talk to your new boyfriend.  By the way Abby, how old are you?” 

    “Eighteen, two months ago.” 

    Eddy laughed.  “She’s older than you by a month Daniel.” 

    “Yea, yea, everybody’s older than me.  I’m going to sit over here in the easy chair and get some sleep” 

    “Goodnight Abby, night Lamb Chops.” 

    “Hey, I did the best I could at the time Daniel.” 

    “You did Eddy, I can still see the Sheriff with that Chesser Cat smile though. 

    “Goodnight my brother.” 

    “Night, Daniel.” 

    Daniel sat down and started to drift off, thinking about Catherine and his love for her.  Tomorrow, I’ll call her and tell her, I love her and want to be with her.  

    But somehow Mary and Wyoming slipped into his mind.  They were his last lucid thoughts before he fell asleep. 

 

    Daniel woke up startled by a booming female voice.  His eyes barely clearing he saw standing before him, a hulking woman in a white uniform, a muscular woman who could tie you in knots if she got hold of you. Blazing Red hair, and then he saw it, the number two pencil sticking out of her breast pocket.  It wasn’t a normal eight inch in length pencil; it had to be at least twelve inches in length, on its way to being a club.  She took a step towards Daniel, he stood up, eye to eye with her, she drew her pencil out of her pocket as if it were a sword, Daniel thought this is it.   

    Suddenly, Eddy yelled.  “Get out of my room you red hair cow and drop that pencil.”  

   Daniel almost laughed in her face, knowing it was Abby under the bed telling Eddy what was going on and what to say.  

    “How did you know my hair is red?” 

    “Because I had a dream about you, you red hair b***h.”  That was Eddy. 

    “If you don’t leave now, I’ll see to it your next job is eating grass and chewing your cud.”  That was Abby.  

    Daniel felt all hell was about to break out, when in through the doorway the charge Nurse from the burn unit came in.  

    “Nurse Bly what are you doing up here on my floor?” 

    “I came to retrieve Daniel he belongs on my floor.” 

    “His hands are burned he belongs on the burn unit.  Daniel, stay right where you are.” 

    “You can leave now Nurse Bly.  And don’t come back on my floor unless you are asked too.” 

    Then Eddy got the last shot in.  “Don’t let the door hit you where God split you.”  

    Daniel couldn’t tell if that was Eddy or Abby talking, maybe a little of both, they were working as a team now. 

    “Daniel, I’m the charge Nurse Glinda Duesouth, they sent you to the wrong floor.  You stay right here with Eddy. will look at your hands when the Doctor comes in, he’ll probably discharge you in the morning, okay.” 

     “Abby, come out from under Eddy’s bed.” 

    “Yes Mame.” 

    Abby slid out and stood up.  “How did you know I was under there.” 

    “I know everything that goes on, on my floor.  Now a nurse will be in, in about thirty minutes, to change Eddy’s dressing. You watch, you learn, you do.  I have a feeling when Eddy goes home, you’ll be taking care of him. Okay. 

    “Yes Mame.” 

    Charge Nurse Glinda walked over to Eddy and whispered something too him. 

    Daniel heard Eddy say.  “Thank you, Glinda, thank you.” 

    Daniel watched as Charge Nurse Glinda Duesouth left the room, she seemed to float on air as she walked. 

    Daniel walked over to Eddy and asked him. "What did Nurse Glinda whisper to you? 

    “Daniel, she said, I know you didn’t lite those Munchkins up like Roman Candles.” 

    “She really said that?” 

    “Yes. Daniel, do you think it’s possible, that she’s Glinda of the south?” 

    “Eddy, if they tell me to click my heels together three times to get out of this hospital that's what I’ll do.” 

    Abby slid back under Eddy’s bed to talk to him. 

    Daniel went over to the easy chair and sat down.  This time his only thoughts were of Catherine and the truth that he loved her as he fell asleep.  

 

    The sun rose with enough light to fill every window in the hospital, with some leftover for the hallways too.  Daniel opened his eyes to see Abby’s feet sticking out from under Eddy’s bed, she sure has small feet.  But I bet her heart is big.  I’m glad she found me.    

    Daniel thought, Abby and Eddy sitting in a tree K-i-s-s-i-n-g, first comes love, second comes marriage, third comes two pushing a baby carriage.  Daniell’s advice to Eddy, kiss Abby quick, time is fleeting and waits for no one, and fate is even more cruel. 

    “Daniel.” 

    “Yes, oh Nurse Glinda, I’m glad to see you.” 

    “I’m glad to see you also Daniel, did you sleep well?” 

    “Yes, and I found the truth of who I love.” 

    “That’s what sleep, and dreams are for.” 

    “Daniel, I would like you to meet Doctor F. Baum, he’s the burn specialist and miracle worker on our burn unit.” 

    Out stepped from behind Nurse Glinda, a man with a handlebar mustache wearing a white coat with a smile on his face, and with a pink ink Stain running out of the bottom of his left breast pocket. 

    Daniel put his right hand out to shake the Doctors hand. 

    The Doctor smiled.  “That’s okay Daniel, we will just imagine we shook hands.” 

    Then Daniel remembered his hands we burned and bandaged. 

    “Nurse Glinda, would you please take the bandages off Daniel’s hands.” 

    Nurse Glinda looked at Daniel.  “Daniel, may I have your left hand.” 

    Daniel gave Nurse Glinda his right hand.   

    “No Daniel your other left hand.” 

    Daniel heard a giggle come from under Eddy’s bed. He knew it was Abby. 

    “Smart a*s.” 

    “Did you just call me a smart a*s?” 

    “No nurse Glinda, I would never say that to you, I was talking to someone under the bed.” 

    “Oh, you mean Abby, she can be sometimes, but she’s good at finding people.” 

    “I know she found me twice.  And now she found Eddy.” 

    “Daniel some people are just born with it, finding people. She’ll be a good friend to you, and even a better friend to Eddy.” 

    “I know that’s why I’m glad she found Eddy.  He deserves a wonderful person like Abby.” 

    Daniel handed Nurse Glinda his other left hand. 

    Glinda began unwrapping it. 

    Daniel watched as the Doctor took his hand and placed it palm side up in his other hand.  Looking at it intently, he was humming a tune Daniel had heard somewhere before, as a child perhaps. 

    “Nurse Glinda, would you unwrap Daniel's right hand.” 

    “Certainly Doctor.  Daniel your right hand please.” 

    Daniel gave Nurse Glinda his right hand.  She had a soft touch as she took his hand.  Daniel looked at her with a tear in his eye, her soft touch reminded him of someone else in his life.  

    “Daniel, tears are never wasted on the ones you love.” 

    “I knew Mary and your right to believe in Angels.” 

    “Thank you, Glinda, thank you.” 

    The Doctor stepped in taking Daniel's hand, placing it palm side up in his hand and started humming the same tune again.  Daniel could swear he had heard the tune before. 

    Doctor F. Baum stopped humming, looking at Daniel.   

    “Daniel, I have some good news and some bad news.  The good news is, you will surely recover the full use of your hands. The bad news is according to Eddy, you will pass your physical to join the Marines.” 

    “Well, that’s Eddy’s opinion.” 

    “I told him that, when he suggested I cut off your trigger finger.  I said Eddy, Marines do what other men can’t or won’t do.  They step into the void created by indecent men and fill it, making it whole again.  We need such men in our lives; they are decent men.” 

    “Did you hear Doctor F. Baum, Eddy.” 

    “Yea, yea, I heard, Daniel.  Hey, Doctor f. Baum how about just the tip of his pinky finger.” 

    “Sorry Eddy, all decent men need their pinky finger to balance their cup while drinking tea.” 

    “Oh alright, Daniel you can keep all your fingers, since you're a decent man.” 

    “Well, thanks Eddy, I appreciate that.   And Eddy you're a decent man too.” 

    Daniel thought, "I’m glad that subject is finally closed.” 

    “So, Doctor F. Baum can I go home today?” 

    “Yes, Daniel, you could always go home all you had to do was...” 

     Nurse Glinda interrupted the good Doctor F. Baum. 

     “Daniel’s going home by car, I saw his parents pull in this morning in a hot rod VW Bug.” 

    “Daniel, is it yours?” 

    “Yes sir, Eddy helped me build it up.  He has one too.” 

    “I’ve always wanted one of those, maybe someday.” 

    “Daniel, I’ll see you in one week, right here, okay.” 

     “Yes sir, one week right here.” 

     “Nurse Glinda, would you walk Daniel down to his parents and that hot rod VW Bug.” 

    “Yes, Doctor.   And Doctor did you find your favorite pen?” 

    Doctor F. Baum looked down into his left breast pocket and said.  “Oh, there you are, pulling a pen that looked, to have the colors of a rainbow. 

    Nurse Glinda took Daniel's arm and said.  “No wheelchair today, you need to walk, it's better for you.  And I paced it this morning it’s exactly Three Hundred Steps to the where you’ll enter your car.” 

    “Are you sure Three Hundred?” 

    “Yes, does that mean something?” 

     “It used to mean everything.” 

    Glinda held onto Daniel’s arm, walking him to his parents and his car. 

    “Two hundred ninety-nine, three hundred, three hundred and one.”   

    “See you went just a little farther, every step count Daniel.” 

    “Thank you, Glinda, thank you.”  

    “Okay Daniel, one week I’ll meet you right here and walk with you to see Doctor F. Baum.” 

    “Okay Glinda, please tell Eddy and Abby I’ll be back soon to see them.” 

    “Okay Daniel.” 

    “And Daniel, I think you're going to have a wonderful surprise before the day ends.” 

    Glinda turned quickly, walking away thinking, I so, wanted to tell him just to see him smile, but it’s his surprise. 

 

 

                                   Chapter 4 

                             Daniels Surprise 

 

    Daniels parents drove straight home.  Down highway 31 at speeds he had never seen his father drive.  Daniel looked over at his father and saw a smile on his face, fit to meet the second coming.  And his mother in the back seat trying to hold onto air sliding side to side going into and out of each curve, she seemed to be counting rosery beads while repeating over and over “Sweet Jesus please save me.”  Imagine two men in the front seat smiling and laughing as if insane, and a woman in the back announcing “Sweet Jesus save me” while counting rosery beads.  Well maybe, I imagined rosery beads my mom isn’t Catholic.