“Aren’t you a bit old for tree houses son?” His Dad was looking at the rope and bits of wood laying near Billy.
Billy looked up and saw his mother and father standing there, concerned looks on their faces.
His mother spoke alarmed, “Are you okay? What were you doing out here in the middle of the night dear? In your boxers no less.”
Billy’s mind went into overdrive, he had no idea what had happened to him or how. Certainly he didn’t have any kind of rational explanation. Hell, he couldn’t even make sense of it himself but he needed to give some response and now. “I don’t remember coming outside, I must’ve been sleep walking. I was pretty exhausted last night, so I stopped here to catch some shut eye before heading back to my place. I didn’t know you and dad were away.”
His dad looked up at the floor of the treehouse where the rope had been attached, it was all splintered and broken. “Told you it wasn’t safe. Lucky you didn’t break your neck. Sleep walking, eh? It’s been years since you had any issues with that.”
“Maybe you should get checked out?”
“I’m fine Mom, really. The mud broke my fall, I was really tired last night, after a very full day climbing out on McCrory Cliff yesterday.” He couldn’t explain that either, he needed more answers. “I saw Buddy and old Mr. Gregor yesterday on my way back.”
Both his parents were looking at him strangely.
“What’s the matter?”
“That’s not possible. Buddy died about a year ago. It must’ve broken Ethan’s heart, not even two weeks later he passed away too. Very sad.”
“I must’ve dreamed it last night then.” He was sure he had spoken with Mr. Gregor, but then there was so much that he was unsure of.
“Let’s get you inside and cleaned up. Then we’re taking you to the emergency room.”
“Mom. It’s really not necessary…”
“Listen to your mom, Billy. She won’t rest until you’ve been checked out.”
“Dad, I…”
“Not a discussion son. Get cleaned up. Your mom’ll make egg sandwiches, for on the way.”
Later at the hospital, Billy rejoined his parents in the waiting area along with one of the doctors.
Mom exclaimed, “Joey Sidwell? A doctor now, good for you.”
“Actually I’m doing my internship here. But I hope to be on staff permanently in the emergency room once I’ve finished.”
“Your mom and dad must be so proud…”
My dad spoke, “Florence, surely Dr. Sidwell must be busy.”
“It’s no problem. I just wanted to let you know that Billy is in perfect health, other than a few bruises which as I recall are pretty normal for his pastimes.” The doctor laughed. “It was good to see you folks. Just take it easy for a day or two Billy, unless something changes there is nothing to be concerned about. I suspect the sleepwalking incident was caused by exhaustion. Next time you climb, be sure to take a buddy.” He then turned and walked away.
“Were you climbing alone again?”, his mother asked.
Billy shrugged, “I’ll bring someone next time.”
“You’re going to kill me with worry for sure. For now you stay with us for the next two days.”
“Mom.”
“Not a discussion.”
His father gave him a look and he knew there was no arguing with her.
“Okay, I’m out on break for the rest of the week anyway.”
They headed back to the house. It turned out his dad had a few tasks he needed help with; including removing the tree house from out back. It was nice to take a little break and rest from his normal busy routine. Helping his dad with those couple projects had kept his mind away from what had transpired in the last twenty four hours, but now that they were wrapping things up his mind began to wander again. Perhaps tomorrow he could take a ride back out to the cliff and look for clues. After putting the tools away, he and his dad headed in to get washed up. The aroma as they went in was enough to lift you off your feet.
“Smells great Florence!”
“Yeah, Mom. Heavenly.”
“Thanks! We eat in ten minutes boys!” Mom had made her famous lasagna, garlic bread, everything salad and Grand Manier chocolate mousse for dessert.
After supper they had all sat down and had a rousing game of Rummy. Mom won as usual 77 points ahead of the rest, but this time Billy had come in just ahead of his dad by six points. It brought Billy back, it had been a long time since he had enjoyed spending time like this with his parents. He made a mental note to stop in more frequently.
“I’m gonna call it a night, I’m tired”, Billy said as he headed for the stairs.
“Good night dear.”
“Good night Bill, I have a surprise for tomorrow. A little road trip just you and me. We’ll take your Bronco if that’s okay.”
“Sure Dad. G’night.”
Up in his old room he lay in bed thinking about what his parents had said about Mr. Gregor and Buddy. It had certainly seemed real enough in the moment. As he closed his eyes waiting for sleep to take him he thought he heard foot falls on the floor. Suddenly he felt fur brush against him. Opening his eyes there was a hint of violet in the room and there next to the bed was Buddy. He reached up his paw and was about to touch Billy when he heard a voice from the doorway “Come on Buddy. “
He sat up abruptly the room was dark and he was alone. “Strange.” Suddenly he was very tired and fell back on his pillow back into a sound sleep.
Come on back next Monday to see what else is in store for Billy.
Episode 4 – 5/03/21
Return to Billy Einkhorn Main Page
(c) 2021 Trell Waindah, All Rights Reserved