Calvin avoided discussing that disastrous trip back home. His parents took up his example. Even in his own mind, it seemed best not to dwell on those feelings for long. What could be gained from trying to parse out any meaning from the month where he lost his mind?
He hadn’t been unconscious for long in the river. When he eventually pulled himself out, he could still see the boardwalk in the distance. Perhaps the cold temperature had shocked his brain for a moment. It had to have only been for a moment. Although, as he lay on the cold concrete, seeing the water evaporating off of him, it had felt as if he had been in some nether space for a long time.
The walk to the hospital on the other hand had felt like a moment, though he knew it was much longer. He had attracted stares, at least he assumed. For the entire walk, he kept his eyes on the ground.
When he did make it to the hospital, he was rushed into the ER. He told them that he had fallen into the river. The doctor exchanged a doubtful look with the nurse, but neither one pressed him. The words had felt like a lie when he said them, even though they were true. He had just gotten too close to the edge and fallen in, right?
Stolen story; please report.
The whole incident had left him with minor hypothermia and losing the tip of his ring finger to frostbite. It was small enough that no one would notice, but Calvin often found himself staring at the absence. The nurse had asked him if there was anyone that they should call, and he said no. His parents had been so ready to accept that he was back to normal, and he didn’t know how to explain that he hadn’t flown home, instead go for a swim.
After a stop at his dingy hotel, he had gone straight to the airport. Something that he knew he should have done right after Thanksgiving.
Now he was home, and back into the routine that he knew he had been craving. Order would restore all things. Like a salve on a burn, he knew that all he needed to do was to apply it daily, and soon enough his life would be healed. He was almost sure of it.