Phrase Writers Group

At every Phrase Writers meeting we are given (optional) homework, a subject or phrase to inspire a story or poem.

This week's subject -- Signs of Spring

THE ANGEL

“Again?” said Toni, regarding her friend with concern. “But you spent last summer in hospital.”

Toby nodded glumly

“And the previous one too” added Toni. “It’s no fun spending the summer holidays without you”

“Well I’m back at Coleshill Orthopedic Hospital this summer, maybe for a few months. Still, you can visit me. It’ll be fun”

Toni wasn’t convinced by her chum’s cheery countenance

* * * * *

Toby was born with knocked knees. This meant one leg was slightly longer than the other. Running was difficult. Aged seven years he spent seven weeks in hospital one summer as staples were inserted in both knees to slow the growth on the longer leg. The following year he was back for a further three weeks, to tighten the staples that had come loose.

A year on and it was clear the treatment was not working. So another summer at his least favourite holiday camp to let the doctors try another idea

* * * * *

“What’s the latest idea?” Toni asked

“I’m going to be plastered” Toby said.

Toni laughed. “Floating in whisky” she chortled

Toby grinned. “I’m more a ginger beer man. But sadly not”

Toby then sobered up. “I’ll be in plaster of Paris from my chest to my toes, for a month or so. Then they take the plaster off and I’ll run home, as quickly as possible”

“And I’ll be waiting with two glasses of Corona’s finest ginger pop” beamed Toni

* * * * *

Toby had packed and was ready for the drive to the hospital. Toni was on best friend duty, as always

“Toni, I’m scared”

She had never seen such a troubled look on her brave friend’s face.

“It’ll be OK Toby. You’re used to hospitals by now”

“I need something from you. Will you be my Guardian Angel, Toni?”

She pondered. Toby told her shortly after they met years ago that he had a Guardian Angel, watching over him. Toni never questioned it. Given Toby’s rotten life especially his time in hospital, Toni reckoned a Guardian Angel gave Toby some sense of safety

“You already have one” she said, adding “and they’re doing a great job!”

“I know, and I’m grateful. But when I’m in hospital I want you keeping an eye on me”

Toni gulped. “Yes, I’ll be your Angel. Just make sure you brush your teeth and eat your greens”

“I said Guardian Angel, not my Mother!”

The friends laughed together

* * * * *

Some weeks later Toni was back at the hospital during visiting hours. Toby and all the other young patients looked forward to the two hour evening break on Wednesday, Friday and during weekends to see friends and family

Toni was used to the plaster covering Toby from near top to toe. A bit worried at first with only four visible toes on each foot, but Toby had reassured her. And himself

Toni was still slightly unnerved by the nurses. Who were nuns at this hospital. A bit grim too. Toby had his Hail Marys off to a T. Though neither knew quite why they said them.

Toby was looking a little apprehensive

“Big day today” he said. “They’re taking the plaster off shortly. They said you can watch, just stand back”

Toni smiled. “Been looking forward to this all week”

“Me too” said Toby. “Can finally sort out an itch on my leg!”

* * * * *

Visiting time was over. Toni was an honorary nurse, allowing her to stay. Disappointed she couldn’t wear a nun’s wimple

She wondered how the plaster would be removed. It was a single solid piece covering most of Toby.

Then she saw. The medical team came with a saw. A motorised circular saw. And they proceeded to cut Toby in half. Or rather cut the plaster down each side of him.

Toby had his eyes closed, saying his Hail Marys more fervently than ever

A nurse had explained there were inches of firm cotton wool padding, keeping Toby safe from the saw. Toni kept her encouraging smile, hiding her terror

A short while later the medical team left with the plaster pieces. Toni and Toby gazed at his legs once more open to the elements.

“Time to go home Toby” said Toni brightly

“I can’t” said Toby. “Nurse said I need to learn how to walk first”

“You already know. C’mon, get out of bed”

“I’ve been in plaster for six weeks” said Toby. “I can’t even bend my knees, really hurts if I try. Thanks for being here Toni. And watching over me every night. You’re a real ace friend. I’ll soon be home, racing you up the hill”

* * * * *

A few days later Toni was back.

Toby was sitting on his bed, straight legs half dangling over the side

“Look” he said, as he lightly pressed his shins. “BOING!”

“Phew” a relieved Toni said. “Signs of spring”