He was immaculately dressed. Black lounge suit, buttoned. A perfect fit as he danced around the issue.
On the one hand the game continued and our side won handsomely. On the other he recounted the tragedy beyond words. How the maul had moved on and left the lad lying. How the first aid nurse had come to the his side. And the team's trainer. And a doctor, a parent from the opposing team. How an ambulance had been called, and the lad taken to intensive care.
He told us how the school had rallied. Had been called together and informed. How some of his friends had dressed up as doctors so they could visit. How his parents had suggested letters. How there was now some feeling in the lad's upper limbs, but that it was too early to tell. How the early numbing shock was wearing off and reality setting in. The new reality. Except for the lad, who still didn't know. Hadn't been told.
There were no questions when the principal finished. Save for one… about insurance.
Another guy I saw... or Back to HQ
© Farmer 7 June 1996