Dial M for Meat Loaf Read Online Free PDF Page A

more in the morning.”
    “The left side of his body seems the most affected,” continued Milton.
    “When he was awake, did he understand what you were saying to him?” asked Bernice. “Did he try to communicate?” When no one jumped in with an answer, her gaze shifted from face to face. “What’s wrong? You’re scaring me. If you know something I don’t, tell me!”
    “It’s nothing like that, honey,” said her mother, trying to sound reassuring. “It’s just, we don’t know anything for sure. And we’re all so very tired.”
    “But, did you try to communicate with him? If nothing else, maybe he could blink his eyes. Once for yes. Twice for no. I’ve seen people do that in movies.”
    “This isn’t a movie,” muttered Plato.
    “Your father did try to communicate with us,” said Milton. “It’s just . . . it didn’t make any sense.”
    “Are you saying his mind is gone? Is that what you’re afraid to tell me?”
    “Bernice, please,” said her uncle. “Whatever we tell you, it’s only a guess. We’ll know more when the test results come back.”
    “How long was he awake?” demanded Bernice.
    “Not more than half an hour,” answered her mother. “I know your father, and I know he wanted to stay with us, but he couldn’t. He was too tired. Dr. Hoffman thought he’d sleep through the night.”
    They’d answered her questions, but Bernice still felt frustrated, as if they were holding something back.
    “Listen, Mary,” said Milton, placing a hand on her back. “I think I should stay here tonight instead of you.”
    “Absolutely not,” said Mary, her voice firm. “He’s my husband. I can’t leave. I want you to go home, Milton, before that thunderstorm they’ve been predicting hits. You too, Plato. Get a good night’s rest. Bernice can keep me company for a while.”
    “What storm?” asked Bernice.
    Plato squirmed in his chair, then stood and walked to the windows, looking up at the sky. “We’ve been under a tornado watch all afternoon. About an hour ago, the warnings started to pop up due west of us, so it’s bound to get here sooner or later.”
    Bernice thought of Sophie. How could she send her off in the middle of a tornado? “Look, Mom, a friend of mine drove me down. She was planning to head back to the Cities after we had a quick dinner, but now I’m not so sure that’s a good idea. If it’s all right with you, I’d like to ask her to stay overnight at the house. She can follow Milton home, use the spare bedroom.”
    “By all means,” said Mary. Hesitating just a moment, she added, “Is something wrong with your car?”
    “No, it’s nothing like that.” Bernice didn’t want to worry her mother with the state of her emotions, not when her mother’s were so fragile, so she added, “My friend Sophie is the new restaurant reviewer at the Times Register . We had some business to discuss, so she offered the ride and I took it.”
    Plato stepped away from the windows. “Let’s get going. I don’t like the looks of that sky.”
    “We have some food in the house, don’t we, something Sophie could have for dinner?”
    “The refrigerator is packed to the gills,” replied her mother. “Friends and neighbors have been bringing hot dishes, salads, and desserts over all week, but nobody’s been home to eat it.”
    Bernice stood. “Then I’ll just tell Sophie about the change in plans.”
    “Fine,” said Mary. Rising from her own chair, she moved closer to the bed and gazed down at her husband.
    In just those few seconds, Bernice could tell that her mother was already a million miles away.

5
    After parking her car on the grass next to the Washburn’s garage, Sophie slid out of the front seat and followed Milton past the clothesline and a wide patch of vegetable garden to the back door. Walking up the three steps, she glanced at a woodpile stacked in front of what looked like a small addition to the back of the house. The white stucco and green trim made